The summer season of 2024 is in full swing. Unsurprisingly, more travelers are embarking on sunny adventures to popular destinations worldwide, with The Vacationer counting a staggering 82% of Americans planning to travel this summer. Top international destinations range from London to Paris, whereas domestic favorites include Las Vegas, Orlando, Miami, and Honolulu, according to a recent survey from Delta Air Lines.

Amidst the excitement of exploring new destinations, travelers must not forget one crucial element of summer travel: sun protection. Sunburn may seem like a temporary inconvenience, but its consequences can extend far beyond discomfort—potentially leading to long-term complications such as increased risk of skin cancer or premature aging. Thankfully, there are various measures for travelers to avoid sunburn while still enjoying their sunny adventures.

 

Time your itinerary wisely

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to avoid sunburn is to schedule outdoor activities strategically. UV radiation tends to be at its strongest during peak sun hours, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. During these hours, opt for indoor activities or seek shade whenever possible.

For example, if exploring Paris, consider taking advantage of the city's rich cultural offerings, such as the Louvre Museum or the Musée d'Orsay, during the midday hours. Here, you can immerse yourself in art and history while staying protected from the sun's rays. Afterward, you can enjoy the view from the Eiffel Tower — which is just as breathtaking, if not more so, during the night when the city lights up and offers a romantic backdrop for a memorable evening.

 

Apply sunscreen regularly

While out in the sun, sunscreen is your first line of defense against sunburn. It forms a protective barrier on the skin, absorbing and reflecting UV rays to prevent them from penetrating the skin cells.

Sunscreen is most effective when applied properly. This should be reapplied every two to three hours in an even layer, even during periods of transit. In fact, dermatologists stress the additional necessity of slathering on sunscreen during flights, where UV exposure can be intensified due to your closer proximity to the ozone layer. Remember to choose a reef-safe formula like the mineral sunscreens of Pipette or Sun Bum. These are formulated without oxybenzone and octinoxate, ensuring you can swim safely and responsibly, whether enjoying the water of South Beach in Miami or Waikiki Beach in Honolulu.

 

Don't forget eye protection

Many travelers tend to forget that the eyes are just as susceptible to damage from UV radiation. In a 2023 article in the Journal of Travel Medicine, researchers stress that adventure travelers, particularly beachgoers and skiers, are especially vulnerable to UV keratitis. This typically occurs several hours after exposure without proper protection.
Just like you'd use sunscreen to protect your skin, you must prioritize quality eyewear to safeguard your eyes. Choose sunglasses with UV400 protection and polarized lenses, which help reduce glare from reflective surfaces like snow or water. This makes them ideal for skiing or doing watersports in popular kayaking destinations like New Zealand, as well as driving on road trips to Las Vegas or Orlando. On Foster Grant, you can sort through the online catalog by size, ensuring you can find models like their Solar Shields, which feature a patented design. These are capable of blocking 100% of UVA and UVB rays while also cutting out glare. Since these come in various silhouettes, you can find one that suits your personal style preference and provides more surface area to shield your eyes.

 

Choose accessories creatively

In addition to sunscreen and sunglasses, accessorizing creatively can provide an extra layer of sun protection while adding a touch of style to your ensemble. And no, we're not talking about jewelry here. For the sake of travel safety, you may even want to consider leaving your necklaces, watches, and rings back home. If you need to bring them, keep them in your hotel safe and not on your person. Instead, for sun safety, the accessories you want to bring should offer additional shade. A popular and versatile option is a wide-brimmed hat, which casts a broad shadow upon your face, neck, and shoulders. Consider a lightweight design that fits easily within a backpack. The best-selling Furtalk Women's Beach Straw Hat, for example, is a favorite among travelers because of its high-quality paper straw material that's breathable, foldable, and available in various colors.

Meanwhile, alternative accessories such as sun scarves can also provide effective sun protection. You can even consider using a parasol in any of Europe's scenic landscapes, such as the Amalfi Coast in Italy or Provence in France, to provide relief from the sun while adding a whimsical touch to your surroundings.

 

By following these four tips into your travel arsenal, you can enjoy sunny destinations without the worry of sunburn ruining your adventures.