Making Sunscreen A Necessity On Every Vacation You Take
When packing your suitcase in preparation for an upcoming vacation, there are a number of items that can’t be forgotten. In our “The Often-Neglected Art Of Packing Light” blog from earlier this month, we highlighted a few of the obvious – clothing, shoes, toiletries and accessories were among them.
However, there’s a particular travel necessity that should never be overlooked – sunscreen. No matter your destination, a sunscreen with a minimum SPF 15 should be your companion. You can’t imagine the amount of stories we’ve heard from vacationers who have told us how much they enjoyed their trips with the exceptions of the sunburns they got. To be perfectly honest, sunscreen should be worn all the time! You know why?
Weather is no indication of the power of UV rays.
It should go without saying that when you’re lying on a Jamaican beach underneath the hot sun, wearing sunscreen is mandatory. However, too many travellers assume that on cloudy days, sunscreen isn’t necessary. Those who plan chillier vacations, like trips to Iceland in the winter, may also assume they can bypass the sunscreen. However, the sun’s UV rays penetrates through clouds and can bounce off snow (which is very reflective) giving them extra opportunities to hit you in the face.
“According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, up to 80 percent of the sun’s UV rays can pass through clouds,” informs Sassy Townhouse Living, “This is exactly how you end up getting sunburn on cloudy days when they have been outside and not wearing sunscreen. Also, remember that winter sports can expose us to more harmful rays because the snow can reflect up to 80% of the harmful UV rays increasing your exposure and UV radiation is also higher at higher elevations.”
The sun’s harmful UV rays penetrate just about everything.
Don’t assume that just because you’re wearing a long-sleeved shirt and a hat that you’re automatically warding off the sun’s skin cancer-causing UV rays. As ArtesianTan.com informs us, clouds cannot stop them, glass windows cannot stop them and even some clothes have trouble keeping them at bay.
“Sun rays can be rather tenacious at what they do, which is why they have a way of penetrating almost every single thing that comes in their way,” reads the website, “In fact, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, a regular white cotton shirt only has an SPF value of 7. For proper sunblock, on the other hand, stopping them is like a walk in the park.”
Older adults are more susceptible to sun damage.
Retirees love to travel. And who can blame them? With the freedom attained from leaving the workforce, it only makes sense to experience the world. If you’re an older adult, you should definitely make sunscreen your friend on every trip you take. Your skin can easily be damaged by the sun.
According to Five Star Senior Living, “the need for protection is especially true for seniors who often have very fragile skin. Some seniors also take medications that have sun sensitivity as a side effect.”
Are you ready to take a vacation with sunscreen in hand? With a Taitam vacation membership, you will be connected with an extensive collection of resorts, properties and exciting experiences including ocean and river cruises, adventure travel, ecotourism and special guided and historical tours.
Speak with one of our Vacation Advisors to get information about acquiring a Taitam Membership Plan today! Please don’t hesitate to call Taitam Technology Vacations at 416-234-0202.
