A trip to a tropical destination can be a unique and exciting experience. The smell of salt air, the calming sound of waves against the shore, or the feeling of the sand between your toes can quickly melt away your worries and lift your spirits. Some of the best beaches in the world, like Fiji, the Maldives, or Bora Bora, immerse you in gorgeous sun-soaked sights and natural wonders, making a tropical vacation a must for any travel enthusiast. However, a trip to a sunny spot requires you to bring along some essentials to keep you protected. Without the proper preparations, you could end up with some damage to your body and health, impacting the rest of your trip. For a safe and fun vacation, here are some essentials to bring on your tropical getaway:
Reef-safe sunscreen
Nothing is better than feeling the sun’s warmth while lounging on the sand or splashing around in the waves, but without the right protection, you risk sun damage to your skin. Sunscreen is one of the essentials to bring on your tropical getaway to keep your skin safe from burns or skin cancer.
However, while your sunscreen may protect you, it may be harmful to underwater ecosystems. Your sunscreen may contain chemicals that can harm coral health and reproduction, so finding a reef-safe sunscreen can keep both you and the environment safe and healthy.
Watch out for chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which pose a threat to reefs and have been banned in destinations like Hawaii, Cancun, and Aruba for that reason. Sunscreens like the Sun Bum Sunscreen Lotion can provide great UV protection for your skin without harming underwater life when you swim in the ocean.
Sunglasses
Like your skin, the sun’s harmful UV rays can harm your eyes without the right protection. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause various vision issues, from photokeratitis to cataracts, so you must bring a pair of sunglasses with you on your tropical getaway.
Shades that offer 100% UVA and UVB protection will keep UV rays at bay, protecting your eyes. If you’re worried about having to choose the right sunglasses for your trip, buying them online can save you a lot of time and stress.
Many online retailers offer a wide range of stylish frames from top brands, and you can customize them to add your prescription or other lens treatments. Models like the Hart Gibson or the FT5504 from Tom Ford can top your look while keeping your eyes safe during your tropical vacation.
UPF clothing
If sunscreen has a sun protection factor or SPF, certain clothes have a similar factor called the Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF). UPF indicates how much UV rays a fabric allows to reach your skin. On your trip to a tropical destination, wearing UPF clothing can give you an extra layer of protection beyond sunscreen.
A wide-brimmed UPF 50+ sun hat can be a great sun shield and keep you cool during your getaway. Other than just donning a hat, you can take it a step further and create a whole sun-protective outfit. The brand Claudent showcases how UPF clothing can be protective without compromising style. The brand’s long-sleeve polos and sports tops are simple and chic so that they can be styled in numerous ways.
Not all of the clothes you pack have to have a UPF rating, but it helps to have a few of these pieces with you, especially if you’re heading out when the sun is at its hottest and brightest. Dark and denser fabrics can help if some of your garments don’t have a UPF rating.
