If you’re sick of battling the cold this season, it could be the perfect opportunity to pack your bags and set your sights on warm-weather destinations.
One of the best tropical vacation spots can be found in Southeast Asia, specifically Thailand’s Phuket and its stunning sand beaches. A previous post illustrates how your Phuket itinerary can easily stretch across ten days, as you can immerse yourself in night markets, explore cultural sights, and embark on island adventures.
Regardless of where you end up and how long you stay, hydration and sun protection are things you simply can’t overlook when traveling in the sunny tropics. Being hydrated and sun-safe ensures you stay healthy and get the most out of your trip, so here are some packing essentials that can greatly help.
Sunscreen
Whether your tropical getaway is in the Caribbean or the Mediterranean, it’s worth noting that these destinations often record high to extremely high ultraviolet (UV) indexes — making sunscreen crucial to prevent sunburn and skin damage. However, not all sunscreens are created equal. It helps to choose a sunscreen with a formulation that matches your skin type, while also providing broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 50.
Sunglasses
Your eyes need as much protection from the sun as your skin, as UV radiation can otherwise burn the retina and even increase the risk of eye conditions like cataracts. So, sunglasses are a must, even when the sun isn’t out and you’re simply soaking in the view on a calm day in the Maldives.
When choosing designer shades, prioritize the ones that cover the eyes and the surrounding sensitive skin, such as the oversized Jaden pair from Glasses Direct or the classic square-shaped Ray-Ban RB7066-54. Besides providing maximum coverage, these sunnies are guaranteed to match your travel outfits, whether you’re a minimalist or not.
Sun hat
They say all good things come in threes, and that applies to sun protection, too. Aside from slathering sunscreen on your skin and slipping on a pair of sunglasses, don’t forget to wear a sun hat to also protect your scalp.
Make sure it’s wide-brimmed to cast a protective shadow over your face and neck while you stroll along the shores of a tranquil beach on the Amalfi Coast. Experts also recommend choosing a hat made of lightweight, breathable materials like cotton and linen for optimal comfort under the sun.
Water bottle
As you’re likely to get exhausted doing water sports like surfing and kayaking, remember to bring a water bottle to help you refuel. The Lifestraw Go Series bottle is a reliable choice, as it can store up to one liter of water or other hydrating beverages like fruit juice and energy drinks.
Besides being lightweight and thus comfortable to carry throughout the day’s sun-soaked activities, this reusable water bottle also comes with a two-part filter system so you can refill anywhere without worrying about contaminants — which can otherwise cause water-borne illnesses and dampen your travel experience.
As you add all these essentials to your packing list, don’t forget to carry them in a waterproof tote or drawstring bag to keep them safe while you’re out exploring.
