Thoughts on tropical vacations?

[Liz D.]

My 30th anniversary is coming up next year and although I would love to go to an all-inclusive tropical vaca, I wonder if the sun would wreak havoc with my skin and overall health.  Has anyone gone on something like this and been fine?  What was involved in staying healthy?

Thank you.

Liz D.

[Joe S.]

Jan and I spent a month on the road this summer. I have SPF 50 shirts. These really helped. My pants were not and that got me into trouble. I wore and SPF 30 hat everywhere. If I did not I was in trouble. We had Screens to put on the windows of the car. If I stayed out of the sun I did well 30 minutes of sun and I had extreme pain. I wore blue blocking sunglasses out side. My glasses are photo greys. Sip water all the time. Hide from the sun and you should be good.

I used the same strategy when we spent the day at the MN state fair. The scooter helped me to move quickly through sun light to shade. My jeans were an issue again.

[SunshineDaydream]

I have been on numerous tropical vacations and go to multi-day outdoor music festivals. I do fine by taking precautions. It really depends on how sensitive you are, though.

I try to stay out of the sun during the strongest times which are between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. You don't have to stay inside, though. Shade is good if you can find it.

During those strong times, and sometimes before and after, I wear protection in the form of SPF hat and clothes. My favorite hats are wide brim and crushable so they pack and travel well. My current favorite is the Columbia Women's Global Adventure Packable Hat.

My favorite source for SPF clothes is Coolibar (add a .com to that to find website), especially during their end of season sales which are happening now. Today is the last day for 50% off sales prices + free shipping, and there are great deals to be had! The two most versatile items I have gotten are the Sun Wrap with ZnO SUNTECT technology and tunics/dresses. I have a few of each in different colors or patterns. The Sun Wraps are great if you like to wear sleeveless tops. You can wear a Sun Wrap over them while outside and then take them off while indoors or in a shady spot. Get a couple in different colors and then mix and match! They're also good for car travel - I drape one over my legs or put a sleeve on if I'm on the sunny side.  I wear the tunics with leggings during strong sun times, then take leggings off later and it just looks like a dress. I get a lot of compliments on them, too. If you call Coolibar and tell them you're a first time customer, I think they give you a promo code for additional savings.

Sporting good stores such as REI are also good places to find SPF clothes. If you want to save money, you can use Rit Sun Guard laundry treatment to add SPF to your own clothes. I haven't used it before so if going this route it would be good to read up on it to see if it is effective.

Other than that, good old sunscreen on exposed skin is prudent. I also use an SPF umbrella occasionally.

Definitely don't let Sjogren's stop you from living your life to the fullest if you take easy and reasonable steps to protect.

[SunshineDaydream]

Forgot to mention that Coolibar also has apparel and accessories for men and children. Also, other sources of SPF clothes and accessories are Solumbra, Sunday Afternoons, Solartex, Exclipse Culture, and SunGrubbies.

[warmwaters]

I don't trigger badly in sun (luckily), but heat certainly is exhausting.

I've done tropical vacations. I've looked for places that have lots of spaces on the ground where you can sit on in a covered open air space and look towards the ocean.  And have covered walkways between the different parts of the facilities.  Had a very nice trip to Mexico, to a place that was all inclusive.  Made find food easier, and there were a lot of activities available. And I could go and rest without much hassle.

When I am heading out in the sun, I have sunglasses, big hat, tank top shirt covered with loose long sleeve shirt. Lightweight long pants or skirt. Sunscreen, and a lip balm that has sunscreen. I'm careful to not be out at midday.

[warmwaters]

Oops - forgot - a scarf to cover the back of my neck.  That's definitely a vulnerable place for me.

[Liz D.]

Thank you all so much for your suggestions!

Liz D.

[Navigator]

I live in Florida 7-8 month of the year. I notice that you mention asthma.  I find that if the weather is HOT and humid my chest tightens and I can feel faint upon walking any distance.   I stay in cool areas ...like AC or in a place with a breeze during the hot parts of the day.  I keep my  inhaler with me outside at all times.

Most caribbean locations have breezes but just listen to your body.