You’re all ready for your well-deserved, long-awaited tropical adventure and are looking forward to enjoying the sun and coming back looking all tanned and healthy. Before driving to the airport though, have a look at this checklist and make sure you are equipped for the local weather.It could save your holiday!
Sun Lotion
This might be obvious. Whatever the color of your skin, you will need to protect it from the powerful sunrays. Take a lotion with a high protection factor with you and make sure to apply it a few times a day before sun exposure, especially in the hottest hours.
Loose Light Clothing
Let your skin breathe by packing loose light clothing. Also, avoidpacking anything made of synthetic fibres such as nylon – they make you sweat more.
Antiperspirant Deodorant
If you are not used to hot temperatures, you might want to take some antiperspirant deodorant with you to avoid getting big embarrassing sweat stains on your shirts right after you showered. Plus, of course, you want to smell good.
Hat
You know all those amazing excursions you are planning to embark on? Don’t let the heat spoil them for you – pack a hat to wear during the day to avoid direct sunlight on your head. Prolonged sun exposure can cause heatstroke or heat exhaustion, so be careful and try to stay in the shadow as much as you can.
White T-shirt
If you are planning to spend hours underwater doing snorkeling or simply enjoying the salty water, you might need to pack a loose cotton white t-shirt. This will reflect the sunrays and prevent you from getting a very painful sun burnt all over your back and shoulders. You might not feel hot in the water, but that doesn’t stop the sun from shining.
Sandals
Keeping your feet cool is very important when in a hot country. Avoid trainers if you can and let your feet ‘breathe’ by wearing sandals or flip-flops. This will help to keep your body temperature down, but don’t forget to apply sun lotion on your feet before going out!
Insect Repellants
The Tropics are famous for those annoying mosquitoes that come out after sunset. Packing a powerful insect repellant is a must if you want to avoid spending hours scratching or hunting the mosquitoes down.
Pashmina And Jumper
It’s typical – you leave for the airport in sandals and shorts, thinking of the unbearable hot temperatures you will have to face during your holiday, but once you get to your destination, you end up shaking and shivering while you try to eat your dinner in your 5-star resort. In warm countries, air-conditioning is usually on full power in any hotel, restaurant, museum and on the coaches and taxis as well – the locals usually hate the heat. Pack a few items that you can wear when you travel or go for meals out and you will avoid getting flu.
Sunglasses
The light outdoors might be overwhelming if you are not used to the Tropical sun, especially on the beach. Protect your eyes from ultraviolet radiation (UV) by taking with you a pair of good sunglasses.
Raincoat
Yes, you read it right. If your tropical holiday is based around the Equator, it is very likely that it will rain on a daily basis. Pack a light foldable raincoat or a small umbrella to use in case of a storm. You don’t want to get your mobile or your camera soaked.
Pack everything in a wheeled suitcase or a camping backpack that’s easy to carry around and don’t forget your passport, home keys, plane tickets and reservation documents. Now you’re ready to go!
Photo Credit: Flickr/Iain Farrell
