Sun protection....clothes, Block Etc

Everything SB said.

Something else to think about-- don't let the clouds fool you; people do get sunburnt on overcast days too. I grew up in Honolulu, but even now here in Oregon I am religious about wearing sunblock and sunhats. Yes to sunglasses, as the glare off the water is still seared into my brain all these years later! Drink lots of water, too, to prevent against sunstroke; it gets hot and humid there in the summertime.

I'm a redheaded and very fair. Just returned from my first trip to the Bahamas. I ditto the comments about long sleeve swim shirts. I wish had -purchased more than one...well worth the investment! Also, invest in a long sleeve Columbia brand shirt (my sleeves rolled up). They offer sun protection and are don't make you sweat (make sure you get the one that says specifically it will protect your skin and keep you cool). I wore it walking around the islands when not in the water. Apparently every other American tourist did as well because we all matched. lol

Finally, ditto the sunblock. I applied before heading out and then reapplied at least 2-3 times throughout the day.

Wear caps/hats and sunglasses also.

Hope you have a fantastic trip!

My kids and hubby are all blonde, blue eyed, with fair skin. We live in Texas and they spend most of their free time outside. Some tricks we use... We really like Bullfrog sunscreen, but it sounds like you have a brand you like as well. We always apply it about 30 minutes before we leave. We re apply once we get somewhere and then make sure to put it on about every 1.5 hours or so. Most of our activities involve water, so we worry about it washing off.

Sunglasses and hats are generally, non negotiable. Burnt eyeballs is the WORST!

They all wear swim shirts while swimming. And when fishing, they often wear shirts with sunscreen in them.

Swim shirts for everyone - even you! You may have to go to a dive shop to find nice adult sizes, but they are so worth it.

For my boys, I order online so I can get long-sleeve swim shirts. There is no sunblock that can protect as well as a swimshirt, IMO.

A good lotion sunscreen for your body, and we buy the sticks and use them like chapstick - I hate sunburned lips, ouch!

Also, you are from the east coast, so you'll have a big time difference and you'll be up at dawn. It actually works in your favor a bit - get out and go to the beach and sightseeing very early in the day (I have great pics of my son at the beach and in the pool, with no crowds, because we were there at 6AM). Then come back to your room and plan an indoor break to stay out of strongest sun between 10 and 2, and go back out around 2.

Hi J.,
Enjoy your trip. You have received great advice, so I will not repeat, only add:
1. There are sun hats that also have SPF built in as extra protection. Our fair skinned son wears it in the water.

2. I am living abroad in a hot mediterranean climate. The sunblock here which is very good instructs us to put on sunscreen 20 minutes before going outside. and once again once at your destination, especially if going swimming.

Have fun.