Summer is all about adventure and fun in the sun – hiking, walking tours, park activities! However, you can’t underestimate the impact of sunny weather, or it can end up costing you valuable time and enjoyment. The following tips can help optimize your trip, so you have the healthiest, safest, best time ever.
Dehydration and heat
exhaustion are the most common concerns when spending extended amounts of time in the sun. Signs and symptoms may include muscle cramps, dizziness, headache, and loss of consciousness.
Combat the effects of the sun by drinking plenty of liquids. It’s best to drink a combination of water and beverages with electrolytes, such as sports drinks and juice. Packing healthy snacks with a high water content is also a great way to get the hydration and energy you
need for outdoor activities. Whole foods are preferable, so consider snacking on fruits and veggies.
Everyone loves a sunny summer day, especially when you end the day feeling rejuvenated rather than having to attend to a sunburn.
Make sure to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a SPF of 30 or higher when you are going to be outside for an extended period of time. 
For babies: avoid direct sunlight.
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For toddlers and children: apply a barrier sunscreen that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
Applying sunscreen regularly ensures that your skin will remain protected and pain free throughout your vacation.
Your skin is the most vulnerable to the sun’s harmful rays during its peak hours, between 12pm and 4pm. It’s important to either minimize your exposure or take extra care to protect yourself from the mid-day sun, by limiting direct exposure and wearing the right clothes.
While enjoying the great outdoors, avoid overexposure to the sun by wearing protective clothing. This includes:
Sunglasses
Hats
Light, breathable materials
Long sleeves and pants
Appropriate footwear
Your best defense is wearing clothing that is able to block UV rays. Look for brands that specifically promote protection from the sun.
Don’t forget to keep protective eyewear on at all times. Sunglasses can keep your eyes from straining, which can lead to headaches and
even long-term eye damage. Take advantage of shaded areas when possible. For example:
Take a 5-minute water
break under a tree.
Eat your packed snacks under an awning.
Review maps and
guidebooks inside information centers or under the shade of a kiosk.
Now that you are prepared for the elements, it’s time to plan a trip to remember. If you are interested in hiking, sightseeing, and experiencing one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, consider a trip to the Grand Canyon. You can explore the amazing landscapes by land, water, or even air. Any which way, you are guaranteed to enjoy your summer vacation!
Since 1965, Papillon has been offering the world’s greatest Grand Canyon aerial
sightseeing experience. With an array of tours and excursions, Papillon is determined to make your summer vacation one to remember with helicopter, boat, and bus tours. For more information, visit www.papillon.com or call 888-635-7272.