Travel Safety Tip: Sun Exposure 101

Indeed, it is much more fun to be outdoors during summer. The sunshine is such a refreshing respite from the cooler months that passed and for those in the tropics, from the wet rainy days.

Getting a tan, swimming, water sports and a variety of sports are on the high during summer. Yet, as many know, the sun we love so much has its own bad effects on our skin. But the good thing is, there are ways you can protect yourself and still enjoy your summer activities whether you are just enjoying the sun on your yard or off to a resort.

UVA vs UVB

The key to protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful effects is to know more about ultraviolet rays. There are two types that penetrate the earth’s atmosphere-UVA and UVB which are short of Ultraviolet rays type A and B. In general, the B type has been considered to be more harmful although it does not penetrate the skin as deeply as the A type. UVB is known to cause reddening and sunburn, and in the long run, contribute to skin cancer. UVA on the other hand, is known to cause premature aging.

When the skin is exposed to these rays, it naturally reacts in order to protect it from harmful UV rays. How? By forming a brown-colored pigment on your skin we all know and love to get- a TAN.

So before getting yourself a tan, think of what basking under the sun actually does to your skin. And using tanning booths is no different.

If you are using tanning booths instead of basking under the sun to get a tan and think you are out of risk. Think again, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, tanning booths do emit UVA rays which in recent year’s research have been found out to contribute to skin cancer.

Avoiding Sun Damage

Learning about UV rays and their effects can be scary but it it shouldn’t send you hiding entirely from the sun. There are ways you can avoid skin damage, even if you bask under the sun, go swimming or enjoy a variety of outdoor sports this summer.

First, avoid being under the sun when it is at its hottest. Most health advocates advice not to be overexposed to the sun from 11 am to 3 pm (10 am to 4 pm from April to October or if living in the tropics).

And if you do go outdoors, always wear a sun protection product like sunscreen lotions or sprays with a good number of SPF.

What is SPF?

With the proliferation of sun protection products, the medical community has created a way to measure a product’s efficacy to protect the skin against the harmful UV rays. Currently, there are two systems used in determining SPF-the American and the European. The first system is twice the number as the second so if you are using an American SPF 30 product, it’s the same as a European’s SPF 15.

Generally, the number denotes the longer time it takes for your skin to redden and burn compared to without wearing a sunscreen product. In the European system however, the time you are protected can be calculated by multiplying the SPF number by 20 minutes.

So what’s a good SPF number and how often should you apply sunscreen products?

Experts recommend using sunscreen with an SPF of 15 and higher. Its effect dissipates after an hour or two (depending on the number), so re-applying is important especially if staying long under the sun.

Lastly, check the fine print and know more about the common ingredients used. There are chemical filters which form a layer on the skin to absorb the UV rays and the physical filters which reflect the UV rays. It’s recommended to use a broad spectrum product like one which has zinc oxide and titanium dioxide which are both physical filters that combat UVA and UVB.

Sources:

Net Doctor UK

Skin Cancer Foundation

How to: Booking a Cruise

Going on a cruise is perhaps what most hard working individuals would dream of. On a cruise, you can spend days doing nothing or just basking under the sun getting a tan. You also get to a chance to visit splendid beaches or far-flung places you would have never imagined yourself going to.

MS Majesty of the Seas (photo credits: from Wikipedia)

A cruise is definitely all about adventure and relaxation however; you won’t experience these two if you don’t book a cruise well. Here are some steps you can book the best cruise:

• 1. Do not limit your search for the best cruise with your local travel agent. You can search online from websites of travel agents or from websites of the cruise lines. Bookings can be available as early as one year from the departure date.
• 2. If you are on a tight budget but have a flexible vacation schedule, look for last minute cruises. These types of cruises leave within days or weeks and are just selling tickets at a discount in order to add more passengers.
• 3. When this is your first time to go on a cruise, you might want to choose a room location. You may choose from rooms with balconies, those located near restaurants or those located more on the interior of the ship.
• 4. Book your shore excursions early especially if you are going on a well-known cruise line.

When you do get to book a cruise, don’t forget to pack everything you need and make the necessary arrangements for your home.

How to: Planning a Resort Vacation

Vacationing in a resort is one of the popular options when summer time comes. The amenities, great service, plus the availability of swimming facilities and, or, the proximity to a beach are among the reasons why.

Imperial Palace: view from the balcony

With a great view, full amenities and good company, a resort vacation can be most fulfilling. Yet, it could be your worst vacation if you do not plan ahead. So here’s a cheap sheet to preparing for a resort vacation:

Book and Pay Early. If you are vacationing during summer, book months ahead so you are sure to get the number of rooms and room types you want. Once you confirm your resort reservation, make arrangements for your mode of transport to and from the resort as well.

Plan Meals. Check what meals come with your resort accommodation. Breakfast is the usual complementary so check where you can get lunch, dinner and snacks. Resort restaurants can be expensive so check what restaurants are near the resort.

Check Resort Recommended Activities/Amenities. Check what facilities the resort have and their list of recommended activities This will allow you to prepare proper clothing and gadgets, book tours or reserve amenities ahead.

things to do in a resort can be endless

Prepare for On-Travel Needs. This is extremely important especially if you are traveling with children. Take note of your traveling time to and from the resort.

For instance, if you’ll be on the road during meal time, ask if meals are included on your travel fees. Or, if travel time is long, prepare snacks, sanitizers, handy pillows for sitting or neck support and gadgets that can help pass time.

Pack What You Need. By checking resort amenities and their recommended activities, and considering travel time, you’d be able to pack the right clothes, gadgets and other stuff that you may need for your comfort.

Travel Adventure: Kayaking

Looking at a tandem kayak, I didn’t think kayaking could be so hard. After all, there will be two of us on it, so it shouldn’t be too tiring to paddle. Plus, kayaking looks so effortless on TV.

So I hopped on with my aunt and set off!

Later did I realize, just a few meters from where we started, that I was wrong and we were in for a lot of work.

First, the kayak would not go to where we wanted it to. Second, my arms were starting to hurt, making it painful to paddle.

newbies surfing under the mangrove!

Yet, it was a lot of fun. We laughed every time we hit the riverbank. And yes, we did learn to maneuver the kayak after a few tries; on our way back to where we started actually. It was that fast!

However fun it was though, I wish I’d read about a basic how-to on kayaking rather than hoping on without any idea of how to paddle and turn the kayak.

So, here a basic how-to for travel enthusiasts deciding to join the intrepid bunch:

Safety First. Kayak with someone who knows how. Wear a life jacket and start off from a still and shallow portion of a river or lake. I won’t recommend sea kayaking for first timers, the water stirs too much.

starting off on still shallow water with life jacket on

Get to Know Your Paddle. In kayaking, you have one paddle that has a blade on each side. Before you set off, hold the paddle in front of you with both hands (four fingers over, thumb under). The insides of you elbow, should be like in a 90 degree angle.

Work on Your Paddling Technique. Paddling is a pull and push motion: pull on your down stroke and push on your upstroke. This coordination should evenly distribute all the work-both arms do the work so it doesn’t leave you with one arm stressed out. Then try using you torso muscles more instead of your arm muscles.

There is a Thing Called Breaks. Although you actually don’t have a pedal to push on to, but you can perform a “break” (as I call it) when the kayak doesn’t go to where you wish it to be. try paddling backwards, just until the kayak stops going forward.

Turning the Kayak. Experts would recommend: Paddling on one side (the one opposite of where you want to turn) or dipping the blades of your kayak in a vertical position on the side where you want to turn. In a tandem kayak, the back rider alone can turn the kayak using the latter procedure.

So That’s It! This basic how-to should help you get started on this exciting sport. It’s not going to guarantee 100% success but with determination and the right company, you can turn your first kayaking experience into a most enjoyable one!

Travel Adventure: Ziplining

Soaring way above tree tops at high speed over about a kilometer long cable line is one hasty way to join the intrepid bunch.

that's definitely a long way!

At my age, I’d realized all my vacations [lacking of a better term] were SAFE. Not that I do not enjoy doing nothing but bask under the sun, swim and sleep late, I wanted my once-a-year grand vacation to be different this time.

So when I knew we were passing by the Agas-Agas Bridge Zipline Adventure that’s been creating a buzz around my hometown for over a year now, I did not hesitate to sign up.

During the first few seconds I went soaring from the platform: It dawned on me: oh no! this was not one of the wisest decisions I have made!

Yet, as soon as I exhausted my first scream, I felt my fear wash away and replaced by the thrill of soaring superman style over tree tops at high speed, and the fact I could from then on call myself a true adventurer. It was after all the best vacation adventure I’d ever done!

After that, I screamed again, and this time, with jubilation as I came soaring over tree tops, passing by my sister who was ziplining on the cable line strung a little above mine.

The experience will definitely erase any doubts about signing up for the zipline adventure, but here are a few more tips you can get the most out of your Agas-Agas Zipline Adventure even before you go soaring at high speed:

Keep Your Cool and Take Your Time. Looking down from the platform alone will make your knees buckle so if this will be your first adventure, take your time. Getting used to the height and watching others try the zipline can calm your nerves, and yes, even make you as excited as they are.

Go as a Group. The zipline is a tandem type: adventurers are launched two at a time on two cable lines. Having a companion can calm your nerves and is more fun!

Put a Leash on Your Purse. You don’t have to spend a fortune on your adventure. Arrive on a bus; it’s way much cheaper than hiring a van.

If you are going to or coming from a resort/hotel, check with the front desk if they can arrange your zipline adventure. You will usually avail of a per head discount.

Go Twice! You get a huge discount on your second try.

Document Your Adventure. Strap a webcam or digicam to your wrist and record your trip from way above.

By planning ahead you’d enjoy a panoramic view, good company and an exhilarating adventure in one!

Feature: Travel Destination - Sacramento

The sprawling city of Sacramento sits on the point where the Sacramento and American River converge. Being the capital of California, it contradicts the notion of urban development and of being a modern city. Vibrant and brisk as an urban setting, Sacramento still embodies the roots from where it sprung forth. Modern architecture and city tourist spots may embody the standard scenery of a 20th century city, but Sacramento still brings fresh the historical landscape with Victorian homes that abound in the area depicting a true metropolis with historical depth.

photo credits: from Wikipedia

Sightseeing and Historical Tours

Proud of their humble beginnings, Sacramento still has preserved its old town-Old Sacramento, where you can take rides on the steam trains, visit the California State Railroad Museum, take the underground tour, enjoy a stroll on the old streets lined with brick and stone buildings or shop at the plaza. It gets crowded by afternoon to early evening but more so during the Sacramento Gold Rush Days held every Labor Day weekend. Reenactments of the gold rush days and concerts draw both tourists and the local crowd.

When outdoor adventures define your vacations, try river rafting on the American River from the Sunrise Boulevard to River Bend Park or going on old-fashioned riverboats which can provide couples an opportunity for a romantic getaway on a sunset cruise. For an indoor thrill, watch home court action of the Sacramento Kings-the city’s professional basketball team, at the Arco Arena during the NBA regular season.

Dining, Shopping and Nightlife

With the University of Southern California and the California State University, Sacramento located within the downtown area, you’ll find bars, cafes and restaurants clustered in the downtown and mid-town area seeking to meet the hip and younger generation’s ever-increasing need for entertainment. However, Sacramento’s night scene do not entirely revolve around students; you’ll be surprised to find anything from a sports bar, DJ dance music clubs to a pub that holds weekly quiz games to a large local crowd. If you prefer live performances, the Ceasar Chavez Park holds free Friday night concerts during summer, while, the Crest Theatre shows anything from plays, comedy acts, B movies to entries to the French Film Festival. Coming out from a movie, you can catch up on some shopping since the theater is housed under the K Street Mall. The Arden neighborhood has a more upscale shopping district while the downtown area has a string of souvenir stores.