How to Protect Your Skin from the Sun While Traveling | The Best Travel Sunscreen

sun protection for travel

Protecting our skin from the sun is something we should all be doing daily, but when you add tropical travel into the mix sun protection becomes even more crucial. I’ve already had one fairly major surgery for skin cancer so you can bet I’m doing everything in my power to avoid another one! Here’s my definitive list of the best travel sunscreen products.

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Cover Up

I used to cringe at the thought of wearing more clothing when traveling in tropical climates, but I’ve learned to suck it up and cover up! Sun shirts, rash guards, and hats are part of my everyday arsenal while traveling. Sun shirts are quick drying and provide an easy layer of protection between your skin and the sun. Rash guards and even long-sleeved rash guard bathing suits can be a stylish way to cover exposed skin while snorkeling and swimming.

While doing some pre-trip shopping for my upcoming trip to Panama, I snagged this cute straw hat to keep my scalp safe from the sun. Fellow thin-haired folks will tell you that there’s little more painful than a sunburned scalp!

Another pre-trip purchase is this UPF 50 beach shawl. At 72×29 inches, it’s substantial enough to cover a fair amount of skin and it’s stylish enough to do double duty as a shawl to cover up on slightly cooler evenings.

Lastly, you will always find me posted up in a shady spot. Whether it’s under a tree or a rented umbrella if I’m chilling by the beach or pool, I’m never basking in direct sun.

Slather Up with the Best Sunscreens

In addition to shade and clothing options, I also slather my skin (and hair) with endless amounts of sun protection. Here are my favorite products for the face, body, and hair!

The Best Travel Sunscreen for Face: Supergoop! Glowscreen

This SPF 40 sunscreen doubles as a lightly tinted primer that smoothes out my skin tone and minimizes my need for makeup while traveling. As the name suggests, it gives you a gorgeous glowy finish making this the best sunscreen in my travel arsenal.

Face: Supergoop! (Re)setting Powder

I keep this portable powder in my bag for on-the-go touchups while traveling (and in my daily life). The sheer finish, and translucent powder dulls the shine caused by tropical humidity while adding an extra layer of sun projection to your arsenal.

The Best Travel Sunscreen for Body: Supergoop! PLAY Everyday Sunscreen

This broad-spectrum sunscreen is safe for the face as well as the body, but I typically use it for my body only. It’s reef-safe and it’s water and sweat-resistant, which makes it the ideal body sunscreen for tropical trips.

The Best Travel Sunscreen for Hair: COOLA Scalp Spray & Sunscreen Mist

Yes, you can (and should) wear a hat when you’re out in the sun. But let’s be real, you don’t always want to! Enter COOLA’s hair-protective mist. The ocean-salted sage scent keeps the vacation vibes going year-round while protecting the sensitive skin of your scalp!

I hope these best travel sunscreen finds will help you stay sun safe, whether it’s in your travels or during your daily life! And if you’re not already getting annual skin checks from a dermatologist, I strongly urge you to do so! My skin cancer was caught early during a skin check, which prevented it from potentially becoming a life-threatening issue!

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Lori Barbely

Hi, I’m Lori, the Chief Travel Officer for Mostly Solo Travel! I created this site for solo (and would-be solo) female travelers. My goal is to inspire your trips, give you practical advice on how to plan, and to ease your fears so you can explore the world on your own.