Suntan Lotion Advice Needed
 

O.K., hope and others, after 2 hours and a house that looks as though a volcano struck, I have finally reduced my Belize-clothes into a manageable-sized pile. On to sundries...!

Given that we're just doing carry-on, how on earth do you manage to pack enough 3 ounce size containers of sun block? To complicate matters, I try my best to buy reef-friendly.

Or do you simply buy what you need when you arrive? Is it readily available?

I think you've got it. Check your bags or buy it there. Yes, you can get sunscreen easily.

I'm really picky about sunscreen - we've learned it has a finite shelf life and not all brands serve as well as others; I never chance buying it in CA. I buy the best stuff REI sells in 3 ounce containers; I also take a small stick-style one that is good for touch ups to faces. I put the REI stuff on in the morning and that's usually it for the day; 3 ounces lasts me the month I'm usually on the road at a time (but I don't spend a lot of time lying around on beaches or by pools). We just went without when we were snorkeling last month; I need to research reef-friendly sorts, too.

The other thing I prioritize is bug stuff. I use Ultrathon and/or Sawyers Controlled Release Deet Formula - both great products. I take tiny amounts of lotion but tend to buy shampoo on the ground. Most of my (usually crammed full) ziplock contents are 1st aid things: good quality aloe, anti-itch, ichmethol, neosporin, etc. I buy little 1 to 2 ounce bottles and smaller little pots at REI. Happy trails!

A few years ago, there was a post on this forum asking opinions about the difference between a tourist and a traveler. Hopefulist, you have just defined it for all of us! You have it down to a fine art, and are so helpful in lots of ways! Thanks for the tips!

What shillmac said!

I found my little three ounce containers online, chosen from a list of reef-safe sunscreens at mangrovebelize.com. They are quite expensive, so I bought only three, and am saving those for snorkeling excursions.

Thanks you 2. Cat - I have lots of time to research before we head to Roatán in the summer; with the brands on that site I'll be able to research formulas, ratings, and cost more and stock up. Thanks!

Best reef friendly sunscreen -- a tee shirt or a wetsuit. You can buy dive "skins" -- extremely thin jumpsuit-like, that not only protects you from the sun, they protect you from jellyfish stings (which we really got hit with in Roatan). The tentacles float into shore after storms out at sea. You don't see them or even feel them in the water, but later at night the damage is painful. It was after a trip to Roatan that I bought my first pair of skins. Luckily I escaped harm, but my friend had big welts all over her legs and arms.

You are more than welcome, hope!

Yes, I know for a fact how painful jellyfish stings can be, having witnessed the aftermath. I've been lucky enough to avoid them, so far. Skins or t-shirt great idea.

Skins and t-shirts - that's what I meant above by "we just went without" sunblock. Another point to remember is, especially on an island, it's not just the sunblock you wear in the water that matters. Pretty much anything you rinse off yourself in a shower ends up in the ocean, so sunblock used for land-based activities matters, too.

Excellent point.