Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
It is just as important to protect the eyes and lips as the skin. Using a lip gloss
with an SPF of 15 is pretty easy to do but also easy to forget. Keep several tubes
in your bag or pocket and reapply often to your own lips and those of your kids.
Again, the brand is less important than choosing something that you will use—and
remembering to use it.
Sunglasses are also a must. Too much sun exposure can contribute to age-re-
lated macular degeneration (among other things). This may not seem much of an
issue when you are young and healthy, but when you get old and go blind, you'll
wish that you had remembered to put on some shades. Not all sunglasses filter out
damaging rays. Be sure to choose shades (for adults and kids) that have 99% UV
protection. Large lenses and wraparound styles might not look as cool, but they
offer much better protection. You may have to spend a little more to be sure that
you are getting adequate protection, but you don't want to skimp on this. Much of
the damage to the eyes from too much sun is irreversible, and, like sun damage to
the skin, it starts accumulating in childhood.
If you do slip up and get a burn, cool baths, aloe gels, and ibuprofen (or for
adults, aspirin) usually help ease the suffering. Occasionally sunburns can be as
dangerous in the short term as they are in the long term. If you or your child exper-
ience nausea, vomiting, high fever, severe pain, confusion, or fainting, seek med-
ical care immediately.
All of the above is important—and sunscreen is a must if you are headed to
Disneyland after a nice, cushy winter indoors in less-sun-drenched climes—but
don't let that little bottle with its inscrutable numbers get you off your guard. You
still need to wear a hat and stay well-hydrated.
Ifyoudofindyourselfinabigstorm,however,you'llwanttohavebothaponcho
and an umbrella. As one Unofficial reader puts it, “Umbrellas make the rain much
more bearable. When rain isn't beating down on your ponchoed head, it's easier to
ignore.”
And consider this tip from a Memphis, Tennessee, mom:
Scotchgard your shoes. The difference is unbelievable.
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
MEDICATION
Some parents of hyperactive children on medication discontinue or de-
crease the child's normal dosage at the end of the school year. If you have such a
child, be aware that the Disneyland parks might overly stimulate him or her. Consult
your physician before altering your child's medication regimen. Also, if your child
