With fall break on its way, it is the perfect time to start making travel plans as a family for a quick getaway to the mountains to see the leaves change, to go camping, or to partake in some other outdoor adventure. Much like summer travels, it is easy to forget some of the most important gear such as sun protection for kids when planning and packing for your trip. But that might be a little easier for you with the help of these great travel tools we’ve recently discovered!
You can make sure you will not forget to pack anything important by downloading PackLists, a free app for iPhone and iPad. Simply input your destination along with your dates of travel and you will receive a list of everything you need for your trip. The app comes with 100 everyday items already installed, but you can easily customize lists to suit your family’s unique needs. As the app is offered by The Vision Council, the lists emphasize the importance of sun protection for kids and adults.
Before you leave on your trip, also check out the UV Ratings Across America map offered through Missing Sunglasses. The map shows which cities have the highest ultraviolet ray threats. Locations where there are the highest ultraviolet ray threats many days of the year include:
- Miami holds the most days of extreme UV rays at 255 days each year.
- Tampa Bay, FL, averages 235 days of extreme or high risk UV rays.
- Mobile, AL, is at extreme or very high risk of UV rays 221 days of the year.
- New Orleans, LA brings in 215 days of extreme or high UV risk each year.
- Jacksonville, FL, posts 209 days of extreme or high UV risk.
- Houston puts about 203 days of significant UV risk on the calendar annually.
- Phoenix, AZ, registers 202 days a year of extreme or very high UV risk, as does Los Angeles.
- Albuquerque, N.M., puts up 201 days each year that create a noteworthy UV risk.
- Charleston, S.C., presents 198 days of heavy UV risk.
- And in Jackson, MS, 196 days out of each year have a high UV risk.
Knowing what to expect in advance allows you to best prepare for your fall outing. You can also stay up to date with UV index predictions at the National Weather Service’s website and the UV Index, which provides a forecast for more than 50 cities, at the United States Environmental Protection Agency website.
Parents, have you ever used tools like these to help plan and prepare for a family trip? Share your experience in the comments below!
You can find protective sunglasses for kids of all ages through Real Kids Shades. You can make purchases directly from our website or you can use our store locator tool to find a retailer near you. Remember, we’ve extended our coupon code offer through October 31st for purchases made on our website. Enter “RKSBACK2SCHOOL” at check out to receive 20% off!