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[Hallfamily]

What do people think about buying sun tan lotion etc when they arrive rather than loading the case. When we went last year as i recall the supermarkets seemed to have good supplies and am sure there quite competitive.

 

[Claire L]

The only thing I would be concerned about is if I had sensitive skin, using a cream from home you have used before would be more reassuring We always take sun cream from home and if nearly gone by the time we return home leaves more space for shopping

Claire

 

[Amyrlin]

I always use one called p20. I used to only be able to get it at the airpirt, but now chemists sell it. It is really good as you only need to out it on once a day and it lasts for 12 hours and cannot come off in the water. For somewhere that you are going to be moving around a lot this is great, but I have never seen it on sale in the US. The good thing about it is that a small bottle does for the entire two weeks as it is quit running and goes a long way, so there is not a lot of stuff to take. It is about £12 a bottle though.

They also do an insect repellant that is odourless and works well. We went on an airboat ride and when others were covered in mosquetos were were totally clear.

However, if you do not want to take it with you there are plenty of places selling it but I'd go t Wal-Mart or target as they are a lot cheaper than Walgreens.

However. to save carrying I do not take things such as shampoo and shower gel, and get them when I arrive dropping off at a shop when I first get there and pick up those and some bits such as water at the same time. Then I can leave them if there is any leaft when I return home.

 

[Miffy2003]

I always take stuff like that out with me. I never worry too much about the weight and space issue as I know on the way home I am going to have far more stuff!

With all the good BOGOFs for suntan lotion that you invariably get in the UK, I have found this to be one of the very few things that is not cheaper in Florida. I am a bit paranoid about suntan lotion as well and would prefer to know I have enough straightaway, rather than having to worry about making a trip out if I don't want to on the first day

 

[Goofyish]

I have a Boots rewards card and tend to save the points up until just before we go and use the points to get suntan and insect stuff

As Miffy says, they quite often have a 2 for 1 offer as well

 

[cheryl.UK]

We usually buy a product when we are there called No-Ad. Comes in really big bottles, goes up to Factor 60 and they have a water proof version. We both have red hair, burn very easilly but have never had a problem with this product. You can buy it in the UK but it's harder to find and more expensive.

 

[kristieuk]

I would also buy before you go. There isn't the same selection (imho) in the US as there is here, particularly if there is a brand you prefer. Also, as others have said, you won't really save any money.

We fill our case when we go knowing a lot of stuff will be used whilst we're there - and so we know we have space to bring a lot back (although our last two trips, we have ended up buying more luggage!).

 

[TinkTatoo]

We used the new Piz Buin once a day factor 30 suntan lotion last year. It smells lovely, does exactly what it says on the tin and we only needed to put it on once a day. Bought it BOGOF in Tesco.

 

[kristieuk]

We used the new Piz Buin once a day factor 30 suntan lotion last year. It smells lovely, does exactly what it says on the tin and we only needed to put it on once a day. Bought it BOGOF in Tesco.

I'm a big fan of this too - I hate reapplying suntan lotion on the beach because I hate the sand getting all mixed in. Yuk. I was very impressed with it - I just bought more at Boots online where it's half price.

 

[jns]

P20 here too
got a few in tenerife last time, half the price

 

[JohnnySharp2]

In August I bought some Australian Gold sun lotion/after sun from Publix and can highly recommend it.
The range was not expensive and it smelt very nice indeed.

Would certainly buy AG again so this coming August we will buy when we get there.
I do agree with Kristie however, that a lot of stuff we take gets used up and hence the extra room in the suitcases coming back..I guess if there is a product you prefer and you have room then it's probably best to take your own - especially if they are on special offer.
I am sure though if you knew how well AG smelt, you may change your mind, in addition these products have special ingredients that do not damage your swimwear and wash out very easily.

 

[rpbert1]

Used to use the P20, but started using last summer a product called Parasol its once a day also and it is excellent.
used it on my DD9 with out any problems, reapplied it in the afternoon because it was so warm 35 degrees to 45 degrees and it was great , will be buying it this year for florida.
apparently iit can be quite difficult to find suppliers on the mainland but we dont have a problem finding it here.

 

[disneyholic family]

i bring all the toiletries with us (usually in the carry on bag to avoid the contents getting on clothes in the suitcase), so that i don't have to worry about getting myself to a store right away...

then most of what is left over at the end of the trip, i just leave behind in the hotel (shampoo, conditioner, sunscreen, etc.).......i take back the toothpaste, toothbrush and deoderant, in case we end up having to stay at the airport overnight due to a flight delay...

 

[Goofyish]

I'm a bit worried about suncreams that say they 'protect all day with one application'. I always understood it that the 'sun protection factor' (SPF), dictated the amount of time you could safely extent your time in the sun without wisk of burning or other skin damage.

So I've done some research and found this artical on the Cancer Research UK site:

Suncream Artical

 

[Miffy2003]

Oh my Tim that makes hair raising reading!


I have to say suntan lotion is such a nuisance to keep reapplying but I am so over cautious about keeping my DDs safe (and DH & I I suppose) that I do put up with this in order to ensure we are all fully protected.

We do make a conscious effort to be inside or under cover as much as possible during the very hot midday period (we travel in August usuially when it is particularly strong)

I find good places to reapply include queues at the parks, anyone else?

It can be so hard as a parent particularly to ensure you look after the health of your family as well as you can

 

[JohnnySharp2]

I agree with Tim that you need to be careful what you buy, I would always advise people to stick with the top brands, you cannot go wrong with the likes of Ambre Solaire etc - my personal choice, Australian Gold, I believe is the best I have ever used.

Karen also, we too go in August and yes you need to be very careful, especially with little one's.

I have lost count of the number of very young children I have seen on holiday that obviously have little or no protection from the sun.

 

[disneyholic family]

Karen also, we too go in August and yes you need to be very careful, especially with little one's.

I have lost count of the number of very young children I have seen on holiday that obviously have little or no protection from the sun.

which is a good reason to have sunscreen with you when you arrive...
every time we're at WDW we always see people who look like they should be rushed to the hospital for serious burns rather than continuing to walk around in the sun....(and they're invariably Brits)..

we always have sunscreen in the house since my son has to use it all the time (he doesn't tan at all....he has two colors - red and white, which isn't the best complexion to have when you live in a constantly sunny climate)...

when we're at WDW, he puts it on first thing in the morning and then again in the middle of the day.... the brand he uses is spectacular, a mousse (looks like shaving cream) that goes on entirely non-greasy and is a 45 SPF, but it's not available in the US....