Mike Barish Writer. Funny guy. Knower of things.

I’m a warm weather guy. Very few of my travels have involved parkas, fleece or gloves. However, warm weather means less clothing means more exposure to the sun. And nothing ruins a vacation more than a sunburn (except for diarrhea – diarrhea is always the worst). Do yourself a favor and pack some sunscreen.

As people often break out of their shells and lose their inhibitions on trips, be sure that you lather up those body parts that seldom see sun at home. If you’re finally wearing that slinky mankini that you would never wear at the public pool, view it as an opportunity to make a new friend at the hostel or the beach. “Hey, would you rub lotion on the back of my thighs?” makes for a better introduction than “you look hot in those socks and sandals.”

Once you’re golden brown, repay your new friend by purchasing her a local alcoholic beverage. And if you failed to find a lotion buddy, perhaps you can find a hooker to rub some aloe on the burns.