Summer is just around the corner, and I am so looking forward to our 4th of July vacation to Massanutten! After our trip to Orlando last month, I remembered how amazing the Florida sun can be... but also how some times people forget how to be prepared for summer vacations.  So I figured I would put a little summer camp preparedness plan together.

First of all, make sure you drink lots of water! With having so much fun, whether baking in the sun or running through the forest, dehydration can come on and make a miserable experience. Sometimes marathon outings to the bars and clubs with our friends can leave us dehydrated. Margarita's may be liquid, but they don't always hydrate.

I hate to be a mother hen about it, but sunscreen is a must! Even adults need to remember this when playing too hard too long and not recognizing the adverse effects of the sun until much later. Of course, you want to make sure that you moisturize afterwards. Not only will that help keep from peeling and developing wrinkles from overexposure to the sun, but it will keep the tan you worked so hard on.  I recommend using something with aloe.

If your vacation is taking you to the wide outdoors, make sure you bring bug repellent. Even my husband doesn't mind the Avon lady coming around when I pull out the Skin-so-soft when we are camping. It's amazing how well this baby powder smelling product repels mosquitoes!

Finally, make sure you change often. I know it sounds gross, but from sweating and sand, the one thing that is more irritating than sunburn for me and my kids is rash burns from sand and sweaty or wet clothes.

Hopefully remembering and being prepared for these small things will help your next vacation be as joyous and refreshing as the summer shade. Happy Vacationing!