As the allure of van life continues to captivate adventure seekers, it’s crucial for newcomers to prioritize sun protection amidst the excitement of hitting the open road. Exposure to the sun's rays can be intense. Without proper precautions, it can lead to sunburn, premature aging, and long-term health risks, especially for adults who have greater sun sensitivity.

In this article, we’ll explore several sun protection tips specifically tailored to first-time van lifers eager to begin their road trip adventures.

Sun protection tips for first-time van lifers

Understand your location and apply sunscreen

Different regions pose varying levels of sun exposure. For example, in the UK, where cloudy days are common, it's common for people to underestimate the risk of UV rays. However, UV rays penetrate clouds even on overcast days, which can increase your risk of sunburn.

If you’re taking your campervan to popular van life destinations like Cornwall and Devon, it’s essential to wear sunscreen daily with an SPF of at least 30 to safeguard against UV damage. For this, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth Tanzi recommends mineral formulations like the Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+.

Wear sunglasses

Protecting your eyes from the sun is just as important as shielding your skin. It’s also particularly important for driving safety. In fact, one study found that sun glare can cause traffic accidents due to how it can interfere with a driver’s vision.

An effective way to keep yourself and others safe whilst driving is to wear suitable eyewear. Glasses Direct carries sunglasses with lenses designed specifically for driving that can help improve your view and enhance contrast. They have an array of affordable options to choose from like the Gibson frames from Hart or Glasses Direct’s own Grayson sunglasses, which you can then customize to be fitted with premium driving lenses that are anti-glare, UV-blocking, tinted, and polarized.

Equip your van with an awning

One practical tip for van life newbies is to install awnings on your vehicles. Awnings provide much-needed shade, creating a comfortable outdoor space while protecting against harmful UV rays. Van lifers traversing the sun-drenched landscapes of California, especially in places like Joshua Tree National Park or along the Pacific Coast Highway, can benefit greatly from awnings as they allow you to enjoy the outdoors without constant sun exposure.

When choosing an awning, consider one with UV protection to enhance its sun-shielding capabilities such as the Novsight Car Side Awning Tent made with anti-UV, waterproof material.

Time your outdoor activities wisely

In both the UK and the US, van lifers can benefit from planning outdoor activities around the sun’s peak intensity. UK summers typically mean the sun will be most intense between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. So, adjust your schedule to engage in outdoor activities earlier or later in the day to minimize UV exposure.

Similarly, in the US, if you’re paying a visit to the Everglades in South Florida or Death Valley in California, plan outdoor adventures in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the harshest sunlight.

Sun protection is a non-negotiable aspect of the van life experience.

Whether you’re navigating the scenic roads to Bryce Canyon National Park or cruising through North West England’s Lake District, first-time van lifers must prioritize their well-being by incorporating the tips we’ve laid out. With these tips, you can enjoy your journey while defending your health under the sun.