As a travel journalist, I’ve visited a dozen Caribbean islands from Bonaire and St. Lucia to the Bahamas and Saba. After my first trip, I had such bad sunburn it was too painful to wear my backpack at the airport. I quickly learned my lesson and started packing the only sunscreen that I actually want to use every day: Vacation’s SPF 30 mineral sunscreen.As a mineral formula, it contains zinc, which means it sits on top of the skin to physically block UV rays. This means it starts working immediately — and I also find it doesn’t irritate my skin. It claims to be reef-safe, and somehow still lets me get that golden tan without the red, peeling regret. Whether I’m snorkeling, hiking, and simply laying out under the Caribbean sun, this is the one that’s never failed me.The Caribbean sun hits different. During the spring and summer months, the UV index in places like Turks & Caicos can reach 12. (According to the Environmental Protection Agency, anything over 11 is considered “extreme,” meaning you’re at high risk for overexposure to the sun and — you guessed it — sunburn.) I’ve had 15-minute beach walks leave my shoulders pink before. What I love about this sunscreen is that it actually blends in well without leaving a ghostly cast or that greasy layer that makes you want to avoid reapplying. Instead, it feels like a light moisturizer that soaks in quickly and plays nice with my skin.No matter your skin tone, you should always be applying sunscreen. As someone with fair skin, I have less natural melanin to protect me, but UV rays can still cause long-term skin damage for those with more melanated skin — which makes SPF a must for anyone under the sun (literally). For extra precaution, use the Weather app on your iPhone (or a dedicated UV index app) to check the sun’s intensity before heading out for the day’s adventure. James BarrettI’ve swum with sea turtles, jumped off cliffs, and dripped sweat through jungle hikes and this sunscreen still stays on my body. It claims to be water-resistant up to 80 minutes, and from my experience, it lives up to that. Even better, it doesn’t sting my eyes when I sweat, which is usually a dealbreaker for me. You can apply it in the morning and still feel protected by lunchtime. It’s smart to reapply throughout the day because it’s better to be safe than sorry.I also prefer that it’s a lotion (as opposed to a spray). Sprays might seem easy, but between the wind, missed spots, and uneven application, I’ve learned lotion is just better. This one glides on smooth, doesn’t streak, and smells like summer camp nostalgia. You might even actually enjoy putting it on, and that’s half the battle when it comes to sunscreen. It’s definitely a winner when it becomes part of the routine rather than a chore.My only complaint? The bottle goes too fast. I’ve run out mid-trip more than once because I like it so much, I’m reapplying religiously. I’d gladly buy a jumbo size if it existed. Until then, I’ve started bringing two to three bottles on longer trips to make sure I’m covered. It’s one of those products I now consider non-negotiable in my travel bag.Close Trending In ShoppingMore In Shopping