Summer Survival Guide: How to Make Summer a Breeze

Summer's all about getting outside and enjoying the weather, playing in the sand and the sun, and making memories that define a lifetime. But let's be honest, it's not all unicorns and rainbows. All that outdoor activity can lead to sunburn, dehydration, over-exertion, and swatting away bugs, oh-so-many bugs. But don't worry – the handy tips in this summer survival guide will make this summer a breeze.

Protection from Bugs

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Biting and stinging insects aren't just annoying; they can cause infections and allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. The good news is that you have options for avoiding such nuisances and protecting your family:

• Insect Repellant Sprays. Insect repellants and citronella candles repel mosquitos and ticks that may carry insect-borne illnesses like lime disease and the Zika virus.
• Insect Repellent Clothing. What a brilliant idea! It's been studied by the Environmental Protection Agency and deemed safe. Look for clothing treated with permethrin. Follow the instructions on the hangtag.
• Natural Repellents. If you don't want to use chemicals to ward off mosquitos, there are natural ingredients that work to repel bugs. Make your own bug balm by diluting carrier oil with lemon eucalyptus, lavender, thyme, catmint, or citronella essential oils. Or you can create a No-Bug Garden by using these plants in your yard to discourage bugs.
• Grab a WeatherPod®. If you want to be outside, our Summer Pods are just the thing. Imagine having a lightweight, portable bug-screen patio at your fingertip anytime, anywhere. They're available in one-person or multi-person sizes. The NEW MyPod™ Mega Mesh seats up to four, and the MonsterMeshPod™ is big enough for the whole family. The fine-gauge mesh screens keep no-see-ums away, and UPF 50 sun protection helps prevent sunburn.

Sun Protection

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One of the biggest challenges of soaking in sunny days is not overdoing it, leading to sunburn, dehydration, heatstroke, and skin cancer. Most grownups often worry about protecting their kids yet don't pay enough attention to their own skin. It's time to put skincare and self-care at the top of your list.

• Sunscreen. The CDC recommends a broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks UVA and UVB rays. Nowadays, even moisturizers, makeup, and lotions also offer SPF protection. You probably know this. Don't forget that sunscreen only lasts about two hours and then needs to be reapplied. Apply sunscreen at least 10 minutes before exposure to be fully effective and immediately after you've been swimming or sweating. Throw away the old stuff – their formulations expire after a year or two.
• Smart Clothing. Yes, those innovative textile manufacturers have come through for us again with sun-protection clothing. Look for SPF clothing to give your skin an added dose of protection. Light-colored clothing with a tight weave also prevents rays from getting through. The light color can keep you cooler, protecting you from heatstroke.
• Seek Shade. The sun's rays are at their strongest from 10 am to 4 pm. If you can schedule outdoor events before and after that timeframe, you're automatically protecting yourself from the worst of it. If you are out during that time, seek shade whenever possible. Shade is a great defense, but don't forget your eyes, grab your sunglasses and keep a pair handy in the car.
• Pop into a Summer Pod. Anywhere you go –– whether you're in the backyard, at a picnic, beach, or pool –– don't forget to bring a WeatherPod®. They're lightweight, portable, and pop open in seconds for instant shade and protection from the sun and bugs.

Rain Protection

Not all summer days are sunny. The heat during the summer months also produces pop-up rain showers and thunderstorms. The best way to protect yourself, especially if there's lightning, is to seek shelter indoors. But if it's a gentle rain or light passing shower, these tips can keep activities from getting too soggy.

• Tarps. These are useful to keep your supplies, equipment, and food dry. They don't take up much space, are super-handy, and can cover just about anything.
• Microfiber Towels. These are also handy because they're extra absorbent. They can quickly clean up spills and messes just as easily as they dry wet clothing, hair, and skin.
• WeatherPod to the Rescue. Our weatherproof Pods with plastic panels zip fully closed to keep you dry and cozy and come in handy when the forecast calls for rain or falling temperatures.

Protect Your Food

Outdoor picnics and cookouts are fun until the ants and flies show up, or the food sits out too long. Here are a few tips to protect your snacks from creepy invaders and summer heat.

• Give Them a Picnic. Try setting out fruit peels and juice several feet away from your picnic to let the ants have their own sweet treat party.
• Get Minty. Most bugs hate mint, so use it to your advantage. Mist your picnic blanket and area around it with a solution of ¼ cup water and about 15 drops of peppermint essential oil. If you have mint growing near your home or in a container, snip some of it and tuck it inside your picnic basket.
• Food covers. Reusable mesh food covers are a great way to keep picnic refreshments covered and visible at the same time. They take up space and must be removed to reach food items between servings which can be a hassle, so plan accordingly.
• Chill Perishables. Soft coolers, gel packs, and servers that double as chillers can go a long way to keeping your picnic menu safe and tasty. Don't leave anything that you would typically refrigerate out for more than two hours at room temperature. If it's a scorching day—anywhere near 90 degrees Fahrenheit—make that just one hour.
• Picnic in a Pod. You can store, serve food, or enjoy snacks inside a Summer Pod. They're great for stopping ant parades, bees, or flies from crashing the party. Zippered screen panels keep bugs out, even no-see-ums. If it's a sweltering day, follow the two-hour rule above.

So, get out there and enjoy the weather. These simple tricks will help keep summer activities and outdoor entertaining worry-free and hassle-free so you can focus on having fun.