A British expat living in Benidorm has urged tourists to ensure they pack one essential item in their luggage, or risk facing devastating consequences. With summer fast approaching, countless holidaymakers will be planning trips abroad in pursuit of sunshine and warmer weather, while also treating themselves to nice food and drinks.
However, if you're set to travel overseas soon, it's crucial to ensure you have all the necessary items at hand. To assist, one British expat named Harry, who now resides in Benidorm, Spain, has urged all visitors to ensure they pack one vital item. "This is a warning for anyone who's planning a holiday to Benidorm," Harry said at the start the TikTok video.
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He continued: "To be honest, the weather is getting really, really, really good at the moment. Warm, blue skies, finally. I'm hoping the rain has gone."
While the Spanish holiday destination has endured numerous days of rainfall and overcast skies over the past month, conditions now appear to have improved significantly, with temperatures hovering around the mid-20s. Even during the evenings, the mercury isn't dropping below 18 degrees.
By contrast, Britain has experienced a rather chilly May, with temperatures lingering around 10-15 degrees, though some regions are gradually warming to a more pleasant 20 degrees.
Harry proceeded to display a thermometer outside a Benidorm pharmacy, revealing that the temperature stood at a pleasant 23 degrees. The footage was captured at 8pm on a Friday evening. "You're not gonna get much better than that," Harry said. "That is absolutely fantastic."
He then encouraged viewers to ensure they pack one essential item in preparation for the sunshine. In the video's overlay text, he stressed the importance of bringing sunscreen to guard against high UV levels and intense sunshine.
The NHS advises wearing sunscreen daily, even when indoors or on overcast days, as up to 80 per cent of UV rays penetrate cloud cover, and UVA rays can pass through glass. This helps shield your skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation, preventing painful sunburn, reducing the risk of skin cancer, and protecting against premature ageing such as fine lines and dark spots.
Those using active skincare products containing retinoids or AHAs will find their skin considerably more vulnerable to sun damage. Certain medications can also heighten sensitivity to both sun and heat.
However, the NHS cautions against relying solely on sunscreen for sun protection. The organisation also advises wearing appropriate clothing, such as lightweight layers that offer additional coverage, and seeking shade during the hottest part of the day, typically in the early afternoon.
The NHS claims that most people fail to apply sufficient sunscreen. As a general rule, adults should aim to use around six to eight teaspoons of sunscreen when covering the entire body. Applying too little sunscreen will significantly reduce the level of protection it provides.
If you anticipate being outdoors long enough to risk sunburn, sunscreen should be applied twice; firstly 30 minutes before heading outside, and then once more just before you step out.
It should be reapplied every two hours, and immediately after sweating, swimming, or towel-drying. Experts recommend using a minimum of SPF 30, though SPF 50 is preferable when UV levels are particularly high.
