Summer time is nearing and that means hotter temperatures and higher ultraviolet radiation from the sun are here as well – the risk for sunburn is much greater and for a fair skinned redhead like myself, this spells danger.

 When enjoying the sites of America’s Caribbean at the quaint Key West bed & breakfast the Tropical Inn, be sure to lather up with some top-quality skin care products to protect yourself and your family from the dangers…and pain…of too much sun exposure.

And being on the water makes wearing sunscreen all the more critical…rays reflecting off the water can be a double whammy…even on overcast days when you least expect your skin to burn.

There are several ways to avoid sunburn according to the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta…first, limit time in the sun during peak hours (10 AM – 3 PM) and wear protective clothing like wide-brimmed hats and a shirt that covers your arms.

Finally, if you must be in the sun…say sunning on the beach…be sure you lather up real good with sunscreen with a sun-protection factor (SPF) of at least 15.

Based on my experience, if you’re fair skinned, a SPF 30 is the absolute minimum. The higher the SPF the better…I generally wear at least a 45-50 SPF when I’m outside for longer than a few minutes.

And that’s the key - it only takes a few minutes for your skin to burn in the summer. So keep on top of taking care of your skin…the alternative is very painful and will surely ruin time that can be better spent relaxing and taking in the sites.

Looking to take a well deserved vacation and catch some fun and sun? If you plan to fly, check-out the Key West International Airport, a 255-acre facility located on the southeast corner of the island – just a short distance from the quaint Key West bed & breakfast the Tropical Inn.

Key West International Airport’s (EYW) origins date back to 1913 when Augustin Parla flew a bi-wing plane to Muriel, Cuba. Commercial service began in the 1920’s…but due to the shortness of the runway, weight restrictions are enforced on aircraft and passengers.

Four major airlines serve the Key West International Airport (EYW) with service to major hubs like Atlanta, Charlotte and Miami. You can fly to Key West from anywhere in the world through Delta, Continental, American and US Airways.

There are also charter flights available to the Dry Tortugas National Monument and a company called Yellow Taxi provides daily charter flights to Naples and Key West.

If you have a family or are looking for a less expensive option, Miami International Airport is the closest major airport – nearly all airlines serve this major air travel facility in south Florida, about 160 miles from Key West.

However you choose to get to the Tropical Inn, be careful so you can fully enjoy your visit to America’s Carribbean.

While taking that well deserved vacation at the quaint Key West Bed & Breakfast the Tropical Inn, explore some of the natural wonders of the Keys at the National Wildlife Refuges found within short distances of Key West.

The closest refuge to Key West is a tiny chain of islands west of the city – only accessible by boat, the Key West National Wildlife Refuge contains mostly mangrove swamps and a few sandy beaches. Established in 1908 by President Teddy Roosevelt, the refuge protects nesting areas for endangered sea turtles and wading birds among other things.

Spanning over 200,000 acres of open water and islands to the north of the Overseas Highway from  Key West to Marathon is the Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge. It was established in 1938 to serve as a sanctuary for great white herons and 250 species of birds. Known as the “backcountry” to locals and along with Key West NWR, it is one of the oldest wildlife refuges in the United States

Farther up the coast in lies the Key Deer National Wildlife Refuge near Marathon. Consisting of 9200 acres of hardwood pine forests, tropical hardwood hammocks, fresh and saltwater wetlands and mangroves, this refuge was established in 1957 to help protect the Key Deer, a short deer only found in the Keys. The visitor center for all of the Keys’ wildlife refuges is located here.

Finally, the Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge is again farther north in Key Largo and, as you probably guessed, was designated to protect the American crocodile. Adjacent to the Key Largo Hammock State Botanical Site, this area is the largest continous track of hardwood forest remaining in the Keys. However, it is not open to the public.

So while you’re relaxing at the Tropical Inn, get great views and see some of the native wildlife of the Keys. It will be well worth the time.