The bald traveler faces unique challenges on the road. Tropical beaches, water sports, and high altitude trekking can greatly increase the risks of sun exposure. And the longer he is traveling, the greater the likelihood he will chalk up some painful burns on the ‘ole noggin.
Whether you suffer from male pattern baldness, complete baldness, or simply prefer the bold look of a hairless head, the following tips are worthy of consideration before embarking on your next adventure.
- Bandanna – There is no greater tool in the bald man’s arsenal against the sun than a classic bandanna. Cheap, widely available, lightweight, sweat-soaking, snot-devouring bandannas are the multi-tool of head wear. Just remember to buy a lighter color, such as blue, versus black, which will turn your head into the equivalent of an asphalt parking lot in summer.
- Hat – Baseball caps, 360-degree rims, cold-weather beanies, or cowboy style all provide shade for your face, nose, and sometimes even ears and neck, in addition to your scalp. Hats are useful when you’re in the most exposed of conditions, such as fishing off the coast of a Caribbean island, or in cold-weather climates, such as atop the snow-capped peaks of the Himalaya. Both situations can offer few options for seeking shade.
- Sunscreen – The bald man has probably tried every sunscreen or lotion under the…well…sun, and may even have a favorite. The author, who has watched his hair disappear from atop his head throughout his mid-to-late twenties, tried out Bull Frog Quick Gel Sport Spray (SPF 36) on two separate trips to Costa Rica and Belize. Being an alcohol based spray, it was easy to apply, didn’t sting (as some can), and was extremely effective in the tropical heat.
- Shade Strategy – The bald traveler can sometimes be identified by the zig-zagging pattern he makes as he dashes between spots of shade while walking along trails or roads during mid-day. For those sensitive to the sun, planning your day around when it’s strongest makes perfect sense…so do it! Even those with hair tend to stay out of the sun in tropical locations due to the intense heat.
While these tips were written tongue-in-cheek, skin cancer is all too common. Stay safe on the trail!
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Bald travelers need cheap hotels to stay at just as much as any other traveler! If you have the funds you can even stay at luxury hotels and get pampered, or stay at one of those spa resorts and relax. There are many different ways to travel, make sure your reservations are right for you!
About the Author:
Dave is the author of 1526 posts on Go Backpacking.
Dave (Editor-in-Chief) blogged his way around the world from 2007-2009, and then started Travel Blog Success to teach others how to do the same. When not writing, he can be found salsa dancing in Medellin. Follow him on Twitter @rtwdave or look for him on Google+
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11 Comments
This post made me laugh. My husband occasionally wears a bandanna or baseball hat, especially in the mountains, but he usually goes for the sunscreen. You have to build up that tan, because the tan face/pale scalp look does not work!
This post made me laugh. My husband occasionally wears a bandanna or baseball hat, especially in the mountains, but he usually goes for the sunscreen. You have to build up that tan, because the tan face/pale scalp look does not work!
I think we can call this the ultimate (and only) guide to traveling while bald. =P
I think we can call this the ultimate (and only) guide to traveling while bald. =P
I have a hat, that has been washed on the beach in Turkey, dipped in mountain streams in Scotland, nicely wetted in the cold streams of the Blue Ridge, faded in the sun in Australia.. Like my backpack my hat has seen many things. As a guy who shaves his head, Im never without a bandanna, must to the consternation of my wife. I have a fav bandanna but it hasn’t seen as much as my favourite hat…
I have a hat, that has been washed on the beach in Turkey, dipped in mountain streams in Scotland, nicely wetted in the cold streams of the Blue Ridge, faded in the sun in Australia.. Like my backpack my hat has seen many things. As a guy who shaves his head, Im never without a bandanna, must to the consternation of my wife. I have a fav bandanna but it hasn’t seen as much as my favourite hat…
Yes, I’m definetly planning on spending a few weeks on the eastern side of Australia, after New Zealand, and before Bali!
Yes, I’m definetly planning on spending a few weeks on the eastern side of Australia, after New Zealand, and before Bali!
Funny! I’m far from bald, and I love doing #4. My husband is usually annoyed by me though, if I do that. It’s too random for him.
Haha, glad to hear I’m not the only one Dina!
11 Comments