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World’s Worst Places to Get a Sunburn (and How to Prevent It)

Worst Sunburn Spots
(Photo: Thinkstock/iStockphoto)

Sun can make or break a vacation. Too little and you may as well stay home. Too much and you end up splotchy and peeling for weeks. In fact, sunburns are on the rise in the U.S. At first glance, that may seem like nothing more than a reason to break out the aloe vera gel. But it’s a trend that has doctors concerned, since even one bad burn can double a person’s risk of developing melanoma.

Proper protection is key whenever you’re outside, but sunburns have a particular way of inviting themselves along on vacation. Factors like altitude, latitude, and the reflective nature of snow, sand, and water can turn a mild burn into a serious case of lobster skin. Here are 10 destinations where you’ll need to take extra care, and just as many ways to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet radiation.

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