We’re all itching to get outdoors for social outings in the summer, but an outdoor event, whether it’s a family barbecue, a picnic in the park, or a beach day with friends, can be tough to plan for. Since the weather doesn’t always cooperate, we need to be ready for anything, including bugs that might threaten the festivities. To ensure your gatherings are enjoyable and stress-free, here’s what to keep in mind as you pack.
Don’t let bugs crash the party
Time and again, we see people focusing so much on the guest list that they forget to worry about unwanted guests, and nothing can ruin an event quicker than a swarm of biting bugs. That’s why we always have OFF!® Botanicals® Insect Repellent Aerosol on hand for any social outing during bug season. It’s suitable for children three years and older, and it repels mosquitoes and ticks for up to two hours with a fresh, light scent that won’t overpower your picnic. It also packs easily with a locking cap, so you don’t have to worry about a mess in your beach bag. And if you’re planning an event during peak mosquito season (which peaks in June and can extend until late August), the OFF!Cast Mosquito Forecast lets you enter any location in Canada and check the local mosquito activity over seven days.
Sunscreen is just the beginning
We’ve all likely heard that Health Canada recommends using a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, and it’s important to choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. But sun protection means more than just sunscreen. Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and wide-brimmed hats add an extra layer of protection, and if you’re planning a picnic or beach day, we’re big fans of portable shade solutions like umbrellas, pop-up tents, and canopies. Long-term UV exposure can also cause eye damage, so be sure to pack extra sunglasses with 100 per cent UVR protection in case someone forgot theirs.
Stay hydrated in style
For an active event in the summer, staying hydrated is a must. Infusing your water with slices of lemon, lime, or cucumber—or even adding a hint of mint—can help stave off water-bottle boredom. And if it’s an especially hot day, electrolyte drinks can help replenish lost minerals. Also keep in mind that both coffee and alcohol can have a dehydrating effect, so if you’re planning an event where they’ll be served, be sure to have hydrating options on hand as well.
Take comfort in small details
If you’re on a swank winery tour, you can expect to be catered to. But for many outdoor events, the comfort of you and your companions is in your hands. Picnic blankets are always useful to have on hand, and portable chairs have come a long way from the vinyl-webbed folders we camped with as kids. If you’re bringing a cooler, pre-chilling the food and drinks you pack will keep them cool longer, and be sure to pack food before drinks, the latter of which are more likely to require easy access. The less time you spend digging through ice with the lid open, the cooler everything will keep. Finally, it’s always useful to have a first aid kit on hand, and that’s also the perfect place to keep an extra bottle of OFF!® Botanicals® Insect Repellent Aerosol.
Planning an outdoor social event this summer? Protect yourself with OFF!® Botanicals® Insect Repellent Aerosol, and discover for yourself why OFF! is the #1 doctor-recommended personal insect repellent brand* for preventing ticks and mosquitoes in Canada.
*Based on 2023 IQVIA ProVoice Canada Survey of doctors from 1/2023-12/2023.