Summer is all about exposing your feet in pretty flip flops and cute sandals or simply being able to lounge happily with your toes dangling in the warm weather, shoe-free with the sand at your feet.

However, this dream does come with its own set of sad facts. Even if you were just lounging around the pool while lying back and soaking up the sun, your feet are still exposed to the sun. You can seriously sunburn your feet and suffer from wrinkles as well as thinning of the skin.

There are ways to prevent these future foot predicaments so you can go back to your perfect tan dreams and enjoy a great feet experience.

If your foot or ankle is injured when you are on a vacation, make sure to get professional medical help from a podiatric physician. Many often only pay the doctor a visit when something major happens, such as breaking or spraining of the feet. A podiatrist can begin treating your illness immediately while you’re on a vacation for you to actually enjoy it away from the painkillers.

Keep drinking plenty of water and make sure to stay hydrated throughout the day and especially when soaking under the sun and sweating a lot. Drinking water will not only help with overall health, but will also minimize any foot swelling caused by the heat.

Being in an airplane for long hours, your feet might swell up to the point your shoes might not fit. You can bring the swelling down after a long, hot day: soak your feet in a tub of ice water for 15 minutes or more. Then pat dry with a towel. It will give a calming and easing sensation to the pain that you might experience from the swelling.

It is always a great idea to pass by the spa to get a nice and relaxing pedicure. This will make your nails look flawless and your skin free of roughness. If not, you can keep your feet looking their best by gently buffing off dead skin and calluses. After bathing or a relaxing foot soak, use a pumice stone to buff away calluses on your feet. Do not shave or cut corns or pop blisters; you could cause an infection.

Below are some quick and easy tips for you to follow on your summer vacation:

1. Limit walking barefoot as it exposes feet to sunburn, as well as plantar warts, athlete’s foot, ringworm, and other infections and also increases risk of injury to your feet.

2. Wear shoes or flip-flops around the pool, to the beach, in the locker room and even on the carpeting or in the bathroom of your hotel room to prevent injuries and limit the likelihood of contracting any bacterial infections.

3. Some beach activities may require different types of footwear to be worn, so always make sure to do your homework and search for the best foot support for each activity. Just to be safe, stay on the safe side and pack an extra pair of sneakers and protective footwear when going into the water. If you get your shoes wet, make sure to dry them out completely before you wear them again to help prevent bacteria or fungus from growing between your toes and under your nails.

4. You need to keep your blood flowing and don’t be lazy by lying down all day even if it is your perfect kind of vacation. Flex your ankles, wiggle your toes and stretch your calves or let’s just say you should walk more often.

5. One of the most important tips is to never forget to apply sunscreen all over your feet, especially the top and front portions of the ankles and don’t forget to reapply after you’ve been in the water or when it dries off.

Finally in case of minor foot problems, be prepared

with the following on-the-go foot gear:

Heavy cream— to smooth rough edges or broken nails.

Toenail clippers— to keep toenails trimmed.

Sunscreen— to protect against the scorching sun.

Aloe vera or Silvadene cream— to relieve sunburns.

Pumice stone— to soften callused skin.

Antibiotic cream— to treat any skin injury.

Flip flops— for the pool, spa, hotel room, and airport security checkpoints.

Blister pads or moleskin— to protect against blisters.

Emollient-enriched cream— to hydrate feet.

Motrin or Advil (anti-inflammatory)— to ease tired, swollen feet.

Sterile bandages— for covering minor cuts and scrapes.

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