Article Summary
- Red hair is mostly determined by genetic variations, which can also affect skin colouring and sensitivity to the sun.
- Sunbathing is never on my holiday agenda and the thought makes me uncomfortable.
- Most interactions with people when I travel are positive, but unwanted attention can be awkward.
- Exchanging differences and meeting new people is part of the joy of travel, and should be embraced as long as it’s respectful and mutual.
Some travel guides advise tourists to ‘try and blend in’ when they’re on holiday. Apparently if you ‘look like a local’, you’re less likely to be scammed in markets or targeted by pickpocketers.
But frankly, this advice is easier said than done for most travellers. Especially for redheads, who comprise an estimated 1-2% of the world’s population. The hue of my red hair tends not to ‘blend in’.
I’m sure that most people have hang-ups and quirks about their appearance when they travel. So I thought I’d share mine.
Here are some reflections and learnings from my travels as a pale, freckled redhead.
Table of Contents
Being a Redhead is More than Skin-deep
I’m from Wales, which ranks third in the list of countries with the most redheads. Red hair is most common among people with Northern European ancestry but is found worldwide among people from various ethnic backgrounds.
The genetic variations that determine our cool hair colour can affect a range of things. This is thought to result from adaptations to regions with cloudy weather. Redheads are more likely to have fairer skin and freckles and be more sensitive to UV light. It’s also said that redheads efficiently produce their own Vitamin D and are more sensitive to temperature changes.
So, travelling as a redhead is more than just having flaming locks!
My Love-hate Relationship with the Sun
I’ve always had a love-hate relationship with hot and sunny days. Wales is a notoriously rainy place where the maximum average temperature in the summer is between 17°C (63°F) and 21°C (70°F).
I love travelling to hot and sunny destinations and feeling the sun shining down on me. But it doesn’t take long before I start to feel on edge about the UV rays beaming onto me.
Regardless of skin tone, looking after your skin should be on every traveller’s checklist, especially when the UV Index is high. But redheads ought to be extra cautious as we’re genetically more vulnerable to sun damage.
I’m not ashamed of my pale complexion, but I sometimes get annoyed that I have to be so careful in the sun. After all, sunburn is not my chosen souvenir from a holiday.
Sometimes I get tired of reapplying suncream – again. I’ve never been on a beach holiday where sunbathing constitutes an activity. And the idea of lying in the sun being pounded by sunrays makes me nervous. I’m far more comfortable when there is a bit of shade around so I can shade-bathe!
It’s taken many years of travelling for me to admit that I’m never going to have a holiday tan. My ‘summer holiday glow’ is the hue of sun cream radiating from my pale skin. And I’ve come to accept that my sunny-destination wardrobe needs to factor in the factor 50.
So now, I try and travel like a ginger pro, embracing the things that make me feel more comfortable, and help me to enjoy sunny destinations.
Here’s what I’ve learnt:
Embrace it
I used to get annoyed about how easily I sunburned. I’d feel left out when friends were sunbathing and basking in the sun without suncream. But I’ve realised that I can’t change, and don’t want to. So I may as well embrace my gingerness, look after myself and travel in my style.
Think about your holiday wardrobe
Over the years, I’ve swapped out strappy tops and short skirts for maxi dresses and loose shirts. I always try to pack clothes that are practical, comfortable and respectful for the destinations I’m visiting. I choose outfits that will protect my skin and be appropriate for the places I’m going to. And I always pack a wide-brimmed hat!
Shade is your friend
Hanging out in the shade can be the difference between me finding the sun and heat bearable or unbearable. I used to feel like a nuisance asking friends if we could sit somewhere with some shade, but now I embrace it. I’ve been known to happily sit in the shade of a tree, just next to my friends in the blazing sunshine!
Plan your itinerary carefully
I always keep the destination’s weather and temperature in mind when I plan my trips. I like travelling to hot destinations out of season when it is cooler. And during the summer, I try to avoid being outside during the hottest hours of the day.
Travel prepared
I once forgot to take suncream with me on a day trip in Montenegro, which was a big mistake. I soon had a red face, and 15 euros less in my purse. It was a Sunday and the only suncream I could find was in a fancy pharmacy. The moral of the story is: always pack suncream and other essential items you’re familiar with, and never underestimate the sun!
Standing Out from the Crowd
When I was an Au Pair in a small town in Spain, my host mother used to tell me every time I went to a big city that I needed to be careful as I looked like a tourist. She wasn’t wrong. I’d set off with my backpack, suncream, sunglasses, and flaming hair, and didn’t exactly blend in with local commuters.
I’m not suggesting that that’s a unique experience. Most people have a story about when they stood out as a tourist on holiday. And mostly, these stories are funny, memorable, and positive. After all, one of the joys of travelling is meeting new people, exchanging differences, and experiencing new cultures.
I fondly remember when some children in Spain pointed at my arm and asked “What’s that?!” After a confused exchange of looks, I realized that they were pointing at my freckles. This led to a nice chat and one of the children trying to count the freckles on my arm!
But it can sometimes be uncomfortable if you’re stared at and receive unwanted attention.
Although there are redheads across the world, only 0.06% of people outside Europe have red hair. So I understand that in some countries, I’m a rare sight. But there’s a fine line between intrigue and intrusion.
When I was travelling in South East Asia, people sometimes tried to take photos of me without asking. This feels uncomfortable, especially as a young female. It’s also awkward when you feel people’s eyes following you as you walk down a street.
But I think it’s equally inappropriate when tourists take photos of locals without consent. So, it’s made me even more aware of the dynamics between tourists and locals, and the need for mutual respect.
Here’s what I’ve learnt:
Embrace it (to an extent)
Part of the joy of travelling is meeting new people and experiencing new cultures. I love chatting with people and exchanging stories about countries and cultures.
It’s important to embrace our differences and share them.
So if that means that sometimes I receive curious looks, that’s ok – as long as it’s not intrusive, rude, or, predatory.
Don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself
I’ve sometimes just covered my face with my hat if people try to take a photo of me without asking. Or I go and speak to the person and explain that I don’t want a photo taken. Always keep yourself safe and do what makes you feel comfortable.
Try to learn about some local customs
It’s always valuable to have a basic understanding of local customs and culture, to try and avoid misunderstandings. When travelling in other countries, you should be respectful of local people and cultures. And more often than not, respect will be returned.
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If you’re a redhead who loves to travel, I’d love to hear your reflections, anecdotes, and experiences in the comments below! But no matter your hair colour, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below.
