Scientists Say We Need More Sun, So Let’s All Go to the Beach

By Cailey Rizzo
November 22, 2016

Perhaps it’s our penchant for hyperbole, but following a study published in the Journal of Dermo-Endocrinology, we’re booking flights for sunnier cities ASAP.

Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Study revealed that 32 percent of Americans suffer from Vitamin D deficiency. And the study estimates that about 13 percent of American deaths could be attributable to lack of Vitamin D.

But before anybody talks about the Vitamin D supplements they’re taking: The researchers of the study said that no pill is a good substitute for time spent in the sun.

So it seems like the only solution is to get out to sunnier places. (Especially after Daylight Saving Time.) Here are some ideas for where to go to get your Vitamin D counts back where they should be.

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Charleston, South Carolina

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Charleston experiences 211 days of sunshine every year—about half of which are completely sunny. The city’s Waterfront Park is the perfect place to soak up some rays and—if the sun gets to be too much—wade through the famed Pineapple Fountain.  

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Barcelona, Spain

Gunnar Knechtel

Barcelona has 2,524 hours of sunshine every year. Book a flight to Spain’s southern city for a taste of tapas, sunny stroll down Las Ramblas and shock of Vitamin D to your system. Visitors should check out Guadi’s (nearly finished) Sagrada Familia to experience what sunshine looks like pouring through stained glass.

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Cape Town, South Africa

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Head to Cape Town to experience beaches, surf and plenty of time in the sun. The city is home to some of South Africa’s best national parks and outdoor activities for all tastes—whether you’re into shopping, hiking or wildlife spotting. November through February are the best times to visit to maximize on sunshine.

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Palawan, Philippines

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The Philippines’ Palawan Island is home to some of the country’s biggest tourist attractions, including the capital, Puerto Princesa. Visitors to the island can traverse jungles, scale mountains or relax on a beach. The island experiences its most sun from April to June.

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Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

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For those that are in need of sun and biodiversity, book a trip to Darwin’s favorite islands. The Galapagos Island experience an average of 2,300 hours of sunshine every year, but sometimes that number is upwards of 4,300.

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Seychelles

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Seychelles is famed for its pristine beaches and water activities. Those looking to scuba dive, fish or hang out with turtles on a beach should book a flight to the African island country. It’s even possible book a guest house directly on the beach, for those interested in soaking up as much sun as humanly possible.

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Kauai, Hawaii

Peter Frank Edwards

Hawaii’s oldest island has a variety of natural features to delight every type of person looking to spend time outdoors. Kauai has lush valleys, cliffs, mountains, waterfalls, rainforests, rivers and beaches. Spend time hiking, ziplining or just tanning. The island is sunny 59% of the time, so there should be plenty of warm days to do it all.

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