Take along a handful of bandages in your suitcase -- your feet will thank you when those new boots you just had to have are giving you blisters the size of a southern belle's oversized pearls.

Ah, the desert. The dry climate of the desert is known for its healing properties and booming pool business. Yes, you're poolside, and yes, you want to look tan, but that doesn't mean you should burn. Since you'll probably be spending the majority of the day relaxing by the pool, don't forget to apply on your scalp and the tops of the ears. You'll thank yourself later when you aren't screeching from the steam of your after-pool shower touching your lobster-like skin.

Dermatologists recommend using sunscreen with SPF of at least 30 and reapplying every two hours. Keep in mind that a super-high SPF doesn't mean you should reapply half as often. Sunscreen with SPF 100 protects you from only about three percent more UVB rays than SPF 30 sunscreen does.

Speaking of not burning, definitely bring a sunless tanner to keep your glow going. That way, you won't be tempted to forego sunscreen. (Trust us, that never ends well.) Don't forget to bring a pumice stone -- they're great for correcting any heavy-handed mistakes, like Oompah Loompah-colored ankles, elbows, hands and feet. Use it sparingly on the rest of your skin, though, since a pumice stone will rub you raw if used too enthusiastically. For removing color on delicate skin, try rubbing a damp washcloth and soap or even sugar over the orange areas -- room service, anyone?

A night out in Vegas or Palm Springs after spending all day in the sun is the one time it's perfectly understandable if you skip your normal nighttime skin regimen. Just do your skin a favor and strategically place some makeup wipes on your nightstand before you start in on the minibar beverages. In addition to creating a breeding ground for bacteria, and thus, acne, makeup is like flypaper for environmental pollutants. So even if you're not prone to breakouts, your makeup-clad skin clings to debris, causing free radical formation, which -- you guessed it -- accelerates skin aging.

Rub a treatment oil on your dry ends before you head out to the pool, then put your hair in a bun while you're relaxing. The desert heat will help the oil penetrate your strands. Consider it the DIY version of an expensive hotel spa treatment. Almond oil not only repairs split ends and moisturizes your strands with vitamins A and E and essential fatty acids, it also protects from UV rays. (It has a natural SPF of about 5.) Pass the almond oil, please!