I could not recommend this hat more. It’s cute, practical, foldable for travel, comes in different colors, is comfy, is size-adjustable, and it’s affordable. UV UPF50 as well!!!
FURTALK Womens Beach Sun Straw Hat UV UPF50 Travel Foldable Brim Summer UV Hat https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079NC3YK4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_-UpdFbAZFZ9TK
Dear God do not go to a tanning bed. Like others said, wear lots of sunscreen. To "prep" yourself, get sun protective clothes that you would actually wear. There are plenty of brands that have UV protective lightweight clothing that doesn't look like the classic rash guard you typically think of, but actual regular looking shirts (Columbia, Free Fly Apparel, Solbari, to name a few. Random ones on Amazon as well but these tends to look like athletic material) and wide brim hats (I like this packable, fashionable one - https://www.amazon.com/FURTALK-Womens-Travel-Foldable-Summer/dp/B079NC3YK4?th=1 ). I would definitely get at least one lightweight sun protective hoodie because though I'm in one of the hottest regions in Costa Rica, sometimes buildings have AC or the rainy nights can get cool. Also high altitudes are cooler and it would be good to be prepared for different microclimas. I also have a sun protective umbrella that I use for walking to and from school that I use all the time for rain too.
Also just so you know, do not eat citrus in the sun or cut or roll limes without washing your hands really well before going into the sun. Someone in my cohort (redhead) got a bad blistering burn that had to be bandaged daily.
I like this one so much, I bought two - one for work (I walk between buildings a lot), and one for home!
I got this one instead. It’s smaller but came in perfect condition, not floppy and not folded. I love it: FURTALK Womens Beach Sun Straw... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079NC3YK4?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share