If you are planning on taking a trip to any tropical locale in the summer months, be advised that mosquitoes can be a problem. You may have deluxe accommodations in a tropical getaway in anyone of the Caribbean islands or the Caribbean coast of Central America where mosquitoes are not a big concern, however, for outdoor activities, you're advised to always carry insect repellent with you. Insect repellent can make all the difference in the world in enjoying your tropical vacation.

One detail many may not be aware of is that humidity alone doesn't mean that the location you're in is infested with mosquitoes and other insects. However, heavy torrential downpours are common in the tropics during the summer which breed mosquitoes. For this reason, you should always carry insect repellent everywhere you go because it can rain anytime during the summer.

Insect repellent can be purchased virtually anywhere personal hygiene products are sold such as Walgreens, Target, and CVS. Most insect repellents are effective for use in the summer wherever insects can be a problem. However, if you are planning an extended stay in a tropical location (2 or more weeks), if would be worth your effort to do some research on the best insect repellent to purchase since you will need to use the insect repellent several times a day. There are several consumer guides you can peruse through, some of which are available on-line. One recommended site is www.consumersearch.com. There you will find a selection of repellents that are reviewed, with pros and cons listed. Additionally, there is an analysis for every product where you may find comparisons between brands.