Traveling in hot weather can be draining. The summer sun may make outdoor adventures more enjoyable, but too much time in a hot environment increases the risk of severe sunburn and dehydration. Whether you’re exploring a desert city or lounging on a tropical beach, the following tips for staying cool in the heat can make the difference between a fun trip and a miserable one.
Health Tips
The most common problems associated with traveling in hot weather are sunburns and dehydration. Here’s how to keep cool and burn-free on your travels:
Dehydration
Hot weather causes the body to sweat more, which can lead to dehydration, especially if you're not drinking enough water. Signs of heat-related dehydration include:
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Thirst
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Dry mouth
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Fatigue
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Dizziness
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Headache
Regular hydration is essential to prevent dehydration. Water is your best choice, but sports drinks with electrolytes are also acceptable, especially if you're engaging in strenuous activity. Drink before you feel thirsty, and take frequent breaks in the shade to cool down. Young children and older adults are more vulnerable to dehydration. Encourage people in these age groups to drink water regularly. You can also monitor urine output: dark urine indicates possible dehydration.
Sunburns
Prolonged sun exposure damages skin cells, causing redness and inflammation. On days with a high UV index, you can burn in as little as ten minutes. A severe sunburn can last more than ten days, and cause pain, blistering, swelling, and fever. Even a mild sunburn increases your risk of skin cancer.
To reduce your risk of sun damage, be sure to pack these hot weather essentials:
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A wide-brimmed shade hat.
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Lightweight long sleeves and pants.
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Sunglasses with UV400 protection.
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A broad-spectrum sunscreen rated SPF 30 or higher. If you’re planning a beach vacation, look for reef-safe sunscreen.
When possible, avoid sun exposure between 10.00 am and 4.00 pm. Seek shade whenever possible, and remember that reflective surfaces like water, sand, and snow can intensify UV exposure. Dehydration worsens the effects of sun exposure, so stay hydrated, and remember that UV rays can penetrate cloud cover.
Travel Smart and Light
To make your hot weather travels as comfortable as possible, use these tips for staying cool in the heat:
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Plan outdoor activities like hiking for the cooler parts of the day. Early morning and evening are usually cooler than the late morning and afternoon.
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Seek shade and air-conditioned environments for the middle of the day.
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Keep a reusable water bottle at hand. You can add electrolyte supplements to your water to help combat dehydration.
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Avoid too many drinks containing alcohol, caffeine, and sugar, which can worsen dehydration.
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Use cooling towels, damp bandanas, and portable fans to help lower your body temperature.
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Take regular breaks from outdoor activities.
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Avoid consuming food and drinks that spoil quickly in high temperatures.
You'll want to pack lightweight, breathable clothing you can layer if nighttime temperatures drop (some climates have extremely hot days but chilly nights). In addition, consider packing light and using lightweight bags to reduce the amount of baggage you need to carry in the heat. Some of our favorite hot weather essentials include:
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VersaPack®+ Compact Carry-on Spinner: A lightweight carry-on with a compression packing cube system to get the most out of your packing space.
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Maxlite® 5 Carry-On Spinner: One of our lightest wheeled carry-on suitcases, with a 2-inch tapered extension.
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Maxlite® 5 Carry-On Rolling Underseat Bag: Ideal for weekend summer getaways, with a removable wet pocket for swimwear or toiletries.
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Crew™ Classic Large Check-In Spinner: A waterproof softshell protects your belongings, while a removable fold-out suiter helps keep your clothing wrinkle-free.
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Travelpro® Altitude™ All-Purpose Full Expansion Laptop Backpack: Two packing compartments and a zippered expansion make this travel backpack an excellent alternative to bulkier suitcases.
Hot weather essentials help keep you comfortable on your travels, whether you’re booking a stay at a luxury Hawaiian resort or planning a budget-friendly weekend trip. Have fun out there, stay cool, and remember to drink your water!
