Summer – the season for vacations! All year long, people are thinking of where they will spend their summer vacation. I too love to travel during the summer. But heat waves can be encountered and can impact trips. So, if you are ready to beat the heat and make the most out of your summer adventures even during hot weather, then remember that it’s important to stay cool and safe during your travels. In this article – heat wave: tips for traveling in hot weather -, I’ll be sharing some useful tips, both simpler and lesser-known, to help you navigate through a heatwave like a pro. So, grab your sunscreen, shades, and a bottle of water, and let’s dive in!

Heat Wave: Tips for Traveling in Hot Weather

It’s important to stay healthy during a heatwave and adapt your trips.

First, I recommend you plan in advance and consider the weather when choosing your summer vacation. The usual temperatures over the past years can be seen online, so you can easily see how it’ll be on your vacation and plan accordingly. And pack – as several items can be brought with you on the trip and will help you stay cool during a heat wave.

Because I am speaking of planning ahead, here are the planning tips that will help you manage heatwaves.

Book  Accommodations with Air Conditioning / Good Air Flow

The first recommendation on this list of tips for beating the heat while traveling has to do with accommodation.

I admit that this is an important criterion for me – to book accommodations with air conditioning for summer traveling (and not only.) This is extremely important especially if you’re traveling to a destination with high temperatures.

Returning to a cool and comfortable room can make a significant difference in your overall travel experience.

If you ask me, air-conditioning should be a must when booking a room for a summer vacation. Therefore, when booking accommodations, prioritize places with good ventilation and airflow. A room with windows, a balcony, or a fan can make a significant difference in keeping you comfortable and allowing fresh air circulation – especially if you cannot use the air conditioning, as I know that there are people who are sensitive to it.

Plan Indoor Attractions (especially for midday)

When you are creating your itinerary, research and include indoor attractions, such as museums, art galleries, or historical sites, in your itinerary.

Not only do these places offer a break from the heat, but they also provide opportunities for cultural enrichment and learning.

You can combine these activities with outdoor relaxing ones: spend the morning on the beach or at the pool, and then go to a museum or gallery during the day.

Take Breaks or Siestas

In hot destinations where the midday sun can be scorching, embrace the (Spanish) tradition of taking siestas.

Plan your activities early in the morning, then take a break during the hottest hours of the day. Use this time to relax, recharge, and avoid the peak heat.

Explore Underground or Cave Attractions or Salt Mines

I love going to a cave or salt mine in the summer! The regular temperature is 10-12 degrees Celsius – while outside there can be 35-40 degrees Celsius.

Romania is blessed with a few amazing caves – Bear Cave, Scarisoara, home to the oldest glacier in the world, Fortress Valley Cave (a smaller one), Pestera Muierii, and many more!

So, if your destination offers underground attractions or caves, consider visiting them. These natural formations maintain a cool temperature, providing a welcome respite from the heat above the ground.

Take Advantage of Early Morning or Nighttime Exploration

This article is titled heat wave: tips for traveling in hot weather and one of the best tips for traveling during a heatwave is to make the most of cooler temperatures by planning your outdoor activities during the early morning or late evening. This way, you can enjoy popular sights without the intensity of the midday sun.

Heatwave travel safety tips – during the trip itself

How to stay cool during a heatwave – this is an important aspect for anyone going on vacation. So let’s explore the options and see the tips for traveling in a heatwave. Discover how to stay healthy during a heat wave and how to prevent heat strokes on vacations.

Stay Hydrated

The first recommendation on this list of how to stay healthy during a heatwave is hydration. I can’t stress this enough – staying hydrated is crucial when traveling in hot weather.

Carry a reusable water bottle with you and drink water regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Opt for beverages that replenish electrolytes, such as coconut water or sports drinks, to stay refreshed and prevent dehydration.

My tip: I choose sparkling water. When it is really hot, if I am sweating, I would have with me some pills with electrolytes and I would prepare a drink per day. I buy such pills from my country (I admit I need to use them whenever it is really hot – I am not friends with the hot weather in general.)

Dress Smartly

Choosing the right clothing can make a world of difference in beating the heat.

So one of the tips for traveling in a heatwave is to opt for lightweight, loose-fitting, and breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. Light-colored clothing reflects sunlight and helps to keep you cooler.

For a few years, I saw that there are clothes (t-shirts and short pants) that reflect UVs. Worth considering, especially if you plan on spending a lot of time outdoors.

Don’t forget to wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the scorching sun.

Don’t Forget about Sunscreen

Another tip for staying healthy during the hot weather is to make sure you are wearing sun protection. We use cream with 50 as a protection factor and make sure to apply regularly the sun cream.

Always remember that protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is essential. You may have heard that The Netherlands offers it for free in various places to help prevent skin cancer!

Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF before heading out. Don’t forget to reapply it every few hours, especially after swimming or sweating. Apart from the bigger danger, even sunburn can put a damper on your trip, so lather up and enjoy the sun responsibly.

Seek Shade…

When the sun is blazing, finding shade can be a lifesaver. Look for shady spots, such as trees or umbrellas, to take a break from the direct sunlight.

… And Air Conditioning

If you have to go outdoors to many places, try to enter – from time to time – places that have air conditioning running. These places could be cafes, museums, restaurants, shops, malls, etc. Use these opportunities to explore indoor attractions or simply relax in a chilled environment during a heat wave. Tips like these may seem simple, but it is essential to prevent a heat stroke.

Local Insights

As this is a travel blog and, as you may already know, I am always recommending you to use the tips from the locals, as they can have valuable insight, The next recommendation on what to do during a heat wave on vacation is to tap into local knowledge and discover hidden gems that provide respite from the heat.

Locals often know the best spots to cool off, such as natural swimming holes, lakes, or secret beaches. Spark up conversations with the locals or do some online research to find these lesser-known oases.

Stay Cool with Cooling Accessories

Another way to stay cool during a heat wave is to use some cooling accessories. Invest in handy cooling accessories like a portable fan, cooling towel, or a personal mister.

These little gadgets can provide instant relief and help you stay comfortable even in the hottest of climates. Pack them in your day bag and beat the heat wherever you go.

You can also buy a cooling bandana or neck wrap. Soak it in water, wring out the excess, and tie it around your neck. This simple trick helps to cool the blood vessels around your neck and keeps you feeling cooler for longer.

Eat Light and Fresh

One of the most valuable tips for traveling in a heatwave is to choose light, fresh, and hydrating foods to keep your energy levels up and your body cool.

Enjoy refreshing fruits like watermelon, cucumber, and citrus fruits that are high in water content. Avoid heavy, greasy meals that can make you feel sluggish in the heat.

Adjust Your Itinerary / Plan Ahead

Maybe you didn’t expect a heatwave when on vacation because when you made plans and checked the weather, everything looked ok. Hot, but summer normal temperatures, not a heat wave.

Now, you bought the tickets and took the days off. And here you are – either just on your way to the airport/the car to go on your (road)trip. What should you do?

Do not worry. And be flexible with your plans and adapt to the weather conditions. If the heatwave is intense, consider rescheduling outdoor activities or swapping them with indoor alternatives or some that include water. Visiting museums, art galleries, or trying local cuisine indoors can still provide enriching experiences.

Ask for Taxis/Uber etc. with air conditioning

In my country (Romania) you may find taxis that are not using air conditioning. Some because they want to save money on gas, others because the drivers have problems with the air conditioning.

So one of the things to do during a heat wave is when you order a taxi/Uber/similar service to make a note that you require the vehicle to be cool and to have the air conditioning running already (not to start when you are getting into the car). You can even add the desired temperature.

Does this mean that you may find transportation harder? Perhaps – but if you are ordering a taxi/uber etc. from a cold place (a restaurant, museum, mall, etc.) then it shouldn’t be a problem for you to wait a bit more inside.

Choose Accommodations with Pool Access

When booking accommodations, consider places with swimming pool access, especially if you are looking for a relaxing holiday and not one in which you will explore many places. Taking a refreshing dip in the pool at the end of a long, hot day can be incredibly rejuvenating and help you cool off.

Conclusion

Traveling during a heatwave doesn’t have to be a daunting experience. By following these heatwave safety precautions for travelers, you can stay cool, safe, and make the most out of your summer adventure. Remember to prioritize your health, drink plenty of water, and listen to your body. So, gear up, embrace the sunshine, and create unforgettable memories while traveling in hot weather. Stay cool by useing these heat safety and preparation tips!

Photo sources: 1, 2 – own photo, 3, 4, 5, 6