It is the time of the year when summer travel is in full swing but if you are heading to destinations that are currently going through a heatwave, it is important to prepare yourself to deal with high temperatures. Here’s our guide to how you can beat the heat.
How to keep the body cool while travelling during a heatwave?
Whether you are planning a beach getaway, a desert adventure or a nature expedition, having the right travel essentials can make your trip a comfortable one, even during high temperatures. Here are a few tips to help you tackle a heatwave during your travels.
Hydration is the key
Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration throughout your journey. Carry reusable water bottles at all times and avoid sugary drinks and alcoholic beverages, as they might increase the chances of dehydration.
Carry portable fans
Not every place on your itinerary will guarantee air conditioning. Consider carrying battery-powered portable fans or hand fans to relax in its cooling breeze on a hot day.
Start your trip early in the day
Mornings are the coolest time to travel when the effects of the heatwave are significantly low. If you are taking a flight or train or hitting the road in your car, consider leaving home in the early hours of the day for a comfortable journey.
Plan activities carefully
Dragging yourself across multiple places and engaging in various activities is the last thing you should be doing during a heatwave. Include fewer activities in your itinerary and group them based on location and proximity to one another to avoid long and tiring journeys in the scorching heat.
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Reduce sun exposure
Carry umbrellas and wear wide-brimmed sunhats while exploring places during the day to limit sun exposure as much as possible.
Heatwave travel essentials to carry on your summer escapade
Choosing the right outfits is imperative to stay cool and comfortable when travelling during a heatwave. Opt for breathable and lightweight clothes made from natural fabrics, such as cotton and bamboo. These not only allow air circulation but also absorb moisture in sweltering conditions. They reduce perspiration and prevent excessive heat retention as well. Additionally, go for light-coloured apparel, as they are good heat and light reflectors.
Image credit: MyTheresa
Image credit: MyTheresa
Taking care of your skin even during vacations is crucial. Failing to do so can result in major sunburns and severe tanning. Ensure you are using broad-spectrum face and body sunscreens, as they shield against both UVA and UVB rays, which can be harmful to the skin. If you have water-based activities planned in your itinerary, consider opting for water-resistant options for added protection. Remember to reapply sunscreen every two hours to keep your skin protected at all times.
Image credit: Sephora
Image credit: Sephora
Air conditioning on the go sounds too good to be true in the midst of this heatwave. The neck air conditioner is an innovative product that makes travelling and exploring during extreme heat comfortable. It is your perfect portable solution for instant relief from heat and humidity. Wear it around your neck and enjoy the refreshing breeze created by advanced cooling technology.
Image credit: Amazon
Image credit: Amazon
Bid adieu to single-use plastic bottles and welcome reusable ones that not only look cool but also keep your water and juices cold. Such bottles are your ideal hydration companion while on the move. While choosing one, look for features like double-wall insulation and leak and spill-proofing. Many of these cool water bottles also include instant water purification technology, allowing you to have clean water at all times.
Image credit: Amazon
Image credit: Amazon
Travelling during the heatwave can lead to several skin-related issues, and excessive oiliness is one of them. This can clog your pores and make your skin feel sticky. Blotting paper is a fantastic solution that can aid in such situations. These are thin sheets made from wood pulp that works wonders in managing excess facial oil and shine. When you feel your skin is excessively oily or sweaty, a quick dab of the blotting paper on your face can do wonders to remove that unwanted oil without messing up your makeup. The result is fresh skin that stays shine-free throughout the day.
Image credit: Sephora
Image credit: Sephora
Prolonged exposure to sunlight can lead to eye discomfort. Consider carrying a cold eye compress that can feel incredibly soothing. Whether your eyes feel tired because of long hours in the sun, dealing with allergies, or just puffy, this simple remedy can work wonders. Gently place the chilled eye compress over your closed eyes for instant relief, and notice a reduction in redness and puffiness. It’s a great way to relax and rejuvenate your eyes, leaving you feeling refreshed.
Image credit: Amazon
Image credit: Amazon
Travelling for long hours can lead to dry and flaky skin. Stay refreshed with a hydrating facial spray that’s perfect for whenever you need a quick pick-me-up. While opting for one, look for refreshing ingredients, such as aloe vera, cucumber or hyaluronic acid, that can deliver an instant burst of moisture, leaving your skin feeling nourished and plump.
Image credit: Sephora
Image credit: Sephora
A cooling towel is a must-have accessory for activities in hot weather. Made from special materials that retain water while remaining dry to the touch, it provides instant relief when wrapped around the neck or forehead, effectively lowering body temperature. Ideal for heatwave travel, the cooling towel offers a refreshing and portable solution to stay cool and comfortable on the go.
Image credit: Amazon
Image: Courtesy Amazon
Heat and humidity can often lead to unruly and frizzy hair. This specialised treatment infused with nourishing oils and proteins works to smoothen hair cuticles, reducing frizz and flyaways. It locks in moisture and shields the hair from humidity by creating a protective barrier, giving you silky and frizz-free hair.
Image credit: Sephora
Image credit: Sephora
Sun hats are vital for travelling during a heatwave, as it protects from harmful UV rays. With wide brims, they shield your face, neck and ears from direct sun rays, reducing the risk of skin damage and health issues. Moreover, they are stylish, practical and complement most outfits, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors.
Image credit: MyTheresa
Image credit: MyTheresa
SPF lip balm is a crucial skincare product that safeguards the lips from harmful UV rays. It prevents sunburn, chapping and reduces the risk of premature ageing and skin cancer. With its moisturising properties and sun protection factor, it keeps lips soft, healthy and shielded from the Sun’s damaging effects.
Image credit: Amazon
Image credit: Amazon
Travelling during the heatwave implies long hours outdoors with direct or indirect exposure to the Sun. This significantly increases the chances of skin-related issues that sunscreen alone cannot prevent. This is where an after-sun spray comes in handy. These products are specifically curated to nourish and heal the skin post sun exposure. They hydrate the skin and minimise the harmful effects of UV rays.
Image credit: Amazon
Image credit: Amazon
(Hero image credit: Taryn Elliott/Pexels; Featured image credit: Leah Kelley/Pexels)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Answer: Yes, cooling skincare products, such as under-eye patches, can reduce puffiness or dark circles around the eyes while travelling.
Answer: You can check the instruction and maintenance manual to know about how often you should clean portable cooling appliances such as neck air conditioners and battery-powered fans.
Written By
Nikita Mazindar Baruah
An anthropology graduate, Nikita started her journey in writing and editing while she was still a student. She has worked with various agencies and brands, creating content in lifestyle, entertainment, travel and wellness space. She aspires to travel the world and explore food, culture and more while penning it all down to share with the world.
