Thirteen Ways to Travel Safely During a Heat Wave and Still Have a Wonderful Time
You’ve booked your trip. You’re all excited to go. You keep looking at the weather and it is boiling hot!
For example, Phoenix has had over 31 consecutive days of over 110-degree weather. Recently, the Acropolis in Rome had to be closed to visitors due to extreme heat. All over the United States, Europe, and Asia, it is sizzling.
You can still travel and have a great time while being safe. Here are steps you can take to avoid heat-related illnesses and still have a safe and wonderful trip:
Most important: Stay hydrated. Always have water available to drink. By the time you are feeling thirsty, you are already experiencing dehydration. It is crucial to keep ahead of being dehydrated. Keep sipping and drinking water throughout the day even if you don’t feel thirsty.
2. Avoid overindulging in caffeine-loaded drinks and alcohol.
3. Dress to Keep Cool. Wear light-colored, lightweight, loose-fitting cottons, linens, and other fabrics that let your body breathe. Many synthetics while feeling light in weight will make you perspire and feel uncomfortable. Bring a hat, and a light-weight umbrella to keep the sun off your head. Consider wearing footwear that breathes. Avoid any tight-fitting clothes.
Keep the back of your neck covered to protect against sunburn and to help keep your head cool.
4. Wear Sunglasses. It is important to protect your eyes from harmful UVA and UVB rays. The risk of dry eye increases during hot weather. Eye drops can help keep your eyes lubricated.
5. Use Cooling Accessories. There are all kinds of cooling scarves, headbands, towels, and even hats with miniature fans that will help to keep you cool. You can also take a battery-operated hand fan or one that fits around your neck. Some are fitted with a mister. In general, if you can keep your neck and head cool, you will be more comfortable.
Take a washcloth, and moisten it with cold water. If possible you might be able to put a small cooling plastic cube inside and put it in a plastic bag. Use the cool washcloth to stay comfortable throughout the day.
Take a packet of moisturizing towelettes, such as Wash and Dry, and use them frequently to cool off. Because they are small, they can easily fit into a pocket or purse. Daiso, Dollar Store, Costco are among the stores that sell different brands of towelettes.
If you find you are feeling really warm and uncomfortable, find a bathroom where you can splash water on your face, neck, and elbows. This will help to cool you off.
6. Avoid the sun. Stay in the shade. Try to plan your activities, especially if they are outdoors, as early in the morning as possible or in the evening. If you are walking to inside activities, try walking on the shady side of the street and take rests along the way.
If you have to wait for a bus, make sure that you have a hat and/or umbrella to cover your head. Umbrellas can make a several-degree difference in the temperature you are feeling.
7. Use Sunscreen: Make sure to apply sunscreen with an SPF to protect your skin from harmful UV sun rays. Apply the sunscreen to all parts of your skin. do this several times a day. Wear lightweight long sleeved shirts and long pants to protect arms and legs.
8. Hotel air-conditioned? Check to see if your hotel is air-conditioned. If you are traveling abroad, many hotels and inns are very old and do not have air-conditioning. Will you be able to sleep at night if your room is extremely warm?
9. Know your limitations. If you are an older person, have a physical condition, or know you don’t do especially well in heat, take care to be extra care.
10. Monitor the weather forecasts.
11. Know the Signs of Heat-Related Illnesses such as heatstroke and heat exhaustion. These may include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and fainting. If you or someone else experiences these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
12. If you are traveling by car, make sure your car is in good repair.
Take a cooler with plenty of water and some snacks. Have a cell phone charger and an emergency kit.
Never let your gas or electric charge get so low that you have to start frantically looking for a service station. Map out where you will stop to refuel before you start your trip or drive to your next destination.
13. Never hike alone. Even if you are an experienced hiker, in extreme heat, your physical condition can change quickly. Make sure you have amply water, take snacks to keep you energy up and take frequent breaks.
Check in at the ranger station before you start your hike. Know the park or trail conditions before you begin. Don’t over expose yourself if there is no shade.
You can still travel and have an amazing and safe adventure if you plan ahead and take some simple precautions.
You’ve got this! Now let’s go travel!
