Heat waves during the summer months are becoming increasingly common, and as a traveler, you’re more likely to find yourself vacationing in extreme heat than ever before. While extreme weather of any kind shouldn’t be taken lightly, with careful planning, exceptionally high temperatures don’t have to ruin your vacation. Here are seven useful tips for traveling during a heat wave, to help you still enjoy your trip no matter the temperature.
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Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water is essential whenever you travel, but especially if you intend to be out and about during periods of sustained high temperatures. It’s a good idea to avoid drinks containing caffeine and alcohol, which have a dehydrating effect. If you need to replace fluids quickly, consider drinks containing electrolytes or rehydration salts, which help to restore levels of sodium, magnesium, and potassium that have been depleted as you sweat.
Dress To Keep Cool
Natural fabrics such as cotton and linen can feel more comfortable during a heat wave because they tend to be breathable and allow air to circulate close to the skin. In general, lightweight fabrics are better at hanging loosely, so avoid heavyweight clothing such as denim, as well as synthetics (except those that are designed to wick away moisture from the skin).
Interestingly, choosing whether to wear black or white clothing may not matter as much as you might think, according to the BBC. Though we’re conditioned to opt for white because of its reflective properties, some of the heat we’re trying to cope with comes from our own bodies. So while white clothing does reflect some heat from the sun, it also absorbs heat from our own bodies. If you’re trying to beat the heat, first make sure your garment is loose-fitting.
Be Flexible With Your Plans
While you might have planned to save your sightseeing until after you’ve enjoyed a leisurely breakfast, if you find yourself traveling during a heat wave, this might not be the most prudent move. Instead, you may want to get up early and sightsee in the early morning, when it’s cooler, and then head indoors as the temperatures rise for a restorative, Spanish-style siesta. You can head out again in the late afternoon when the heat starts to dissipate. If members of your group might be vulnerable to extreme heat, consider postponing or canceling all or part of your trip to avoid putting them at risk.
Research Shady Spots
Even making small changes such as walking along sidewalks on the shady side of a city street or remaining under an awning while eating lunch can help you avoid the worst of the heat. In some countries, such as Japan or South Korea, it’s common to see people carrying parasols or umbrellas as they walk around to protect them against the sun, so you may want to pack one in your suitcase. If you’re traveling in a heat wave, seek out shade wherever possible in order to avoid sunburn or heatstroke, and act quickly if you begin to feel uncomfortable.
Max Out on Suitable Attractions
Just as you might head indoors on a rainy day, an air-conditioned museum or other indoor attraction can be a blessing in a heat wave. Alternatively, seek out coastal spots where you might benefit from an onshore breeze or attractions at higher elevations. For example, in Palm Springs, the temperature at the top of the aerial tramway is typically 30 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than at the bottom, allowing you to trade the desert heat for refreshing mountain air.
Choose Your Accommodations Carefully
When researching potential accommodations for a summer trip, think about how effective it will be at keeping you cool if there’s a heat wave. This doesn’t necessarily mean you should rule out places without air conditioning or ceiling fans, though. In some places where inner courtyards are the norm, such as Morocco’s traditional riads, the building’s architecture will help keep things cool. Before you head out to explore, draw your room’s curtains during the day to keep heat from warming the room and, if there’s no A/C, open windows at night when the temperatures fall to let cooler air in.
Schedule Your Trip for Shoulder Season
Instead of taking a vacation where you may need to cope with a heat wave, you may be able to avoid it altogether with some careful planning. In 2024, a report from the MasterCard Economics Institute noted a growing trend to avoid peak season travel in Europe. As summers become increasingly hot, months such as May and September become an attractive proposition for a vacation. This strategy also has an added benefit — you’ll encounter fewer tourists (at least for now) compared with during peak season, meaning popular visitor attractions should be less crowded.
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