It’s fair to say that many countries around the world are experiencing summers they may not have expected twenty to thirty years ago, and the cause of that could be climate change and other varied factors. We’re not here to speculate on that of course, but we can absolutely give you some heartfelt advice for managing your time abroad.
After all, extreme heat and direct sunlight can be very affecting if you’re not used to it, and if you don’t plan for it well. Even countries you may not expect can carry heat in strange ways. The UK, for example, is known for their hot summers to feel extremely humid and pressing, even if the temperature isn’t as high as some other climates. Every building being designed to retain heat doesn’t help much.
For this reason, if you’re traveling during a scorching summer, we’d recommend some of the following tips:
Stay Hydrated & Know The Warning Signs
Drinking water constantly becomes absolutely essential when you’re dealing with heat that your body isn’t used to, and experienced travelers learn to carry water bottles everywhere because dehydration hits you faster than you think, especially when you’re walking around sightseeing all day. Your body loses water through sweating but also just through breathing in hot, dry air, so you might not realize how much fluid you’re losing until you start feeling dizzy or getting headaches.
A good strategy is to drink small amounts continually rather than waiting until you feel thirsty, because by then you’re already behind on hydration. Watch for warning signs like feeling tired, getting a headache, or noticing your urine is dark yellow, and find some shade immediately if you start feeling off.
Plan Your Activities Around The Heat
It’s fine (even smart) for you to do outdoor sightseeing early in the morning or late in the afternoon when temperatures drop, then spend the hottest part of the day somewhere with air conditioning, like museums, shopping centers, or just back at your accommodation. You’ve planned good insurance with Generali, packed well, and planned your route, so a good daily schedule when weather warnings in place shouldn’t be so difficult. This could mean getting up earlier than you normally would on vacation, but watching the sunrise over famous landmarks while it’s still cool beats struggling through crowds in blazing heat later, and you’ll thank yourself for it. You may even indulge in a local custom like a siesta.
Dress Smart And Protect Your Skin
Lightweight, loose-fitting clothes in light colors reflect heat much better than tight, dark clothing that absorbs sunlight and traps heat against your body, so natural fabrics like cotton or linen breathe better than heavier materials that can make you feel like you’re wrapped in plastic. A wide-brimmed hat is smart, even if you don’t wear hats usually, because it will protect your face and neck from direct sunlight. You should also wear sun lotion of course (yes, even if you have a darker skin tone), because this can limit some of the harsh UV rays from affecting you.
With this advice, you’re sure to travel more capably even during a scorching summer which could sap most of the energy you had otherwise if you didn’t plan ahead.
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