After a year-and-a-half of restricted international travel, things are finally beginning to look normal again. People are slowly starting to embrace the idea of heading out the door, getting on a plane, and seeing the world again.
And almost every traveller has the same idea: go somewhere hot. After being stuck inside so long, it’s natural that people would want to venture somewhere sun-soaked and warm. It makes sense that people would flock to the crystal-blue waters of southern Mexico or the sun-bleached beaches of the Greek Islands.
However, if you plan to travel to a hot destination, you have to come prepared. Staying cool is essential to having a comfortable, safe trip. In this post, let’s review a few top tips for staying cool on your next hot weather vacation.
Pack Merino Wool
The type of clothing you pack will have a marked impact on your comfort and coolness when you travel. Weighty, synthetic fabrics like polyester don’t breathe at all, meaning all that hot sweat you excrete sticks to your body. Cotton has similar issues: it absorbs moisture and can start to smell bad very quickly.
For the perfect hot weather material, you have to look to an unexpected material: wool. More specifically, merino wool is the ultimate material for warm destinations. Unlike other wools, it is light, comfortable and soft. It is also breathable, sweat-wicking and antimicrobial, meaning it stays airy, dry and fresh smelling. Pack a pair of merino wool shorts and a merino t-shirt before you hit the beach.
Make Good Use of the Hotel Mini-Fridge
The hotel mini-fridge is your best friend in hot destinations. And it isn’t just for food and drinks, either. Place clothing in the fridge (or small freezer compartment) for a fresh way to head outdoors. Wet a towel and throw it in the freezer for a cold neck compress. Or – this is an old air stewardess’ trick – bring a sponge with you when you travel, wetting and freezing it for an on-the-go ice pack.
Get Your Electrolytes
Electrolytes are essential for replenishing the minerals and moisture in your body as you sweat. And they go a long way toward regulating your body temperature.
Luckily, you have several options for getting electrolytes. There are the classic sports drinks (pretty much anything that ends in “ade”). You can also pack electrolyte tablets, which most travel-focused stores sell. Or you can get your electrolytes from nature in drinks like fresh coconut water (which is a staple in many hot countries).
Find Shade
This tip might sound obvious, but many beachgoers neglect it. Shade from the sun helps keep you cool, unburned and relatively safe from heat exhaustion. Instead of laying a towel on the middle of the beach, find shade from a tree and make that your resting spot for the day. If you cannot find tree shade, rent or buy an umbrella.
With the right merino wool clothing, some rejuvenating electrolytes, a shady spot and a trusty mini-fridge, you can relax and enjoy your vacation comfortably and coolly.