The hot, sticky, summer days are here and travelers are out! Enjoy the summer heat while staying cool and healthy. We are going to share some tips for our readers to keep your travel plans fun and relaxing. Enjoy!!
Keep Hydrated
Water, water, water!!! We can’t express this enough to drink plenty of water during your travels. It’s easy to become overexerted in the hot summer heat! People often forget how active they are while traveling, and can easily become dehydrated. Walking, hiking, swimming, or just sitting on the beach, the sun is out! Always pack plenty of water bottles to bring with you. If traveling by car, most rest stops provide water fountains with fresh water. Fill up at every stop! Pack a cooler with fresh water. Keep water in your backpack, purse or suitcase. The last thing you want is to arrive at a hotel and you don’t have any on hand. Remind the young ones to take frequent sips and not wait until they feel overheated to start drinking. Water is good for the mind, body and soul. Keep it stocked up and have some summer fun 🙂
Take Breaks from the sun
It’s important to take frequent breaks from being in direct sunlight. Protect your skin with a sunscreen that has a 15 SPF or higher and re-apply every 2 hours. If you’re outdoors for long periods of time, make sure to find a shaded spot. Bring a book and relax under a tree. Pack a pop-up tent to sit in on the beach. Take a break from the pool or beach and go inside a building with air conditioning. Make sure to cool your body often. Wear a brimmed hat that covers your face and don’t forget the sunglasses! Wear protective clothing that is light and breathable to help against harmful UV rays. The sun is at its strongest between 10:00am- 4:00pm.
Invest in a portable fan
Cool your body off while fighting the heat during the hot months of summer. You can find a hand size portable fan at most drugstores, Walmart or a Target store. Make sure to grab some batteries as this is how most operate 😉 Bring one on the beach or keep a couple in the car. Use
Them for a quick cool down or purchase one with a combo fan and spray attachment. Whichever you choose, it will give some relief from the heat!
Have a spray bottle on hand
A small spray bottle could be your best friend on those hot summer days! Grab one for the entire family at the Dollar General and keep it full at all times!! These come in handy for a quick cool down while walking, hiking, or on the beach. A quick mist here and there will keep you and the youngins happy and ready to play! Such an affordable little solution to make your beach day more pleasant! Be sure not to forget your family pets!! Spray your animals down frequently with cool water. This helps keep them safe from the heat too! An extra bonus, these can be a fun distraction toy for the kids 😉
Air Condition
Air Conditioning will be your best friend during the summer months. Have your home and car units checked before those 90 plus degree days hit! Make sure all of the vents are cleaned properly for fresh air flow. Before traveling by car, have all air vents, including back and side, to make sure everything is in working order. If there is warm air blowing out at any time, have your vehicle serviced. You’ll appreciate the cold, fresh air especially during those long road trips! Stay near establishments that provide air conditioning. While dining, find the most comfortable temperatures for you and your family. If it’s too warm in a restaurant that you choose, let the staff know. Generally, they will accommodate their guests. During hotel stays adjust the room temperature appropriately. Especially when young children and elderly folks are in the room. Ask the staff for assistance if the temperature in the room is too warm for you. This will help avoid any heatstroke or sickness. Listen to your body!
Pop Up Beach Tents
These are a must for families, especially with babies and young children. Pop up tents are easy to travel with and are generally quite simple to set up. Try to purchase one that doesn’t require tools to be assembled. Small tents keep your loved ones shaded from the scorching sun. They’re a great place for relaxing or putting your toddler down (and yourself) for a nice nap while enjoying the outdoors. Pop ups provide a place to enjoy a snack or play area for your children. To assist in additional shade, place a towel or light blanket or sheet loosely over the top of the tent.
Shaded Areas
Shaded areas should be taken advantage of much more than they are! Look for parks and picnic areas that have a lot of trees. Trees provide an abundance of shade and can be quite relaxing sitting beneath. Grab a blanket and a book and enjoy nature without putting yourself at risk of overheating. There are many public parks that provide trees, gardens, picnic tables, benches and grills in the shade. Look for the parks that provide a covered area to be able to sit and enjoy a nice lunch with your family. Walk along lakes and ponds to enjoy a cool breeze. Let everyone connect with nature while keeping healthy.
