It’s hot weather, and summer in the Northern Hemisphere is not even close to ending yet. If you’re planning on traveling anywhere other than a coolcation destination this summer, prepare to sweat.
This summer is on track to be the hottest in U.S. history, according to a recent summer forecast by The Weather Channel and weather and climate information provider AtmosphericG2. Last year saw the hottest November since 1940, wildfires again erupted in Greece, and one American tourist was killed and three went missing last month as the U.S. was hit by another heat wave. Record summer temperatures are hitting the western and eastern U.S., sparking debate over whether the heat wave will pose a danger to athletes at the upcoming Paris Olympics.
With temperatures rising and summer being a popular season for large numbers of travelers to traditionally hit the road, people planning a trip may be wondering how to stay cool, safe and comfortable as scorching heat becomes the new normal in many destinations around the world.
Knowing some common mistakes to avoid when traveling during hotter months can help you stay safe. If you want to beat the heat and travel safely this summer, read on to find out some mistakes to avoid.
Thinking that heat is dangerous only during peak daytime hours
Jeff Weinstein, medical operations manager at travel risk and crisis response provider Global Rescue, points out that it’s a common misconception that you’re only at risk of heatstroke during the hottest times of the day. “In reality, any time you’re ‘on the road’ in a hot environment you’re at risk if you don’t properly mitigate the risk,” Weinstein says.
According to Weinstein, the main medical risks associated with extreme heat are:
- Heat stroke (including heat cramps)
- Heat exhaustion and heat stroke
- dehydration
- Sunburn and sun exposure
And in hot places, these symptoms can occur at any time of the day. According to the Mayo Clinic, if your body temperature rises above 104 degrees Fahrenheit, you’re at risk for heat stroke, which requires emergency medical treatment because it can cause damage to the brain, heart, kidneys, and muscles.
Don’t take heat stroke seriously
Dr. Matthew B. Shannon, director of regional emergency medicine at the University of Florida Health Center in Gainesville, Fla., says heat stroke is one of the most worrisome heat-related conditions. “Patients with heat stroke are usually very ill,” he says of those who suffer from heat stroke. “They’re usually severely dehydrated, and therefore have lost the ability to sweat, which is the body’s very efficient mechanism for cooling down.”
Shannon explains that a rise in core body temperature can make a patient confused and disoriented, which can become life-threatening and quickly lead to death unless steps are taken to cool the body quickly.
If you see signs that someone is confused or disoriented, it’s important to call 911 (or the equivalent emergency service in your state) immediately, says Shannon. “Move the person to a cooler place if possible while you wait for emergency personnel. [emergency medical services] “Consider soaking clothing in cold water and beginning to dry the person off until emergency responders arrive,” he says.
Shannon added that patients who take medications such as diuretics, or who have kidney disease or other medical conditions, may be more susceptible to heatstroke.
“If you’re in a very hot environment where you’re at risk for heatstroke, I encourage you to talk to your doctor about your personal risks,” he says. And remember that children are more susceptible to heatstroke than most adults, as are older adults.
In humid areas, misting fans can be counterproductive.
Not sure how best to cool down in the humid heat or dry heat?
It’s important to understand your environment and tailor your cooling methods accordingly, Weinstein says.
“In humid environments, convection cooling (spraying or fanning with water) is less effective than conduction cooling (placing a cold object or water directly on the skin),” Weinstein says, because the cooling methods of convection and conduction are based on the density and concentration of water in the air in humid and dry environments.
“When you spray someone with water and fan them, you’re essentially replicating the effects of sweating and trying to speed up the[cooling]process. The problem with humid environments is that the air is already full of moisture, so spraying or fanning someone with water makes it harder for moisture to evaporate from the skin,” he says.
Moist air is harder to move, and in humid environments the density of the air makes it harder for fans to work, and they run slower.
In dry environments, fans or water sprays can be more effective at cooling the air, Weinstein says, because dry air has more room to absorb moisture and fanning it helps move the air around more easily.
When using conduction cooling to cool yourself or others in humid environments, the object you use can be any object that is cooler than the environment you’re in, he says.
Ice or ice packs are great for cooling in humid environments, but they’re not usually easy to come by when you’re outdoors, says Weinstein. In that case, Weinstein says you can soak a towel or shirt in cold water and place it on the forehead or back of the neck of the affected area. If you do apply ice, be sure to put a barrier between the skin and the ice, like a thin towel or T-shirt. “You can space out the ice and stagger it around, but be careful not to keep it on the same spot for more than 20 minutes,” Weinstein says.
Overlooking electrolytes
While drinking water is the most important way to stay hydrated, Weinstein says it’s also important to replenish electrolytes when you’re in extreme heat or when you’re physically exerting yourself. “Ideally, you should take electrolyte powders or tablets as part of your hydration regimen,” he says.
Preferably, choose an electrolyte solution that isn’t extremely high in sugar. “Not all sports drinks are the same, and those with high sugar content are usually not the best choice,” says Shannon. Additionally, avoid sugary carbonated or caffeinated drinks, which can act as mild diuretics and lead to dehydration. It goes without saying that you should never use alcohol as a rehydration fluid.
Stur makes TSA-safe Water Flavor Enhancer drop bottles packed with electrolytes in new sugar-free, calorie-free flavors like Passion Fruit Guava that can be added directly to water for a boost in hydration, and Skratch Labs also makes Hydration Everyday Drink Mix, a powder with electrolytes, sugar-free, and low in calories.
Wearing clothes that are too tight
There are some clothes you just shouldn’t wear when it’s hot, no matter how good they look.
“If you’re traveling to an area where high temperatures are expected, make sure you choose your clothing with that in mind,” Shannon says.
Wearing loose clothing allows air to circulate around your body, he says, allowing water vapor from sweat to pass through the fabric you’re wearing, encouraging evaporation and keeping you cool.
Opt for lightweight, loose-fitting pieces, like this linen-blend two-piece set from Pact (left) and this moisture-wicking button-up from KÜHL (right).
Courtesy of Pact and KÜHL
When choosing the best clothing, consider lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics that wick moisture away from your body so you stay cool even when you sweat. Moisture-wicking fabrics also dry faster than many other fabrics.
Some options to consider include lightweight, moisture-wicking t-shirts (or even tailored shirts) from brands like 2XU or KÜHL, and breathable shorts from Stio that aren’t too tight or too loose.
If you’re looking for something more fashion-forward than athleisure, Pact makes tulip-back tank tops and sets in an organic cotton and linen blend, and Marine Layer offers a breathable hemp-cotton tee.
Not taking the heat into account when planning your trip
Of course, you want to make the most of all there is to see and do when you travel, but be sure to consider the risks posed by heat beforehand.
“If you’re traveling to a new area, consider the time of year you’re going and try to visit during cooler months, if possible,” says Shannon. If you can’t avoid traveling during peak heat periods, such as summer, consider the time of day you plan to be out in a hot environment, he says. “Is there a good time to be there, like early morning or evening?” he says. “A little bit of planning can help you have an enjoyable travel experience. Poor planning, poor preparation, and not recognizing the signs of heatstroke can quickly get you in trouble.”
Avoid remote areas during hot weather and bring more water with you than you think you’ll need.
“Travelers should bring enough water to effectively hydrate and factor in delays in their travel plans,” Weinstein says. “Don’t forget to hydrate before heading out into the heat.”
If you’re traveling somewhere far away, whether it’s a day trip or an extended trip, Weinstein says, consider bringing extra gear like a satellite phone or SOS device, a water collection bag to collect water from sources, a way to purify the water, an emergency shelter and navigation equipment.
Telling someone where you are is also a simple step that can make a big difference.
“Make sure your loved ones know where you are and what time you plan to return,” says Shannon.
