It's hot and summer in the northern hemisphere is not over yet. If you are planning to travel this summer to a place that is not cooling destination, prepare to sweat.
According to a recent summer weather forecast This summer is shaping up to be one of the hottest on record in the United States, according to the Weather Channel and Atmospheric G2, a weather and climate information provider. After last year, temperatures hit record highs, The hottest November in the world Since 1940, forest fires have been to burst again in Greece, and last month An American tourist was found dead and three others are missing as the country battled another heatwave. Record summer temperatures have raged across the western and eastern United States, and there is talk of the risks posed to athletes by possible heat waves at the next Olympic Games in Paris.
With temperatures rising and summer becoming a traditional season for road trip crowds, those with travel plans may be wondering how to stay cool, safe and comfortable when extreme heat has become the new norm in many destinations around the world.
Knowing some of the common mistakes to avoid when traveling in hot weather can help you get on the right track. Read on to find out some of the mistakes to avoid if you want to beat the heat and stay safe this summer.
Thinking that heat is only dangerous during peak hours of the day
It's a common misconception that heat-related risks are only present during the hottest part of the day, according to Jeff Weinstein, medical operations manager for a travel risk management and crisis response service provider. World Rescue“The fact is that any time you are ‘outside’ in a hot environment, you are at risk if you don’t properly mitigate the hazards,” he says.
According to Weinstein, the main medical risks associated with extreme heat are:
- Heat-related injuries (which include heat cramps)
- Heat exhaustion and heat stroke
- Dehydration
- Sunburn and sun exposure
And it can happen at any time of day in hot places. According to the Mayo Clinic, you in danger heatstroke if your body temperature rises to 104 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, a condition that requires emergency treatment because it can damage your brain, heart, kidneys and muscles.
Don't take heat stroke seriously
One of the most concerning medical problems associated with heat is heat stroke, says Dr. Matthew B. ShannonDirector of Community Emergency Medicine at University of Florida Health in Gainesville, Florida. “These are patients who are usually very sick,” he said, referring to people with heat stroke. “They are usually very dehydrated and, as a result, lose the ability to sweat, which is the body's very efficient mechanism for cooling us down.”
As the body's internal temperature rises, Shannon explains, the sufferer becomes confused and disoriented, which can lead to life-threatening effects and cause death quickly if steps to cool the body quickly are not taken, he says.
It’s important to call 911 (or the equivalent emergency services in your country) as soon as you see signs that someone is confused and disoriented, Shannon advises. “Get the person to the coolest place possible until EMS arrives,” he advises. “Also consider taking some clothes (and) soaking them in cold water and starting to wipe the patient down until EMS arrives.”
Patients who use diuretics, among other medications, or who have kidney disease or other medical problems may be more likely to suffer heat injury, Shannon adds.
“I would advise people to consult their primary care physician if they are going to be in extremely hot environments, where the risk of heat injury is high, based on their individual risk,” he says. And remember, children are more susceptible to heat stroke than most adults, as are older adults.
Misting fans can be counterproductive in areas of high humidity.
Not understanding how best to cool down in humid or dry heat
It's important to understand your environment and adapt your cooling methods accordingly, Weinstein says.
“In humid conditions, convection cooling (spraying water and fanning) is less effective than conduction (placing cold objects or water directly on the skin),” Weinstein explains. That’s because both convection and conduction cooling methods rely on the density and concentration of water in the air of humid or arid environments.
“When you spray water on someone and fan them, you're kind of recreating the way sweating works and trying to speed up the (cooling) process. The challenge in a humid environment is that the air is already full of water, and the spray/fan prevents the water from evaporating as easily from the skin,” he explains.
Heavy, humid air is also more difficult to move; in humid environments, ventilation is more difficult and slower due to the density of the air.
Aeration and water spraying work more effectively in arid environments as a cooling measure because dry air has more room to pick up water and moves easily through the aeration, Weinstein says.
When using conduction cooling methods to cool yourself or someone else in a humid environment, the object used can be any object that is cooler than the temperature of the environment you are in, he says.
While ice and ice packs are great for cooling down in humid environments, they're not usually readily available outdoors, he says. In that case, pour cold water over a towel or T-shirt and place it on the person's forehead or neck, Weinstein says. If you're applying ice, be sure to use a barrier between the skin and the ice, such as a thin washcloth or T-shirt. “Ice can be applied in increments and in staggered locations. Be careful not to exceed 20 minutes on any one area,” he says.
Overlooking electrolytes
While water is the most important beverage to stay hydrated, it’s also essential to replenish electrolytes during extreme heat or physical activity, Weinstein says. “Electrolyte powders or tablets are ideal as part of your rehydration practices,” he says.
If possible, you should choose an electrolyte solution that isn't too high in sugar. “Not all sports drinks are created equal. Sports drinks with high sugar content are generally not the best choice,” Shannon says. Additionally, try to avoid high-sugar sodas and caffeinated beverages, which can act as a mild diuretic and contribute to dehydration, he says. It goes without saying that alcohol should never be used as a hydration fluid.
Stur manufactures TSA-compliant water bottles containing electrolyte-filled flavor enhancer drops in new sugar-free, calorie-free flavors like Passion Fruit Guava which you can add directly to water to improve hydration. Skratch Laboratories also makes a sugar-free, low-calorie powder Daily Hydration Drink Mix with electrolytes.
Wearing clothes that are too tight
Some clothes are just not a good idea when it's hot, no matter how nice they look.
“If you're traveling to an area where you can expect high heat, plan for it and let your clothing choices reflect that,” Shannon says.
Loose clothing allows air to circulate around your body, he explains. The goal is for water vapor from sweat to pass through the fabrics you're wearing, promoting evaporation and keeping you cool.
Opt for lightweight, loose-fitting pieces like this two-piece linen-blend set from Pact (left) or this moisture-wicking button-down shirt from KÜHL (right).
Courtesy of Pact and KÜHL
When choosing the best clothes to wear, you should consider lightweight fabrics that wick moisture away from your body through the fabric to keep you cool when you sweat. Moisture-wicking fabrics also dry faster than many other fabrics.
Some options to consider are lightweight, moisture-wicking t-shirts (and even tailored shirts) from brands like 2XU And KÜHL and breathable shorts from Stio that are neither too tight nor too loose.
For more fashion than athleisure, Pact makes a blend of organic cotton and linen tulip back tank tops And setsand the highly breathable Marine Layer Cotton and hemp t-shirts are another winner.
Don't factor heat into your trip planning
It's normal to want to take full advantage of all there is to see and do in your travel destination, but be sure to consider heat-related risks ahead of time.
“If you’re traveling to new areas, consider the time of year you’re going and try to go during the cooler periods, if possible,” Shannon advises. If you can’t avoid traveling during periods of high heat, like summer, he advises, think about the time of day you plan to be outside in a warm environment. “Is there a better time to go, like early morning or evening?” he says. “A little planning can make for a pleasant travel experience. Lack of planning, preparation, and not knowing the signs of heat injury can get you into trouble pretty quickly.”
Also avoid remote areas during periods of extreme heat and be sure to carry plenty of water than you think you'll need.
“Travelers should make sure to bring enough water to stay hydrated and plan for delays in their itinerary,” Weinstein advises. “Remember to hydrate before heading out into the heat.”
If you are traveling to a remote location, whether for a day trip or longer, consider bringing extra gear, such as a satellite phone or SOS device, water collection bags to collect water from springs, a way to purify wateremergency shelter and navigation equipment, Weinstein said.
Telling someone where you are is a simple step that can also go a long way.
“Make sure your loved ones know where you are and what time you are expected back,” Shannon says.
