5 Tips to Stay Cool in Hot Countries

Travelling in hot countries can be hard work, especially for visitors from cooler climates. Whatever you do, don’t set off without reading this essential guide to keeping cold when everything around you is hot.

5. Sunglasses
It may sound foolish, but believe it or not, a large pair of sunglasses will do more than you could ever have imagined possible to keep you out of the brightest and hottest rays. Not only will sunglasses enable you to stave off the worst of the glare, large models will also shield much of your face from the sun. This can be a great bonus for people with paler skin and who burn easily.

4. Baseball Cap
Again, it might sound like wishful thinking, but a baseball cap can make all the difference between dying of heatstroke and having a comfortable and memorable (for all the right reasons) experience. The trick is not to rely on the shade provided by the hat – although this is definitely useful. Make sure to wet the cap at every opportunity and you will find that the evaporating moisture will make a major difference to your level of comfort.

3. You Can’t Run, But You Can Hide
There is no use trying to outrun the sun. You are far better off finding somewhere to hide during the hottest part of the day, just as most of the locals will – there is definitely an element of bravado amongst some tourists when the sun is burning bright, but you will have a far more comfortable and enjoyable stay if you get indoors or at least in heavy shade.

2. Steer Clear of the Sauce
As terrible as it sounds, it is best to avoid alcohol altogether if you are travelling a lot in really hot countries. That’s not to say that you can’t get merry when you have nothing at all planned for the following day – but mixing a hangover with heat-related dehydration is a recipe for disaster. It is not unheard of for tourists to die doing exactly that.

1. Drink Lots
…And lots and lots and lots and lots. And splash yourself with cold water as regularly as possible. Any worries you have of looking ridiculous by walking around dripping water all over the place will soon be allayed when you realise the alternative is to… walk around dripping sweat all over the place. In all seriousness, staying hydrated should be your top priority, especially if you are travelling in countries like Australia or continents like Africa where temperatures regularly exceed 30 degrees.