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How to Survive the Heat While on Summer Vacation

A mother and daughter at an amusement park
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If you’re heading on vacation this summer, chances are you’re going to encounter some brutal heat. Don’t sweat it, though. These essential tips and tricks will help you stay cool and comfy during your sunny adventures, whether you’re trekking through Rome or standing in line at Disney World.

Stay Hydrated

A young boy drinks water
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Dehydration can cause serious health problems and spoil your much-awaited vacation. Be sure to drink plenty of water on vacation in order to stay hydrated and avoid unpleasant dehydration symptoms like headaches and fatigue.

Besides drinking fluids, fruits and vegetables with a high water content are another great option to stay hydrated. Watermelon, cucumber, strawberries, grapefruit, and iceberg lettuce are some examples of fruits and veggies that can help you beat the heat, especially if they’re chilled.

Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Straw

An insulated water bottle keeps your drinks cool all day long.

Wear Sun-Blocking Accessories

A couple outside in the sun
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Staying safe under the sun is important, and wearing sun-blocking accessories can help protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Wide-brimmed hats offer great coverage for your face, neck, and ears, and can help regulate your body temperature.

Columbia Unisex Bora Bora Booney Fishing Hat, Black, One Size

UV protection at its best, Omni-Shade materials block UVA and UVB rays to help prevent sunburns and long-term skin damage.

Pair your hat with UV-blocking sunglasses to shield your eyes, and you’re good to go. You can also opt for lightweight, long-sleeved shirts to cover your arms and torso.

KALIYADI Polarized Sunglasses for Men and Women

Protect your eyes while you're out in the sun.

Get a Cooling Bandana

A couple outside
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Cooling bandanas are an easy way to keep cool when you have to be outside for long periods of time in the sun. To use the bandana, simply soak it in water for a few minutes, then place it on your head or shoulders to feel the cooling effect.

Compared to wearing a hat, the bandana covers a larger area, providing better relief from the heat. They are designed to wick away moisture and enhance evaporative cooling, although they can be combined with a hat for ultimate cooling protection.

CoolNES - Adjustable Cooling Bandana

This fabric stays cools for up to three hours and offers UV protection.

Never Forget Sunscreen

Someone applies sunscreen
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Never forget sunscreen when heading out on your summer vacation. The importance of sunscreen can’t be emphasized enough, especially in hot weather.

When choosing a sunscreen, make sure to opt for one with at least SPF 30 and water resistance to ensure maximum protection. Apply it regularly throughout the day, especially after swimming or sweating.

Coppertone SPORT Sunscreen Spray SPF 50

This sunscreen is water resistant for up to 80 minutes and stays on strong when you sweat.

Pack the Right Clothing

A group of friends on a road trip
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Choosing the right clothes can make a huge difference in how comfortable you feel during your summer vacation. Choose light-colored fabrics that will reflect the sun’s rays and keep you feeling cool. Darker colors absorb sunlight and will probably end up making you feel hotter.

You’ll also want to choose lightweight fabrics like cotton and linen, which are lightweight and breathable. Loose-fitting clothes also help promote air circulation and prevent excess sweating.

BALEAF Men's Sun Protection Shirts UV SPF T-Shirt

Stay comfortable all day long with our lightweight and quick-dry fabric that wicks moisture away from your skin.

Know Where to Find AC

A family inside a hotel room
Unai Huizi Photography/Shutterstock.com

When the summer heat reaches its extreme, finding air conditioning is essential to keep cool and avoid heat-related illnesses. Fortunately, many places offer AC, such as hotels, restaurants, malls, and movie theaters. When booking accommodations for summer vacations, be sure to book a place that has air conditioning.

For families visiting theme parks like Disney or Universal Studios, it’s wise to research the rides and attractions that are located inside. Visiting these areas during the hottest parts of the day will provide a refreshing break from the heat. Knowing where to find air conditioning can make a significant difference in surviving the summer heat.

JISULIFE Handheld Mini Fan

Portable fans are a good alternative to AC.

Take Afternoon Breaks

A father naps with his daughter
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One of the key ways to survive the heat of the day is to take afternoon breaks. This time is crucial as it is the hottest part of the day and the sun is at its highest point, which can cause heat-related illnesses and fatigue. Taking a break during this time will allow you to recharge with shade and cool air conditioning.

If you don’t want to take a break, be sure to limit vigorous outdoor activities during this time to prevent heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Plan indoor activities instead, like shopping or visiting indoor attractions.

Sleep Mask

Don't let annoying lights keep you awake.

Wake Up Early

A woman wakes up early
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With hot temperatures and humidity, it’s important to plan your outdoor activities carefully to avoid heat exhaustion and other issues. One of the best ways to do this is by waking up early. By taking advantage of cooler morning hours, you can beat the crowds and enjoy outdoor activities with ease.

Adjusting your sleep schedule to go to bed earlier and wake up earlier can take some getting used to, but the benefits are well worth it. You can avoid the hottest parts of the day, making your vacation experience much more enjoyable. Plus, you can take advantage of the cooler hours to explore popular attractions at your own pace and without the usual crowds.

Use Cooling Products

A family uses a portable fan for a baby
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When it comes to surviving the scorching heat of summer, you need all the help you can get, especially if your vacation involves a lot of time outdoors. Fortunately, there are plenty of cooling products available that can help you beat the heat and stay comfortable.

A portable water mister is a great way to stay cool and refreshed during a summer outing. Simply fill the container with water and mist yourself whenever you get too hot.

O2COOL Deluxe Handheld Battery Powered Water Misting Fan (Purple)

Beat the heat with a personal cooling system.

Portable fans can also help you cool down when you can’t get shelter inside. You can use paper fans that don’t require any power, or purchase small fans that can be powered by batteries or your phone.

TUNISE Portable Handheld Fan

This fan has six different speeds to keep you cool.


Don’t let the heat ruin your summer vacation. These tips and tricks will help you have a great trip without feeling like you’re melting.

Anne Taylor Anne Taylor
Anne Taylor is a writer with a BA in Journalism and a passion for storytelling. Her work has been published on a variety of websites including Mental Floss and Well + Good, and she recently published her first novel, What it Takes to Lose. When she's not writing, Anne loves to travel (19 countries and counting), spend time outside, and play with her dog, Pepper. Read Full Bio »
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