Heat waves are becoming more common. Here’s how to stay cool while traveling.
Is the classic, carefree summer vacation facing extinction? Last year was the hottest summer on record in the Northern Hemisphere—Spain, the world’s second-most-visited country, endured three heat waves in just four months. To ace a summer trip in 2024, you must do more than stay hydrated and diligently apply (and reapply) sunscreen. We asked pros how to navigate the new normal of sweltering travel.
When packing, focus on light-colored, loosefitting clothes made from breathable fabrics. Also necessary? Accessories. Squeeze in a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, but also consider a rechargeable hand-held fan, a travel parasol and a bandanna you can soak in cold water when things get desperate.
A fitness tracker can help you track vitals for symptoms of heat stroke and heat exhaustion. It’s easy to forget to check in on your body when exploring a destination. Look for a travel insurance policy that covers weather (not all do), though even those probably won’t cover heat waves.
Sensible Weather, which describes itself as a “climate-risk tech company," reimburses travelers for certain bookings disrupted by weather. It recently partnered with the luxury resort Collective Hill Country in central Texas to offer a “high temperature guarantee," for an extra fee, letting guests get their money back if the temperature exceeds a certain threshold. In some of the world’s sunniest places—southern Spain, Italy, Greece—the afternoon siesta is a way of life.
Tourists would do well to follow the locals’ lead, and shift outdoor activities to early morning and evening. Lee Thompson, co-founder of Flash Pack, an adventure-travel outfit, says that the company always draws up contingency plans for hot weather. After a particularly hot summer
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