With heatwaves becoming the norm around the world, here’s how to cope and stay safe when traveling in extreme heat conditions.

The world is seeing hotter temperatures, year after year. In June 2024, temperatures in Mecca reached 125°F (52°C), causing hundreds of fatalities among Hajj pilgrims. And the western and southern US experienced record-breaking heatwaves in late June and early July this year. It goes without saying that when the weather heats up, it’s important to stay hydrated; but water isn’t the only factor in staying cool in the extreme heat. Here’s what you need to know about staying safe and hydrated when traveling in hot climates and unusually hot weather.

Stay hydrated

Regardless of how long you’ll be in the sun, it’s crucial to always to bring sufficient water along. If you do a lot of hiking, you may even want to invest in a hydration pack, which is basically a mini backpack with a removable “water bladder” inside. A tube connects the water bladder to a mouthpiece, which runs up and along one of the backpack’s straps so you can easily sip while walking. These hydration packs come in different sizes and can usually accommodate some snacks, your phone, and perhaps a light jacket. Many large backpacker-style backpacks also have a hydration sleeve to slide the bladder in, so you don’t have to purchase separate bladders for different backpacks.

If a hydration pack isn’t your style (or it’s not in your budget), there’s nothing wrong with packing good old-fashioned reusable water bottles. If you’ll need more water than you can or want to carry that day, bring a high-quality water filter so you can drink from streams, rivers, and questionable public water sources. Some travelers like to bring one large water bottle or canteen, but I like to bring several small ones since I think they’re easier to whip out and drink from.

Most backpacks have side pockets that can accommodate water bottles; if not, you can throw them inside if they are leak-proof. You could also attach bottles to your backpack or hip pouch using a carabiner if your bottles have handles. If you want to combine the convenience of small water bottles and the easy access of a hydration pack’s sip tube, you can buy a holster attachment for your backpack’s front strap to store your bottle right on your chest. And, while insulated bottles aren’t necessary, ice-cold water is especially refreshing during a long hot hike.

Also, remember that as important as drinking water is when you’re active outdoors, it’s just as important to replenish electrolytes if you’re doing strenuous activities. Electrolyte supplements help restore the salt and minerals lost through sweat, which helps prevent fatigue. Instead of buying pre-made energy drinks, which are full of artificial colors and flavors and which come in earth-destroying plastic bottles, you can purchase small electrolyte tabs that you simply drop into your water to dissolve.

Travel with snacks

Though overeating can make you feel extra sluggish and uncomfortable in extremely hot weather, getting enough calories in your system to fuel your adventures is important. Always eat breakfast if you’re heading out on a hike or an action-packed day, and bring along snacks to munch on when you get hungry. While headaches and dizziness are often a symptom of dehydration, they can also be a symptom of low blood sugar. If you begin to feel lightheaded, it’s time to drink and eat up. In fact, it’s past the time you should have been drinking and eating, so you really need to pause, take a break, and start sipping and snacking.

Take regular activity breaks

If an adventure is really that good, it’s possible you might not take enough breaks. After all, the trail is just another mile long, you want to finish before sunset, or you’re having so much fun that you simply forget to stop. If it’s very hot outside, it’s imperative that you stop regularly, even if you don’t feel tired, hungry, or thirsty. If there is shade, find it and sit down for a few minutes; you’ll be surprised by how refreshed you can feel after only a few minutes of resting in the shade. Use the break to throw another electrolyte tab in your water, eat an apple or granola bar, or just relax and breathe. If you’re out with someone who moves faster than you, don’t feel embarrassed to let them know you need a break. It may not occur to them that you’re tired or overheated, and it doesn’t help anyone if you push yourself too hard and suffer heat stroke.

Wear sunscreen

Sunscreen is important anytime you’re in the sun, and if you’re traveling in a hot climate, it’s extra important to re-apply frequently since you’ll likely be sweating it off. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, SPF 30 may be good enough for day-to-day use, but if you are outdoors, they recommend using SPF 60 or greater and reapplying it about every two hours. If you’re sweating a lot or if you’ve been swimming, you may need to reapply even more often. Also, remember that even if it’s cloudy out, the sun can still burn, so wear sunscreen regardless of what the skies look like.

Sun-protective clothing and headwear

No sunscreen is perfect and it can be annoying to apply and reapply every two hours, so wearing sun-protective clothing can be very convenient. Sunglasses may protect your eyes, but wide-brimmed hats provide additional coverage for the eyes and also shield your neck and face. Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants are also readily available, and many hiking pants are “convertible,” so you can zip off the bottoms to easily turn them into shorts. UPF is the clothing-rating equivalent to SPF and for the best protection, choose clothes with a UPF rating above 50.

While you might think that wearing long sleeves in the heat is counter-intuitive, know that long sleeves protect your skin from damaging UV rays and also help keep you cool by providing a barrier between you and the sun. The best fabrics are lightweight and wick away moisture, as cotton can trap your sweat and leave you walking around in a hot and soggy shirt all day. Instead, look for light-colored clothing made from wool or synthetics that were specially designed for the heat.

Since long-sleeved shirts can be warmer than short-sleeved shirts when you’re indoors or in the shade, I like to pair short-sleeved shirts with detachable UPF arm sleeves. This way, I can easily whip them off, similar to how convertible pants zip off at the bottoms. I use cycling sleeves for biking, hiking, and sightseeing since they are specifically designed to protect you from the sun without causing you to overheat.

Avoid the midday sun and extreme heat

Regardless of where you are and what time of year it is, the sun is usually strongest – and the temperature usually highest – right around midday and in the early afternoon. By heading out early (or even late in the afternoon), you can avoid the hottest time of day, which is safer and more comfortable. If you absolutely cannot avoid being out during peak sunshine, aim for activities and itineraries that include shade. For instance, instead of mid-day desert hikes where there is nowhere to duck into the shade, opt for a forested hike where the leafy branches block out some sun. If there’s a river, lake, or water source where you can safely jump in, consider taking a dip to cool down.

If temperatures are unusually and extremely high, consider not venturing outside at all. Instead, stay indoors with windows and doors closed, blinds or shades closed, and limit your physical activity.

There’s never a bad time to travel to Latin America.

Travelers have flocked to Latin American countries such as Mexico during the pandemic due to some of the easiest entry requirements in the world.

If you’ve never been to Latin America, you’re in for a treat. Awesome food, beautiful scenery, and friendly locals await. But here are some tips to help you make the most of your trip.

Learn a Little Spanish (or Portuguese)

Look, I’m not saying you need to get fluent in Spanish before your vacation in a few months.

But it’s not hard to learn the basics, especially with all of the resources that exist today, from smartphone apps to audio courses.

Just 30 minutes a day during your downtime or commute is enough to get some elementary Spanish under your belt. And even that will go along way.

Not only will it help you navigate and communicate, finding hidden gems and making friends, there are some more subtle benefits that you might not even notice at first.

Be Wary of Scams

If you’re traveling in the developing world, someone’s going to try to scam you at some point. That’s just a fact you have to deal with.

And it’d take a whole other post to lay out all the things you need to look out for and avoid.

Fortunately, most scams are rather petty, like charging you a few extra bucks for an item or service. And you’ll start to get a sense for them as you travel more.

But just maintaining a general awareness will put you on the right track. Yes, the locals are friendly, but some of those seemingly “friendly” people are actually trying to get one over on you. So, be wary when someone approaches you with an offer or “deal”. This even applies to police officers.

Taxis are another common source of scams in Latin America. Make sure they use the meter. If it’s “broken”, find another taxi. Pay attention to the route they take, and try to have small bills to pay with.

Don’t Carry Too Much Cash

Crime is another unfortunate reality of traveling in Latin America.

But just like with scams, you can greatly reduce your risk by exercising some general awareness and caution.

For starters, don’t walk around with big wads of cash in your pocket – and don’t flash all your cash at once. The same goes for your $800 smartphone, jewelry, or other expensive items that might attract pickpockets or muggers.

Don’t go wandering around at night or through random, sketchy neighborhoods, especially not alone. And try to get a sense of the areas to avoid, whether it’s from a tour guide or the locals.

Following the tips above will make you unlikely to fall victim to crime. But if you are mugged, just give them what they want. It’s a scary experience, but usually you’ll just end up losing some money or a few of your belongings.

Get Out of Your Comfort Zone

Don’t let the stuff about scams and crime frighten you. Chances are, you’ll be fine.

And hey, one of the main reasons for traveling abroad is experiencing new things. So, don’t fall into the traveler’s trap of spending your whole trip in a gated resort, eating hamburgers or pizza, and only visiting the pre-approved tourist attractions.

Get out of your comfort zone a little. Try new dishes, wander off the beaten path, flex your rudimentary Spanish at the local market, and maybe do a little salsa dancing, even if you have no rhythm.

Befriend the Locals

And don’t just stick with your group either!

Not only is interacting with locals fun and educational, you may find yourself getting better deals, finding new sites or restaurants, or even being invited to dinner.

The people are part of what makes a city or country what it is. So, explore a village, haggle at the market, take a cooking class, or just chat it up with the waitress at that hole-in-the-wall restaurant.

Respect the Local Culture

Like I said, you should cut loose a bit on vacation.

But that doesn’t – and shouldn’t – have to come at the cost of a place’s culture. No, you don’t have to go fully “local”, or wear a sombrero.

Just keep in mind that you’re a guest here. Have fun, enjoy yourself, but try not to get too belligerently drunk in public, dress inappropriately, litter at or cause damage to historic sites, or other silly things like that.

Buy Travel Insurance

It’s always worth buying travel insurance before an international trip, especially if you’re into more adventurous activities, like hiking, surfing, or paragliding. But even just eating out or swimming at the beach could carry a small chance of illness or injury when you’re in an exotic country.

In fact, many countries now require tourists and other travelers to have insurance before they arrive.

Do Your Research

By reading this article, you’re already following this last tip. Kudos.

But hopefully, your research doesn’t stop here. Because there are so many things to discover, from where you’ll go and stay and what you’ll do there to the visa requirements at your destination(s).

Other things you might want to research are exchange rates, weather, and local customs.

But don’t get too carried away. You’ll never be able to perfectly plan everything in advance. And adapting and improvising during your tip is part of the fun of travel!

Want to travel like a millionaire but on a budget? No worries. The Points Guys founder Brian Kelly has some tips for you. Kelly explained on GOBankingRates’ The Richer Way podcast that you can use your credit card to not only travel better, but also have a relaxing time while doing so, thanks to several perks that might be lesser known, but can come in handy in challenging situations.

While Kelly said, “it’s all about the points, baby,” he added that while points are great, “perks are really the thing that can save you time.”

Here are some lesser-known ways to save money through your credit card company, as Kelly discussed.

Canceled Flight

If your flight is cancelled, don’t panic. Kelly said you should first ask for a full refund, and then look at other airlines and book another flight altogether.

Your credit card will help with delays, rebooking. It’s a free, built-in perk.

“What I would do then is look at using frequent flyer miles and just rebooking yourself. Know that you will get that refund. If your flight plans are changed, do not take a voucher. Do not. Repeat after me, take a voucher,” he said.

Delayed Luggage

What’s worse when you travel than your luggage not making it to your destination?

In this situation too, don’t worry, your credit card can help.

“Your bag doesn’t arrive. You’re in London for a wedding and you got to shop for thousands of dollars’ worth. A lot of credit cards offer lost baggage protection. So you save your receipts and the credit card reimburses you,” he said.

Get Reimbursed for Lost Items

Dropped your sunglasses in the ocean while on cruise? Some credit cards can help here too.

“Also, what people will be shocked by is, when you buy stuff, even when you’re not traveling, Amex has purchase protection and so does Chase. My friend lost a $300 pair of Ray Bans. And I said, ‘Call up Chase right now.’ It fell off of a boat when he was on a cruise. Chase took it out of his bill.”

Travel Insurance

Some credit cards, such as Amex Platinum, also offer evacuation coverage, said Kelly.

For instance, “if you have a heart attack on a safari and you need to get on a private jet, that’s $300,000,” he said.

“They’ll even cover that,” added Kelly.

As he said, while it can be tedious to read the fine print of credit card various coverages, it is well worth the time- and money- to ensure your travels are as smooth as possible, and protect you from the unexpected.

If you have a planned trip, this article is just for you. Here, we have shared some basic tips to keep in mind to stay healthy while travelling.

How do you identify yourself – a tourist or a traveller? While both terms refer to people who visit new places, tourists are the ones who look for fun and relaxation. On the other hand, for travellers, visiting new places is all about exploration. Now, if you think you are a traveller, then let us tell you, it is important to take care of your health on the road. Why, you ask? It is because travelling involves a lot of physical exhaustion, increasing the risk of falling sick. Moreover, no one wants to waste a trip visiting doctors or lying in bed.

If you have a planned trip, this article is just for you. Here, we have shared some basic tips to keep in mind to stay healthy while travelling. And yes, it majorly involves food!

5 Ways To Stay Healthy While Traveling:

1. Stay hydrated:

As mentioned, travelling involves a lot of exhaustion. Hence, it is important to keep sipping water from time to time. Proper hydration not only helps you stay energetic but also prevents the risks of gut issues, which is a common problem while travelling.

2. Eat a wholesome breakfast:

Start your day with a healthy and wholesome breakfast and then get going. This will not only help you start the day on the right note but also load you up with energy and reduce the risks of acidity, bloating, and other such health hazards.

3. Carry non-perishable snacks:

Travelling involves a lot of walking, meaning your food tends to get digested way too soon, leaving you hungry at short intervals. That is why it is important to carry non-perishable snacks along. Keep packets of biscuits, chiwda, and other such healthy munchies to curb those quick hunger pangs without affecting your health.

4. Avoid junk food as much as possible:

Food and trips go hand-in-hand. But that doesn’t mean you end up falling sick. We suggest keeping the last two days for such indulgences and for the rest of the trip, make your food choices mindfully.

5. Go for safe food choices:

If you are a foodie like us, then you surely like exploring the food culture of the region you travel to. While we totally support such gastronomic exploration, keeping a tap on what’s safe will help you go a longer way. In other words, experiment with foods to that extent where you do not fall sick instead. So go for safe food choices and enjoy your trip to the fullest.

Now that you have the tips handy, follow them well and enjoy your travel to the fullest. Happy exploration, guys!