How to beat the heat when you travel

Traveling can be a lot of fun, and the summer months are often when families and individuals choose to hit the road. Maybe you’re traveling because you want to see some relatives this year, or perhaps you’re going on vacation. If you could not take one in 2020 because of the pandemic, you might be eager to explore some new territory this year.

One thing you should keep in mind, though, as you get ready to travel, is that temperatures are higher in the summer than they have ever been in the past. In some parts of the American Southwest and on the West Coast, it is not at all unusual to have heat waves that last for days. During those times, you will experience triple-digit weather that can make you feel like you’re melting.

You need to protect yourself if you’re traveling to a location that gets that hot. Here are some ways you can do it.

Stay Hydrated

There are many laws and rules for how you should conduct yourself while traveling. If you were traveling from state to state via motorcycle, for instance, you’d learn applicable motorcycle laws accordingly.

Learning how to conduct yourself in places that get very hot is just as important. The number one rule is to stay hydrated.

If you’re going somewhere like Arizona or New Mexico, where triple-digit days are frequent during the summer months, don’t go anywhere without a water bottle. You can purchase water at any gas station or convenience store, or your hotel might provide you with a complimentary bottle in some cases.

Drink lots of water as you go through your day, especially if you will be outdoors during the hottest hours. You should also consume sports drinks like Gatorade that contain the electrolytes your body needs.

Stay Indoors During the Hottest Hours

You should also stay indoors during the hottest hours if you’re traveling to a part of the country which gets brutally hot during the summer. That’s usually from mid-morning till late afternoon.

If you decide to go for a walk or do something out of doors, you can either do it in the very early morning, right when the sun rises, or you can do it at night, right before the sun is about to set. For instance, that might be a time to walk along the beach by your hotel, before the sand gets too hot for you to step on it.

Wear Sunblock



If you do go out during the days, you should also wear sunblock. This applies to everyone, not just fair-skinned individuals. The sun affects everyone, even those who have darker pigmentation.

Getting sunblock and slathering it on multiple times during the day can combat the sun’s most powerful rays. If you’re in a region of the country that punishes locals and tourists during the summer months, using sunscreen should be part of your daily routine that you do not neglect for as long as you’re there.

Plan Indoor Activities

You can also plan your vacation days by looking at indoor versus outdoor events and then enjoying them based on the weather forecast. If you see that it’s going to be overcast on one particular day, that might be the time you choose to do some events you can only enjoy outside.

If you’re going to be at a destination for several days, and every day will be over one hundred degrees with a broiling sun and no cloud cover, going outside for multiple hours is an impossibility. That might disappoint you if you planned to play golf or go to an amusement park, but that’s simply too hot for you to handle.

You can pick some indoor events, like taking the kids to an aquarium or going to see a movie. You might go to a museum or anything else indoors. You’d like to have more choices if you’re on vacation, but you can’t risk a painful sunburn and possible skin cancer somewhere down the line.

It’s not easy thinking about climate change, but it’s a reality, and we all need to adjust along with it. You can certainly take steps to combat it as well, but in the meantime, it makes sense to protect yourself and the family from the heat if you plan on going on vacation this year. Of course, you can also make plans to visit a location that does not get quite so hot in the summer months.

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Summer holidays with a unique twist

The summer holiday is something many people look forward to because it’s a chance to get away, relax, and enjoy some sun for a change. Sometimes it is hard to book a holiday location that everyone will love, as there are aspects to many sunny destinations that appeal to some more than others. However, Co-op Travel has a wide range of offers that mean you are always getting the best value for money, no matter what location you choose.

Going abroad is always exciting, especially if it’s your first time. Travellers are in safe hands with Coop Travel because it offers expert advice on where the most suitable locations are for your needs, as well as the best deals for how long you want to stay. The following is a guide to some of the most unique holiday destinations Co-op Travel provides, and some of the best features about all of them:

Lanzarote
One of the most unique locations within the Canary Islands, it might be expected that Lanzarote would not be the most popular of the islands to visit, since it is only the fourth largest. In fact, Lanzarote’s main income is from tourism and it is one of the most visited places in the area. Lanzarote is also known as being the ‘island of permanent springtime’, since average winters only drop to about 70°F, meaning that the sun is always likely to be in the sky, whatever the time of year.

Tenerife
Another member of the Canary Islands that invariably makes for a popular tourist location, Tenerife provides visitors with beautiful beaches and landscapes, as well as numerous attractions to visit. The location boasts relaxing aspects and there are plenty of fun times to be had, so is great for children and adults alike.

Benidorm
A hugely popular tourist destination, thanks in no small part to its sandy beaches, warm weather, and cultural attractions. The relaxation side of Benidorm is right at your fingertips as soon as you arrive, and other attractions are easily accessed, all to create a holiday that gives you the most for your money. There really is something for everyone and Co-op Travel can provide you with the best deals.

Package holidays from Co-op Travel include all of the aforementioned unique holiday destinations, with varying specifications so you can choose one that suits you. Co-op Travel provides excellent customer service and ultimately a package deal that can lead to your most memorable holiday yet.

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Safe Summer Trip Tips - 6 Ways To Make Your Travels Safer

Summertime is the time of the year when many people do most of their traveling. It’s important to consider safety when you’re on those crowded roadways, and when you travel abroad. Here are 6 ways to make your travels safer this summer.

Make sure your car is in tip-top shape Before you head out on any road trip it’s very important to make sure your car is in good working condition. Do this by checking all the fluid levels, check the air pressure in the tires, make sure the wipers work, and test all lights to be sure they are working properly.

Be prepared for the worse In the event you should break down, or get lost, it’s important to be prepared for the worse. You should take enough supplies with you to last you at least 3 days. Water, non-perishable snacks, sunblock (In case you wind up walking for help) a hat, mosquitoes repellant and a good pair of shoes.

You should also keep a well-stocked first-aid kit and emergency road flares.

Give your insurance policy a checkup Has your policy lapsed? Will you be traveling through a state that requires higher minimum liability coverage than you currently have? Do you have collision coverage?

Many people forget this summer trip safety tip, but you need to make sure you have adequate coverage, and that your policy is current and in full force. Contact your insurance agent who will help you with this.

Map out your route Knowing where you’re going is one thing. Having a route mapped out is completely another. Don’t take the chance of getting lost on some desolate highway or winding up in a shady part of town.

Sit down and map out the route you’ll be taking to get to your destination. You should also activate the emergency GPS feature on your cell phone. In the event you do become lost far away from anything, authorities may be able to use the GPS to find you.

Tell someone where you’re going All too often, people will head out on a trip without telling anyone where they’re going. Spontaneity is a cool trait, but it’s always a good idea to inform someone about your travel plans.

Let them know when you’re leaving, where you’re going, when you anticipate arriving and when you think you’ll be back. Check in with them along the way so they know you’re on track.

Is your destination safe? If you’re travelling overseas, make sure the region of the world you’re going to is safe. Sometimes certain countries and regions around the world are labeled as unsafe to travel to or through.

If you’re traveling to a region that is considered to be dangerous, do yourself a favor and cancel your trip. You may wind up losing some money, but it’s better than losing your life.

About the author of this article: Maryellen W. works to keep consumers safe by educating them on auto insurance and safety-related topics.

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