Travelling in Extreme Heat
As climate change reshapes our world, extreme heat is no longer a rare phenomenon. Instead, often a defining feature of many summer holiday destinations. Whether you are exploring sun-drenched coastlines, vibrant cities, or once-temperate countryside retreats, preparation is no longer optional – it is essential.
With temperatures surpassing historic norms and environmental conditions becoming more unpredictable, at Nomadic Thoughts we are aware that our travellers need to think differently, plan ahead, and travel more responsibly.
Nomadic Thoughts Preparation Tips include:
1) Researching the Current Climate Conditions
Before departure, we must all go beyond typical travel advice. Looking up real-time forecasts, local news, and environmental alerts. Pay attention to heat advisories, wildfire risks, drought restrictions, and air quality indexes.
2) Stay Hydrated and Pack Smart
Always carry a reusable water bottle – ideally insulated and with a built-in filter. Bring electrolyte powders or hydration tablets for long outings or travel days. Keep water handy even if you are not feeling thirsty as, early hydration is key to preventing heat exhaustion.
3) Dress for the Heat
Pack lightweight, breathable, and UV-protective clothing. Light colours help reflect sunlight. Do not forget a broad-brimmed hat, UV-blocking sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen. If visiting religious or cultural sites, choose attire that balances heat protection with local customs.
4) Adapt Your Daily Schedule
Plan physically demanding or outdoor activities early in the morning or after sunset. During peak heat hours (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.), prioritise shaded or indoor experiences. Schedule rest periods, especially if travelling with children or elderly family members.
5) Choose the Right Accommodation
When necessary, we will check that your lodging has reliable air conditioning or alternative cooling methods. Equally, when based at eco-stays, you must ask about natural ventilation or access to pools, rivers, or shaded relaxation areas.
6) Respect Local Conditions and Limit Your Impact
Be aware of water shortages and fire bans. Limit water use, avoid contributing to over-tourism in fragile ecosystems, and support businesses that embrace sustainable practices.
7) Prioritise Health and Safety
Travel with a small health kit with heat-related first aid items (oral rehydration salts, cooling cloths, etc.). If you have medical conditions, ensure medications are temperature-stable or kept cool. Travel insurance must cover weather-related emergencies.
Top Tips for different types of trips
Beach & Coastal Holidays
- Choose beaches with local shaded areas or nearby facilities for cooling down.
- Bring appropriately strong sunscreen block, a UV umbrella and sand-resistant cooling towels.
- Stay alert to jellyfish and algae blooms – as, rising sea temperatures increase their presence.
City Breaks
- Map out shaded parks, air-conditioned museums, and cooling fountains.
- Wear moisture-wicking clothes and take midday breaks in cafes or public building.
- Use public transport or rent bikes, as walking long distances in the heat can lead to exhaustion.
Adventure & Hiking Trips
- Start hikes at dawn and monitor trail conditions closely.
- Pack a hydration bladder, sun sleeves, and cooling neck wraps.
- Research fire risk zones and avoid trails in restricted areas.
Countryside & Rural Escapes
- Opt for appropriate accommodation with natural cooling designs or shaded verandas.
- Bring insect repellent (with DEET) – as, hotter, wetter weather increases bugs in rural zones.
- Ensure there is easy access to clean water and backup supplies.
Family-Friendly Vacations
- Choose destinations with shaded playgrounds, water parks, or indoor attractions.
- Schedule slower-paced days with lots of downtime.
- Carry snacks, electrolyte drinks, and cooling patches for children.
Wellness & Retreat Holidays
- Book retreats that factor climate into daily schedules (i.e. early morning yoga, twilight hour excursions).
- Seek out locations with shaded meditation gardens or cooling pools.
- Drink herbal infusions known for cooling properties like hibiscus or mint.
Sustainable/Eco Holidays
- Support tours and lodges that use solar power, natural ventilation, and greywater recycling.
- Pack a zero-waste kit: metal straw, reusable cutlery, biodegradable wipes.
- Be mindful of local climate stress – don’t overuse shared resources like water.
Wildlife and Wilderness
Wildlife safaris, rainforest treks, desert camping, and remote expeditions often come with unique challenges as extreme heat intensifies. In these environments, preparation is not just about comfort, it is about safety, survival, and environmental responsibility.
- Time Your Excursions Wisely
Wildlife is often more active at dawn and dusk. Conveniently, these are also the coolest times of day. Avoid midday treks or game drives unless you are in a well-shaded or covered vehicle.
- Hydration is Critical
In dry or humid wilderness regions, dehydration can set in quickly. Carry a hydration pack and portable water purification tablets or a UV sterilizer. Always confirm access to clean water at your place of stay.
- Pack Smart and Light
Choose breathable, quick-dry, neutral-toned clothing to stay cool and avoid startling wildlife. Long sleeves and trousers are essential to protect against insects, sun, and thorny vegetation. Include a wide-brimmed hat, a cooling neck wrap, and insect repellent with DEET or natural alternatives like lemon eucalyptus.
- Monitor Your Physical Limits
High temperatures, uneven terrain, and remote locations can lead to fatigue faster than expected. Take frequent breaks, listen to your body, and do not push beyond your comfort zone – especially in areas far from medical facilities.
- Prepare for Emergencies
Carry a basic survival kit: first aid supplies, a compass, matches/lighter, multi-tool, flashlight, and emergency blanket. Download offline maps and share your route with guides or local authorities if trekking independently.
- Be Fire-Aware and Respectful of Fragile Ecosystems
Wildfire risk is rising even in traditionally wet forests and savannas. Follow all fire bans, use only designated campfire spots if permitted, and never leave smouldering embers behind. Respect wildlife by observing from a distance and never feeding animals.
- Respect Nature’s Rhythms
Some regions are experiencing disrupted migration or breeding patterns due to changing climates. Check with local guides or conservation organisations to understand the best times to visit without causing ecological stress.
A New Era of Travel
Travel in the age of global warming demands more than just wanderlust – it calls for awareness, foresight, and a deeper respect for the destinations we are privileged to visit. With extreme heat reshaping landscapes and lifestyles, the best-prepared traveller is one who not only plans for comfort but also contributes to sustainability and safety for all.
So, whilst we at Nomadic Thoughts plan your trips, whether you are sunbathing on a tropical beach, hiking mountain trails, or strolling through historic cities, thoughtful preparation ensures your trip is memorable for all the right reasons.
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