Do you have issues being in the heat and need ways to cool down? Here are 5 must-have items that I bring with me on my travels to combat the heat and keep cool. Consider these when you’re heading to your next hot destination!
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Keep Cool Travel Essentials
As the temperature rises, keeping cool becomes a top priority. Regardless if you’re battling the scorching sun, trying to find relief from the sweltering heat, or if you simply tend to run hot, having the right items can make all the difference. Here are 5 must-have items to help keep you cool. I’ve also included various options to fit different preferences, and links to purchase items from Amazon:
1. Portable Fan
A portable fan is a must-have when it comes to staying cool on the go. These fans are compact, easy to carry, and provide a refreshing breeze wherever you are. From handheld fans to those that hang around your neck, there’s a variety to choose from to keep you cool during outdoor activities.
Whenever I go to a hot destination, I bring one or several different portable fan versions depending on what activities are planned for the trip. I also run hot so I will always travel with at least one portable fan. All the below are rechargeable and last awhile on a single charge:
Handheld Portable Fans
Small Fan
This fan is small enough to fit in my day bag and bring out when I need it in shorter bursts since it is handheld. It also serves as a portable charger power bank and a flashlight! This is my "everyday" fan that I always have stashed in my purse.
Small Fan with Water Mister Spray
This portable fan comes with a water reservoir where I can spray a mist of water along with a breeze! Super refreshing.
Hands-Free Neck Fans
Necklace Fan
Small and perfect to use for longer durations and while doing activities as it simply hangs connected from your neck.
Neck Fan
Good to use for longer durations since it’s hands-free and just sits on your shoulders/neck. I always wear these when hiking and camping in the heat!
2. Cooling Towel
Cooling towels are a simple yet effective way to cool down quickly. Just wet the towel and experience instant cooling! They provide a chill soothing sensation that helps regulate your body temperature and keeps you cool.
Depending on how hot a destination will be, I will either bring my mini, medium-size or large-size cooling towel. I absolutely swear by the Frogg Toggs brand (all linked below) since they have saved my life countless times on hot hikes and sweltering days. Additionally, these cooling towels are machine washable for repeated use – an added bonus:
Mini Cooling Towel (29″x3″)
6 count, 29"x3"
The mini size is not too intrusive when sitting around your neck, or you can simply just pat yourself with it as necessary. I bring this one with me everywhere (regardless of heat) since I tend to run hot
Medium-size Cooling Towel (33″x6.5″)
33" x 6.5"
The dimensions are perfect to hang around your neck or tie into a headband
Large-size Cooling Towel (33″x13″)
33" x 13"
This works wonders in unbearably hot places and you want to keep cool for longer periods of time. It lasts longer due to it's larger size compared to the above smaller options. It’s large enough to drape over your shoulders and cool your neck and upper back
3. Neck Cold Pack Tube
Another great way to keep cool is to wear this neck cooling tube! It just needs to be kept in a freezer or submerged in ice water for a bit to be cooled, then you will get the cooling effects for up to 2 hours!
4. Travel Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is crucial in the heat, and a re-usable water bottle will make that possible while traveling. There are several ways to stay hydrated and I typically bring at least 1 of the below water bottles depending on what activities are planned on my trips:
Water Bottles
Insulated Water Bottle
Perfect for maintaining the temperature of your drinks, these bottles are a must-have for staying cool and hydrated, especially during long outdoor activities
Collapsible Water Bottle
These space-saving bottles are perfect to bring with you everywhere as it hardly takes up space when empty and not in use
Hands-Free Water Holders
Water Bottle Holder with Strap
To carry water bottle of choice, and if I don’t have a backpack large enough to hold one, then I’ll use a soft fabric bottle holder with a shoulder strap so that I can be hands-free while out exploring. The pouch is also perfect to hold a phone and cards
Hydration Backpack
With a built-in water reservoir, you can sip on cool water hands-free while hiking, biking, or enjoying outdoor events
5. Electrolyte Powder
Electrolyte powder is an effective way to keep cool and hydrated especially during hot weather or intense physical activity. These powders are packed with essential minerals that replenish the body’s electrolyte levels (which can become depleted through sweating). They also help regulate body temperature and prevent dehydration which keeps you feeling refreshed and cool even in hot conditions.
Liquid IV Powder
I always bring a few packs of these everywhere with me to keep me hydrated while out in hot destinations and avoid getting heat strokes
Final Words
Don’t let the heat get the best of you wherever you are. With these 5 cool-down essentials, you can stay comfortable and enjoy the heat to the fullest. Having these items on hand will make sure you keep cool, and stay hydrated and refreshed. Bon Voyage!
What are your ride-or-die Essentials to Keep you Cool?
I’d love to hear what’s made your trips easier or better.
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