Do you want to have an enjoyable summer without worrying about the heat? Sometimes the heat can deter us from doing what we want to do like spending time with family and traveling to new places that might have a higher heat index. If this sounds like a scenario that you've been in before, then you’ll want to take a look at these 5 awesome tips for staying cool this summer.
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Summer Heat
I don't know about you but where I live the summers can be brutal in Southwest Florida. The average summertime temperature ranges from 90 degrees to 100 degrees. It can be HOT! Add on humidity and then you have a mixture of hot wetness. Don't worry, I have five awesome tips for how to beat the heat this summer.
Tip 1: Explore Indoor Attractions
This might seem very apparent but sometimes we forget that staying indoors during the heat peak times (12:00 pm-3:00 pm) is a great idea. This is a really good way to beat the heat because indoor attractions will have air conditioning which is a must for beating the heat during the summertime.
To begin, start researching local attractions or indoor shopping plazas. Check out their websites and also check out travel recommendation websites/apps like Yelp or TripAdvisor. I always read reviews and look at pictures before I decide to pack up the kids and travel to a new place. Prepared is the name of the game!
A few examples of local attractions could mean going to a bowling alley or movie theatre. If you are active, consider finding indoor skating rinks. I live in Southwest Florida and there is a local year-round skating rink and people of all ages can join in on the fun. If you don't have ice skaters in the family, then opt for an early afternoon movie, plus you will more than likely get the matinee price which is a few bucks off per ticket.
Another example of an indoor attraction might be the mall. If you're traveling with kids, as I ALWAYS do, then consider finding a mall that has indoor activities like an arcade or play areas.
Next up…
Tip 2: How To Stay Cool In The Heat
Many people want to beat the heat, but they prefer to be outdoors. Living in extreme heat has taught our family how to adapt by learning how to hydrate and knowing when (time of day) to venture outdoors.
For example, you want to be the heat by staying hydrated and by bringing along water canisters wherever you venture. My family of five never leaves the house without their personal water containers, hats, and sunglasses.
Plus, bringing along your own hydration is inexpensive and you don't have to worry about adding an extra stop to find a cooling drink. You don't want to hear, "I'm thirsty" as soon as you get to where you are going. It's a win-win.
Check out the canisters that my family uses here.
Tip 3: Cooling Clothing For Extreme Heat
A good way to beat the heat is by wearing cooling clothing during the hotter months. Most Floridians understand that what you are wearing can make or break a fun time. You want to look for lighter color clothes and moisture-wicking clothes are ideal. Don't be mistaken for wearing fewer clothes. Given the extreme UV rays, you want to cover your skin with more clothes that will repel heat. Think lighter colors and materials.
It’s also a good idea to wear sunglasses and hats because the sun's glare in the Florida heat can be brutal. Keeping the sun off your head will also help you beat the heat.
Check out my favorites here.
On to....
Tip 4: Things To Keep You Cool While Working In The Heat
To all of my weekend warriors, sometimes we have to work outside during the heat of the summer. That's okay, as long as you have some supplies to help keep you cool.
Over the past few years, there have been little gadgets coming out that might help with beating the heat. Since my family frequents Disney, we found the neck fans to be extremely helpful while waiting in lines without shade. It's not the most glamorous contraption but it gets the job done. Whether you are working in the heat or leisurely in the heat, a neck fan would work for anyone.
Another fun gadget that helps to keep you cool is the portable water mister fans. These are fun for the kids to play with too.
Let's not forget the highly portable cooling towels. These are little magic pieces of cloth that will cool a runner down in the summertime (I know this from my own personal experience). I've been known to wrap it around my head. Again, not the most glamorous but it will get the job done.
My favorite pack of cooling towels can be found here.
Tip 5: How To Cool Off
If you are curious as to how to cool off during the summer heat, then I have a few great tips for you. First, a pool, beach, or swimmable body of water is a great option for cooling off.
Sometimes we overlook the simple things like looking for shade. It's funny because, in Florida, most drivers will park the farthest away from the store entrance just to park under a shady branch of a tree.
Another way to cool off is by enjoying a cold beverage of some kind. This is one of my personal favorites to help beat the heat during the summer. When all else fails, the A/C does the trick!
Conclusion
It feels really good when you’re finally able to get relief from the summer heat. That’s why you’ll want to put these tips to work for you because as a native Floridian I've spent many summers beating the heat. But don’t take my word for it – try them out to see for yourself!
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Hello! I'm Tiffany, a creative travel writer, mother to three awesome kids, and Floridian. We like to visit beautiful Florida beaches, Florida State Parks, and of course Disney! I like to write about our travel adventures and provide tips to other families traveling or relocating to the Sunshine State.