Responsible Tourism [#03] - how to cope with the heat while sightseeing?

Although we pray for nice weather during our holidays all year round, excessive heat can disrupt our plans just like rain can. How can we prepare for sightseeing in high temperatures?

Take care of appropriate clothing

While it may seem obvious, this is not just about shorts and t-shirts. First and foremost, we must remember about head coverings. A baseball cap or a hat can protect us from sunstroke, as well as from a burnt nose and forehead. Clothes should be made from natural materials, breathable, and non-restrictive. While on holiday, it's also wise to keep certain rules in mind. Not all beach cafes allow customers in bikinis or with bare torsos – holidays do not exempt us from the rules of etiquette.

Hydration, hydration, and once again, hydration

It's easy to forget while on holiday. Between sightseeing, eating waffles, swimming, and sunbathing, we can sometimes go several hours without a sip of water. Moreover, we lose a lot of fluids through sweating, and we often drink alcohol and coffee. All of this can lead to headaches or feelings of weakness after just a few hours. Therefore, it's always a good idea to have a bottle of water in your backpack and remember to sip from it throughout the day. In the heat, we may need as much as 3 litres of water.

Choose the time of sightseeing according to the temperature

Sometimes, during the worst heat, it's worthwhile to plan sightseeing for early morning or evening. For the hottest hours, we can plan to visit a castle or a museum, meaning an air-conditioned and shaded place. From 10 am to 2 pm, it's also advisable to avoid the beaches. In the afternoon, sunbathing will be more enjoyable, and there will be fewer people. Forests will also provide shelter, offering shade and coolness even in the hottest weather.

Author of the text: Joanna Choma