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98 Degrees In the Shade!  Pack Cool to Stay Cool!

Woman cooling down splashing herself with bottle of water on a hot sunny day.

Although people are now  vacationing at all times of year, travel  still peaks in the summer.  Making wise decisions when packing will go a long way  when we find ourselves in those hot (and often humid) locations!  Here are a few suggestions:

-Cotton is your friend!  Especially cotton t-shirts and tanks in light colors!  The light colors will reflect the heat.  Roll ‘em up and pack!

-Shorts are not all made equal!  For a steamy location you need shorts that are loose enough not to trap body heat or create friction.

-Dresses!  Ladies make sure to take one or two dresses with you.  Just like shorts, they cool you by allowing air to circulate.  Loose dresses, either sleeveless or with short sleeves are the best.  Natural fabrics such as cotton, linen, or silk work especially well.

-Quick drying bathing suits.  If you will be swimming frequently, consider taking two.

-Hats. In the past I always ignored the advice about hats.  Despite what many people said about hats keeping you cooler, that was never my experience!  However, I have discovered that if the hat has an open weave, it is indeed cooling!

-Shoes.  I take a pair of comfortable sandals and a pair of walking shoes.  Under no circumstances should you plan to “break them in” on vacation!

-Travel Bag.  I advise against wearing a backpack.  They are hot and heavy and if you are in the heat long enough, you’ll find your shirt soaked.  Instead, carry a small bag, preferable with a water bottle to prevent dehydration.  A small, personal fan can go a long way keeping you cool.  They are small and inexpensive and can make quite a difference

Ok–now that you know how to stay cool in the heat, it’s time to plan the trip!

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