Not the biggest fan of heat? We get you. Sun-soaked days are what most of us picture when we book a summer break, but the reality can feel quite, well, sticky. But a few smart choices can change everything!

Packing smart

Packing for heat is less about quantity and more about making informed decisions. Let’s talk fabrics: Linen, bamboo blends and lightweight cotton breathe well and dry quickly, which keeps that clammy feeling at bay. Loose cuts help air circulate, so swap tight layers for relaxed shapes you can wear all day. Plus, neutral colours reflect heat better than dark shades.

Next, accessories. A wide-brimmed hat or cap protects your face and neck during long walks. Sunglasses with proper UV protection reduce eye strain, especially in bright coastal spots. A refillable water bottle is non-negotiable. Many destinations now offer public refill points, and having one to hand makes it easier to sip little and often rather than gulping when you’re already dehydrated.

Cooling extras are worth the space, too. A small handheld fan can be a lifesaver, as are cooling towels, activated with cold water. Sun protection deserves the same attention. Pack SPF you’ll actually reapply, a lip balm with protection, and after-sun for evenings. Treated skin feels better, sleeps better, and makes the next day easier to enjoy!

Choosing Activities

Heat shapes your days whether you plan for it or not, so you might as well work with it. Early mornings are gold for things like walking tours, sightseeing and active excursions. As the sun dips after the midday peak, evening markets, waterfront strolls and open-air dining become perfect. Most importantly, water becomes your biggest ally on your wonderfully sunny holiday. Swimming breaks up the day and resets your body temperature fast. This makes all the fun things, such as paddleboarding, kayaking or even a shady boat trip, very valuable. And when the heat peaks? Stay indoors! Museums, galleries and historic buildings – you name it!

Build gaps into your plans so you can adapt when the weather turns intense. If one afternoon feels too hot to explore, swap it for a rest and move that activity to another day.

Staying Cool

Heat hits hardest when you’re out and about, but small habits make a noticeable difference:

• Walk with purpose from shade to shade rather than pushing through sunny stretches just to save a minute. Tree-lined streets or arcades all keep your body temperature steadier. If you use maps on your phone, switch to walking view and scan for greener routes rather than the most direct line.
• A quick mist of water on your wrists or the back of your neck cools you faster than you’d expect, which is why pharmacies in hot destinations sell sprays everywhere.
• Hydration works best when it’s steady. Carry water, refill whenever you see the chance, and add electrolytes on long days so you’re not just replacing liquid, but what you sweat out, too.
• Local cold treats exist for a reason. Fruit cups, sorbets, iced coffees, shaved ice or chilled yoghurt all cool you internally without the heaviness of big meals. Eat lighter at lunch and save richer dishes for evenings when the air softens.
• If public transport feels overwhelming, look for shaded tram lines, ferries, or slower routes that trade speed for comfort. Arriving calmer usually beats arriving quickly and frazzled.

Keeping Spirits High

You don’t always notice it happening until everything feels irritating, but your mood can dip quickly during the heat. So, build pauses into your days, even if it’s just ten minutes! Short breaks prevent the spiral of turning minor annoyances into full-blown grumpiness. Share the load with the people you’re travelling with. Say when you’re overheating or losing steam rather than pushing through to keep plans intact. Most tension comes from silence, not disagreement.

Comfort fuels curiosity! When you’re cool and content, you wander further and remember more. And that’s where the real joy lives, isn’t it? Long after the tan fades and the suitcase is unpacked.