Travelling with kids can be a great way to build family memories, but it is not without its challenges. Something that often turns out to be a bigger challenge than people expect when they head abroad is the heat.
Even adults who enjoy hot weather and sunshine can lose their temper quickly if the heat gets excessive. In children, the effects can be even worse, so keeping them cool is of paramount importance if you want to enjoy your trip.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help your kids stay cool – both in terms of their temperature and their temperament – when you are travelling in hot countries. This short guide will share some of the most effective ones.
- Stay in air-conditioned accommodation
This is the most important tip because while the rest can be helpful, they may not always work. What will always work when anybody gets too hot is having a cool environment to retreat to. A cool room will also be essential for your kids to be able to sleep well. Nothing will ruin your trip like children who are both agitated and tired.
Most hotel operators know this, which is why family friendly resorts in Phuket, Thailand, and other popular hot destinations have A/C in the rooms to ensure everyone can get a good night’s rest. However, they often offer budget rooms with a fan too. You might be able to hack these if you’re on your own, but if you’re bringing the little ones you’re better off paying extra.
- Carry water
You probably already know you should carry drinking water, which will be essential for keeping your kids hydrated. However, along with those bottles, you should carry a spray bottle too. An effective way to cool down if you find yourselves without shops to dive into or water to dip in is to spray water on your face and then hold a handheld fan to it.
There are also fan models which have the spray component built in.
- Stick to the three Ls
When it comes to clothing, you will want to dress your kids in clothes that are lightweight, light-coloured, and loose-fitting. These will not only be comfortable, but they will help reflect as much of the sun’s rays as possible and let air circulate to keep their bodies cool.
- Ice pulse points
If you’re in an area where there are bars or restaurants and somebody in your family is suffering from the heat, a handy trick that provides almost instant relief is to order some ice and place this on pulse points, such as the wrists. Inside of the elbows and behind the knees is also effective.
At these points, blood flows very close to the surface of the body. By icing them, the blood passing through is quickly cooled and then carried around the body.
Conclusion
The climate and weather in hot countries can be challenging for children, but combining these tips with some common sense and preparation will help them cope much better. That way, everybody can have a much more enjoyable trip.
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