The Importance of Keeping Cool! Part 1

I know not everyone goes on cruises to hot, sunny destinations, but let’s face it, at this time of year, those kinds of places are exactly where we want to be. The warmer weather in the UK over the last week ago got me thinking about how important it is to stay cool and hydrated when you are in a country where the temperatures are 20 degrees C +.

On a cruise to Asia last year, I very nearly fainted while wandering around Singapore Zoo and the same thing must happen to thousands of tourists every year who aren’t used to the heat. I’m going to give a few tips now for keeping cool, and keeping safe in the sun:

1) Avoid spending time in the sun between 11:00 – 15:00 as this is the hottest time of day, when the sun is at it’s strongest. If possible, seek shade during these hours or even better, go inside a nice air conditioned building!

2) Drink, drink and drink some more…. and I don’t mean beer! You need to stay hydrated when you are in extreme temperatures, and for me, anything above 20 degrees is pretty extreme! Drink lots of fluids, water is the best for making you feel hydrated.

3) WEAR SUNSCREEN!! I’m sure by now we all know the risks of staying out in the sun, and yet I still see people walking around with leathery looking, over-tanned skin wherever I go on holiday. Ladies, and gents, your health is more important than your looks and besides, you may look all tanned and glowy for now, but give it a few years and that sun is going to cause wrinkles and sunspots galore. At that point, you will wish you had protected your skin!

4) Don’t be afraid to wear clothes…. I know that sounds a bit weird but you see a lot of people on holiday walking around wearing next to nothing. Although you would think this would be the best option in the heat, it’s not neccessarily the case. Don’t be afraid to wear sleeves and long trousers as long as they are lightweight and made from natural fibres. They won’t make you feel any hotter but they will provide you with protection from the sun.