Tips On How To Deal With The Heat During A Florida Vacation

Several of Clay’s family members recently got back from a trip to Florida and they all agreed on one thing: it was hot! They said that the heat was nearly unbearable when they weren’t at the beach. I’m kind of glad we didn’t go on this particular trip. Heat and me don’t get along very well these days.

Florida earned its nickname as the ‘Sunshine State’ because of its year round sub-tropical climate. During the winter months, when much of the nation suffers from freezing weather, Florida remains balmy and tropical with warm, sandy beaches that beckon visitors to come play in the sun. If you’re not acclimated to the heat and need to cool off, don’t fret. The following are several tips to help you successfully deal with the heat during your Florida vacation.

1. Get Wet

The ocean water of the Gulf of Mexico or the Atlantic Ocean will automatically refresh you when playing at the beach or out for a Key West Snorkeling. There is nothing like a dip in the sea to cool off. If you are enjoying other sightseeing excursions that don’t include the beach, try to plan your tourist explorations during the morning or evening hours when the weather is mild. During the intense heat of the day when the mercury starts to rise, between noon and 4 p.m., retreat to your hotel’s pool to have some fun getting wet. Hotels in Orlando, Miami, and other major vacation hubs usually boast large, inviting swimming pools. Orlando’s Alfond Inn Hotel is well known for its expansive Tuscan style pool. Miami’s Setai Hotel features a pool that is shrouded by towering palms and surrounded by comfy lounge chairs where you can catch a few rays after splashing in the pool. You could also look at a weekly yacht rental miami company so you can stay out on the water the whole time you are there!

2. Dress Cool

Wear loose-fitting cotton clothing that allows ventilation. Cover up skin to protect it from possible sunburn. It might seem counterproductive to wear long sleeves in summer; however, protecting tissue from exposure to heat and potential sunburn helps keep the body’s core temperature lower. Don’t hesitate to wear a hat that protects the head and vulnerable ears. An umbrella is ideal during a visit to Fort Lauderdale or any beach, especially if you encounter one of Florida’s famous afternoon rain showers.

3. Stay Hydrated

Carry a bottle of water everywhere. Most amusement parks, stores and other businesses allow patrons to carry water wherever they go. Drinking ample water, even when not thirsty, helps the body stay hydrated. Eat foods high in water content, such as fruits, vegetables and soups, to replenish lost water in the body. Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages, which dehydrate the body and leave a person feeling parched.

Florida’s staggering heat and humidity can hit anyone hard. People should listen to their bodies and know their limits. Avoid overexertion, and watch for signs of possible heat-related illnesses such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heatstroke, which can creep up after excessive exposure to high temperatures. Feelings of lightheadedness, fainting, cramps, nausea, vomiting, severe headache, cold skin, weakness or racing heartbeats may require immediate medical care.

Sources:

Mayo Clinic: Heat and Exercise: Keeping Cool in Hot Weather

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Keeping Your Cool

This post was posted by Fiona Moriarty on Hipmunk’s Tailwind blog on July 16, 2015

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