Expert Tips For Staying Safe While Travelling During Heatwaves

Even with a perfect getaway planned to a cooler place to beat the extremely hot weather, travelling in summer often involves battling heatwaves. Whether taking a flight, train or road trip, a portion of your journey will likely pass through hot areas. Here are some expert tips on how to stay safe in such hot weather conditions.

With record-breaking temperatures gripping many regions of the country, staying hydrated during heatwaves is crucial. Check out these sweet and savoury sattu drink recipes for a cooling beverage to beat the heat!

Travelling during heatwaves – Planning perfectly

• The first step to staying safe in hot weather is considering your destination’s climate. Choose locations with cooler temperatures to ensure enjoyable sightseeing and fun-filled day trips.
• Secondly, plan according to your mode of transport. For air travel, be aware of potential flight delays, aircraft changes, or long layovers. Pack accordingly, including sufficient essentials.
• Similarly, during train travel, avoid deboarding until your destination arrives unless absolutely necessary, to avoid extended exposure to heat at stations during your journey.
• For road trips, prioritise nighttime travel to avoid extreme day temperatures. Pack enough liquids and fruits to stay hydrated and replenish electrolytes.
• Most importantly, consistent water intake is non-negotiable during heatwaves.

Who should avoid travelling during a heatwave?

The Better Health Channel advises extra caution for vulnerable populations, who should avoid travelling or take necessary precautions during heatwaves. This includes people over 65, infants and young children, and pregnant women.

Essential accessories while travelling during heatwaves

You can carry battery-operated small electric fans while travelling as they are easy to handle.

Alternatively, you can carry soft towels. Dampen them and pat yourself with these wet towels. You can even make a bundle using these and put some ice cubes if available, and dab them on your face if you sweat excessively.

Staying safe while travelling in hot weather and avoiding heatstroke

• Hydration is key: Drink plenty of water throughout your journey, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
• Electrolyte balance: Consider carrying an oral rehydration solution (ORS) to replenish electrolytes lost through sweat. If unavailable, mix a pinch of salt and sugar into water for a quick electrolyte boost.
• Clothing choices: Wear loose-fitting, breathable clothes made from natural fibres like cotton or linen. Avoid tight-fitting or synthetic fabrics that trap heat.
• Food choices: Opt for light meals rich in fruits, vegetables, and salads. Skip heavy, fried, or spicy foods that can cause discomfort in hot weather.

Expert advice: Beating the heat while travelling

Dr Anubha Srivastava, Joint Secretary of the Diabetes Education Foundation and Professor of Medicine at MLN Medical College, Prayagraj, shares valuable tips for staying safe during heatwave travel with Travel And Leisure India. She emphasises the importance of recognising symptoms and seeking medical attention for heatstroke, a severe condition compared to mild heat cramps and rashes.

Some key pointers outlined by Dr Srivastava:

• Limit midday travel: Avoid venturing outdoors during peak heat hours (typically between 12:00 noon and 2:00 pm) if possible. “When unavoidable, wear loose-fitting cotton clothing and ensure full coverage.”
• Cool down your car: “Park in shaded areas and avoid switching on the air conditioning immediately,” she says. Allow the trapped heat to escape before starting or resuming your journey.
• Recognise heatstroke symptoms: Headache, eye redness, body aches, drowsiness, and high body temperature are all signs of potential heatstroke. “If you experience these symptoms, rest in a cool place, avoid further exertion, and seek immediate medical attention,” says Dr Srivastava.
• Natural cooling methods: “Use a cool, damp towel to pat your body down for mild heat discomfort.” Dr Srivastava advises against medication unless prescribed by a doctor.
• Hydration with electrolytes: Staying hydrated is crucial, but it’s not just about water. “Regular intake of liquids like buttermilk, juices, and ORS helps replenish electrolytes lost through sweat.”

(Representational feature image credit: Natalya Zaritskaya Unsplash)

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