3 tips for traveling during extreme heat

By — Adithi Ramakrishnan, Associated Press Adithi Ramakrishnan, Associated Press By — Aya Diab, Associated Press Aya Diab, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/3-tips-for-traveling-during-extreme-heat Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter 3 tips for traveling during extreme heat Health Jun 11, 2026 2:08 PM EDT As travelers prepare to set off on summer trips, scorching temperatures lie in wait. Above-average temperatures could be on the books this summer, according to forecasters, and a developing El Nino event could spell out warmer weather later in the year or next summer. Sizzling temperatures are more than an inconvenience: They can cause heat exhaustion and life-threatening heat stroke. READ MORE: El Nino is here. It'll be big, bad and costly, scientists fear Travelers can take precautions to have fun with heat preparedness in mind. Grow your mind Subscribe to our Science Newsletter to explore the wide worlds of science, health and technology. "The same way that we prepare for more extreme travel in the cold, we should start to consider those tips to keep us safe in the summer months," said Dr. Alexander Azan with NYU Langone Health, who co-directs the Project HEATWAVE initiative. Check the forecast and survey your travel companions Before taking off, check the air temperatures for both day and night as well as the heat index, which takes humidity into account, Azan said. If temperatures look scorching, stay flexible. Relocate to cooler regions along the coast or at higher elevations. Plan more strenuous outdoor activities like hiking or long walks during early morning or late evening hours, outside of peak heat windows. A midday movie, museum visit or coffee shop break may be more suitable. READ MORE: Think it's hot now? The next five years will smash records, UN says Check whether your lodging will have reliable conditioning and whether the region has had recent power blackouts or brownouts. You can also search for public facilities like cooling centers, and note key phone numbers to report medical emergencies. In addition to what you're bringing, think about who you're bringing. People with certain medical conditions or medications may be more vulnerable to heat while traveling. "A lot of the prescription drugs that we take for common conditions like high blood pressure, anxiety, depression, they actually interrupt our body's ability to thermoregulate," said Ashley Ward, director of the Heat Policy Innovation Hub at Duke University. Older adults, those who may be pregnant, young children and infants are also especially susceptible — so adjust plans accordingly. Carrying a baby against your body can transfer additional heat, for example. Pack a reusable water bottle and bring light-colored, breathable clothing that will keep you cool. Don't forget sunscreen, sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat and a cooling towel. A portable fan can be useful too, bu