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Travelling in a hot country as a plus size traveller is enough to fill anyone with dread, especially if you’re unprepared for the heat you’re going to experience. Whether it’s a relaxing holiday or an action-packed city break, this guide will help ensure you’re as prepared as you can be when it comes to keeping cool.

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For as long as I can remember, I always HATED going to hot countries because I couldn’t handle the heat. Although I would never avoid going somewhere like Bali or the Canary Islands, it always filled me with dread when I knew I had to survive in anything over 20 degrees.

Whether it was constantly sweating through anything I wore, feeling myself burning up as I tried to keep up when walking or the awkward sweat patches left behind when you sit down, travelling in hot countries can be an absolute nightmare for a plus size gal.

Luckily, I’ve picked up a few tricks to help keep me cool on my travels. 

Drink As Much Water As You Can To Stay Hydrated

Although this is probably the most important tip, it’s the one I am the worst at remembering. As much as I love drinking water, when I’m travelling in a hot country I struggle to drink as much as I need to keep myself hydrated. One thing I have tried that really helps is if I buy one big bottle of water to take around with me each day, I’m much more encouraged to drink it. It *just* fits in my backpack so it’s easy to carry and having it on me at all times reminds me that it’s there to drink.  If you want to ensure you’re not buying plastic water bottles on a regular basis, these VERY LARGE water bottles are perfect.

Please make sure to research whether or not the water is safe to drink first, I do not want to be held responsible for any… accidents.

Packing Hydration Sachets, Just In Case

If you know you’re going to struggle with keeping yourself hydrated, packing hydration sachets or tablets are probably going to be worthwhile. I didn’t actually know about these until I went to Bali and a friend suggested them when I was struggling with heat stroke. I definitely wasn’t drinking enough for the 30-degree heat and as I result I was hot, bothered and incredibly ill. The hydration sachets meant I was getting the hydration and nutrients that I was definitely lacking. I bought cheap ones from the pharmacy in Bali, however, these blackcurrant sachets sound MUCH better.

Carry A Portable Fan With You

One of my best ever purchases was this portable fan. Not only can I stick it on my desk during the summer but I can also carry it around with whilst I’m travelling. When walking around during the day this is an ABSOLUTE lifesaver. Imagine having permanent air conditioning that goes wherever you go. If you take anything from this post, it should be that portable fans are life and everyone should have one.

Use A Cooling Spray And Hydrating Moisturisers

At the start of each day, I like to use a hydrating moisturiser to keep my face well hydrated throughout the day. Whilst this may not seem as though it helps keep you cool, it definitely helps protect your skin in the heat. To amplify this effect throughout the day, I use a cooling spray.

Wear Lightweight, Floaty Clothing

As much as I would like to put fashion first when I’m travelling, I have to go with whatever is comfortable. When it comes to hot countries, I HAVE to wear lightweight floaty clothing otherwise I’ll be even warmer than I already am. Whether this means nice floaty dresses or midi skirts, the freer the better. When wearing dresses and skirts, I always make sure I’m wearing chub rub shorts too. Anything to avoid the burn between my thighs (no pun intended).

Carry A Small Microfibre Towel With You

One of the worst things about travelling to a hot country is dealing with the excessive amount of sweat you have. If you’re anything like me, you’ll be a hot stick mess before you even make it out the door of your hotel. Whilst there is not a lot you can do to stop yourself from sweating, carrying a small microfibre towel with you where ever you go will allow you to dab yourself dry whenever you need to. They’re discreet, easy to clean and fast drying. Perfect!

Stay Out Of The Sun Where Possible

Whilst this may seem obvious, staying out of the sun whenever you can really help, especially during the hours of 12 and 2. Although it may be unavoidable on some days if you’re really struggling you should be able to hunt down some shade. Whether it’s sitting in a cafe for a break or put your umbrella up over your sun lounger, staying out of the heat in order to cool down is often essential. 

The best thing to do is to learn your limits and definitely do not push them.

Eat ALL The Ice Cream (Seriously, All Of It)

This is definitely my favourite tip. Although water is the best way to cool you down, ice creams definitely come a close second. Ice lollies (popsicles) are probably the best when it comes to keeping you cool, but pretty much any ice cream will do. The perfect excuse to enjoy as much of it as you can! 

How do you stay cool in the summer?