How to Stay Cool While Traveling During a Heat Wave

Traveling in the summer is one thing. But traveling during a heat wave? It can be a whole different ballgame!

When temperatures spike, so does your risk of exhaustion, dehydration, and plain old burnout. But that doesn’t mean you need to cancel your plans or stay locked inside. With a little planning and a few adjustments, you can still enjoy the adventure without melting in the process. 

Here are six ways to stay cool while traveling during a heat wave — no full-blast AC required.

1. Start Early, and Slow Down Midday

Your best defense against extreme heat is to adjust your schedule. More often than not, mornings are your sweet spot, with their cooler temperatures, smaller crowds, and a much lower chance of sun fatigue. So, whether you’re heading out for a hike, a city walk, or a long drive, get moving early so you can power through the bulk of your activities before the sun’s at its peak.

Then, by the time noon hits, shift gears. Take a longer lunch, seek out shaded patios, or hit up indoor spots with natural cooling, like museums, shops, galleries, or even libraries.

This is one of the simplest but most effective summer travel survival tips: work with the heat, not against it.

2. Dress to Beat the Heat

Lightweight, breathable fabrics are your best friend here. Natural fibers like cotton and linen help your skin breathe, while moisture-wicking performance gear can keep sweat under control during active days. Be sure to go for loose fits for the best results, and stick with light colors that reflect heat instead of absorbing it.

And don’t forget about accessories. Something like a wide-brim hat can shield your face and neck, while polarized sunglasses reduce eye strain from harsh glare. This kind of gear doesn’t just make you more comfortable; it actively helps you regulate your body temperature, which is key when figuring out how to avoid overheating on vacation.

3. Stay Hydrated

It sounds obvious, but water is the first thing most travelers forget to track. Your goal here should be to drink small amounts consistently throughout the day, not just in big gulps when you’re already thirsty. Keeping a refillable bottle on hand (and actually using it) is one of the easiest ways to stay cool while traveling during a heat wave.

You can also add extras if you’re sweating a lot: electrolytes, fruit slices, or cooling drinks like cucumber water. And don’t underestimate the power of hydrating snacks. Fresh fruit, smoothies, or even a cold yogurt can give you an energy lift while helping your body stay balanced.

4. Make Water Part of the Plan

When it’s scorching, nothing beats being near water. Beach days, river floats, lakefront walks, and boat rides can all help you cool off without sitting inside. The breeze from the water, plus the shade and lower humidity, can make a huge difference in how long you’re able to enjoy the outdoors.

For example, if you're traveling somewhere like Collingwood, take advantage of that shoreline with a boat-based activity. Hop on a dinner cruise, join a sunset tour, or book a fishing charter. But you don’t have to go nautical. Hotel pools, splash pads, or shady public fountains also offer great ways to cool down without air conditioning, especially for families.

5. Pack a Personal Cool-Down Kit

Finally, you can also beat the heat with a few lightweight tools. Cooling towels, mini fans, misting bottles, and even a spare shirt can be lifesavers when you're out all day. One of the best things about these tools is that they don’t take up much space, but can make a huge difference during outdoor activities in hot weather, like sightseeing, biking, or outdoor concerts.

Just remember to keep your kit handy and use it often. A quick spray of cold water on your wrists or a damp cloth on your neck can bring your core temperature down fast. It’s all about staying ahead of the heat instead of reacting after you’re already drained.

Cool Heads Make Better Travelers

Heat waves are no joke, but they don’t have to ruin your trip. With a few strategic shifts, you can stay active, stay outdoors, and still stay comfortable.

And if your travels bring you to Georgian Bay, we’ve got you covered. At Collingwood Charters, we offer dinner cruises, sightseeing tours, live music nights, and fishing charters, all designed to help you cool off and enjoy the water without the crowds. It’s one of the best ways to explore the area, and keep your cool doing it.

Check out our events calendar to book a boat tour today.