Florida Guide > Hints and Tips
Beat the Heat
The winter months can be wonderfully warm and is a perfect time to visit Florida. However, if you visit during the hot summer months, there are many things you can do to help keep cool in the summer heat.
Take a break.
It' s a great way to cool down so head back to your villa for a cooling swim or refreshing shower and have a couple of hours relaxation. You' ll not only help avoid the hot afternoon heat, you' ll also be avoiding the afternoon crowds and will be fully refreshed to do more later in the day.
Get up early.
You may be on holiday and want to make the most of that lovely bedroom in your villa, but it will be much cooler in the mornings, you' ll beat the late sleepers and you will be first in line for your favourite rides.
Use the attractions
If you are out in the parks and feeling the heat, just pop into a ride or attraction - all of the indoor attractions are cool and welcoming with full air conditioning so take the opportunity to sit and relax watching a show or taking a ride. It will also help rest your tired and aching feet.
Drink lots of water.
Try and avoid sugary treats and alcohol and drink plenty of water frequently. Many people take water bottles to the parks and refill them all day at the drinking fountains.
Pace Yourself.
If you are not used to a hot environment and lots of activity then take it easy and start the day at a slow pace then pick up speed gradually. If you feel your heart pounding or a headache coming on then take a break and slow down.
Wear light clothes.
Light and white clothes are a must to help keep your cool. Light colours reflect the heat and dark colours absorb it, so avoid black at all costs. Natural fabrics such as cotton will also be a great help in keeping you cool and will be much more comfortable than many synthetics. Vests and shorts are fairly good at keeping cool, but for the ladies, you just cannot beat a light, cotton sundress. Make sure you use plenty of sunblock and a hat will always help too.
Avoid blisters.
Your feet swell when you are hot and, along with the amount of walking you will do, blisters can be a constant threat. Make sure you wear worn in, comfortable footwear. Sandals such as Crocs are ideal as they allow your feet to breath and any sweat to dry quickly. Tennis shoes and trainers are comfortable, but take a spare pair of socks with you and change your socks as soon as they feel damp or uncomfortable. There is a product available called Body Glide, which is a sports lubricant used by athletes and runners to avoid blisters and chafing. Baby powder can also be a help.
Have a spray.
Fill a spray bottle with water and ice and refresh your face often. You can also purchase small hand held fans that spray a mist of cooling water. They are much cheaper in stores such as Walmart than inside the parks.
Commercial Products
Freeze individually wrapped wipes and pop them in your bag. They will stay cool all day and are a great way to freshen up on the move. Another product available is the Frogg Toggs Chilly Pad - a cooling pad that retains water but is dry to the touch. When wet, the product becomes considerably cooler than the outside temperature and, when it stops cooling (typically around3-4 hours), you just re-wet it in water and it' s cool again. Have a look online, they will last for years.
Use plenty of common sense.
If the heat is too much then stay indoors and pay special attention to the elderly and infants as they may dehydrate easily.
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