Before booking that summer getaway, Dr. Alexander Azan at NYU Langone Health has a simple message: prepare for extreme heat the same way you'd brace for extreme cold. As forecasters predict above-average temperatures this summer and scientists warn that a developing El Niño event could bring even warmer weather later this year and into next summer, travelers face a reality that extends far beyond discomfort—heat exhaustion and potentially life-threatening heat stroke are genuine risks that deserve serious planning.
The good news is that smart preparation turns heat safety from an afterthought into a manageable part of your trip. Start before you leave: check not just the daytime forecast but evening temperatures and the heat index, which accounts for humidity and reveals what your body will actually experience. If the numbers look brutal, you have options. Coastal regions and higher elevations tend to be cooler. Strenuous activities like hiking and long walks shift to early morning or evening hours, leaving midday for museums, movies, or coffee shops where air conditioning becomes part of the itinerary rather than a luxury.
Your lodging matters too. Confirm that your accommodation has reliable air conditioning and research whether the region has experienced recent power blackouts or brownouts. Many destinations now publish locations of public cooling centers—worth noting before you need them.
Who you're traveling with shapes every decision. Older adults, pregnant people, young children, and infants are especially vulnerable to heat stress. But prescription medications matter as much as age. Ashley Ward, director of the Heat Policy Innovation Hub at Duke University, points out a counterintuitive truth: many common medications for high blood pressure, anxiety, and depression actually interfere with the body's natural ability to regulate temperature. The conversation with your doctor before traveling should specifically address heat safety.
Packing becomes strategic. A reusable water bottle stays within arm's reach at all times. Light-colored, breathable fabrics replace heavy materials. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat are non-negotiable. A cooling towel can be a travel game-changer, though portable fans backfire in extreme heat—they simply recycle hot air without relief.
For road trips, plan vehicle maintenance a few weeks ahead, focusing on the engine cooling system and battery. When driving abroad, confirm your rental has air conditioning. Pack water and snacks, take regular breaks to hydrate and stretch, but never leave children, pets, or older adults unattended in a car, even briefly. Park in shade, use windshield protectors, and employ a specific cooling technique when entering a hot car: turn on the AC with recirculation off first, crack the windows, then close them and activate recirculation once the interior begins cooling.
AAA senior automotive manager David Bennett emphasizes one critical rule: don't drive on less than a quarter tank of gas. If you do get stuck in heat, stay inside the car or in nearby shade rather than walking along the roadside. You can cycle the engine on and off every few minutes to maintain AC without wasting fuel. Place reflectors or cones in front of your vehicle so help can find you.
Heat doesn't have to derail summer travel. With forecasting, flexibility, and deliberate precautions, you can chase adventure while keeping yourself and your companions safe.