If you're like me then you know how difficult it can be to stay cool in the heat. Costa Rica is especially hot because it is so close to the equator. Here are some great tips on how to beat the heat when you travel.
What to bring ?
Costa Rica beaches are a very hot place you can visit. When you want to visit one of those beautiful beaches or another great Costa Rican destination it is great to bring along some of these items....
Hat-
(I like to use sunhats because they keep a lot of the sun off you and help prevent from getting a sunburn especially to keep from burning the top of your head)
Lots Of Sunscreen -
(100 SPF works the best. Try to find water proof or sport sunscreen so it will stay on if you decide to go swimming)
Neck Cooler -
(These are perfect for hot weather just be sure to keep it cold or it will make you feel hotter)
Cooler For Drinks _
(Staying hydrated is probably the most important thing you need to stay cool. Water is the best thing you can drink when you are hot. Soda dehydrates you and will make you feel even worse. Another great drink that I like to have is Gatorade because it replaces all the salt and electrolytes that your body looses when it's hot.)
Insulated Water Bottle-
(An insulated water bottle is a great option too because it can keep your drinks cold for hours if you don't want to have to bring along a big cooler to the beach ;) .
How to apply sunscreen the best...
There are some very important spots that you need to put sunscreen or you will feel it later. I am known for burning. I can leave the house for 10 minutes and come back with an awful sunburn. Here are the most important places I make sure I have sunscreen...
Neck
Ears
Face
Chest
Arms
It is good to apply sunscreen to your legs or on your back if you are wearing tank tops or swim suits. You can apply sunscreen on the tops of your feet too if you want because many people that wear sandals forget sunscreen and can get burns there too.
You need to apply sunscreen maybe every hour because it is only good for so long and if you wait too long you will begin to get a sunburn.
It is best to apply it early just to prevent from getting one.
When can i get a sunburn ?
In Costa Rica I can get a sunburn any time of the day if the sun is out :). Even if it is cloudy outside. Many people think if it's cloudy that they will not burn but 80 percent of the sun's rays pass through the clouds and can give you a sunburn just as bad as a sunny day.
how to prevent a sunburn...
You can prevent a sunburn by staying in the shade as much as possible. The shade will also help you stay cool. If your burn as easily as I do then you should probably avoid swimming until evening or night because the sun reflects off the water and can give you one of the worst sunburns ever. Of course always make sure to use sunscreen, that is a necessity :).
what to eat on a hot day...
There are some foods that help a lot on a hot day. Here are some of those foods...
Fruit-
(Fruit is a great thing to eat when it is hot as long as you don't have too much or it can hurt your stomach. I love to eat things like dried pineapple, bananas, cantaloupe or cranberries)
Nuts-
(Nuts can be a nice food to eat on your journey and will give you lots of protein).
Granola Bars-
Granola bars are such are great option when it's really hot and your are hungry but don't want to eat a lot. I love the Nature Valley brand but you can buy any kind of granola bar to satisfy your hunger.
It is best to not eat heavy meals on a hot day or you might not feel great later. Try to eat light meals like a salad with some chicken or a little casado at a local soda ;). When you eat try to drinks things like an iced tea or water to make sure you are well hydrated. You can also find some local foods you might like. The (Pipa) a local fruit like a coconut tastes great and the Costa Rican (Copo) is a shaved ice treat you can find at the beach and other places. They are great options :)
Well I think that is everything I know about how to stay cool, beat the heat and feel good at the end of a hot day. I hope you can use these tips weather you are coming to visit us in Costa Rica or planning another vacation. Thanks for reading my first blog and I hope you enjoyed it :).
- Eleah ♥
