Stay cool on holiday this summer with our pick of travel-friendly products (Picture: Amazon)
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If you’re heading to southern Europe over the next few days, you may well be hit by the blistering heat that’s affected a huge number of popular holiday destinations.
The Cerberus heatwave has seen temperatures in countries such as Spain, Greece, and Italy soar, with Sardinia and Sicily in Italy bracing for temperatures in the 40s.
Holidaymakers have been urged to follow the lead of locals and stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day.
While experts have been sharing their practical tips, there are also a whole host of products out there to keep you (and your dog, if they’re coming along) cool, and to save you time, we’ve put together a few of our favourites.
The travel-friendly gems include a portable fan that sprays misty water, cooling gel pads to stop you overheating at night, and a cooling mat specially designed for dogs.
Enjoy your holiday and stay safe!
YQXCC 2 Pack Cooling Towel (120cm x 30cm)
Just soak the towel in cold water, wring it out and drape it around your neck for an instant cool down. Reviewers say it stays cool ‘for ages’. Each towel comes with a reusable pouch and clip so you can attach it to your bag or clothing.
Leipple Folding Handheld Fan
A nifty foldable handheld fan that can also be used as a desk fan, neck fan and a mobile phone holder. It features four wind speeds and can be used for up to 12 hours before recharging is needed.
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KJIXYUNG Portable Neck Fan
A rechargeable bladeless fan that you wear around your neck, so your hands are always free. It has three wind speeds and is foldable so great for travelling.
Kool ‘N’ Soothe Night Cooling Spray
Designed to make fabric cool to touch. Just spray onto the inside of your nightwear top and/or onto your bed sheets (not your pillows) before you go to bed.
Kayman 4 x Reusable Cooling Gel Pads
These cooling gel pads can be placed anywhere on your body or you can use them as a pillow on hot nights. Refrigerate for extra coolness.
Portable Air Cooler
A portable cooler that can be used as a straight fan, or add ice for extra chill or water so it becomes a humidifier. Small so easy to transport.
Cosi Home Travel Pillow
A memory foam pillow that comes with a cooling, breathable bamboo pillow case to help prevent sweating at night and a waterproof carry case.
EasyAcc Mini Handheld Fan
A simple handheld fan that has three adjustable speeds and comes with a detachable base if you want to use it as a desk fan and a lanyard for wearing it round your neck.
Vamcheer Dog Cooling Mat
If your four-legged friend is joining you on holiday, stop them from overheating with a cooling mat like this one from Vamcheer. It’s activated with the pressure of your pet. Should last for about three hours and there’s no need to put it in the fridge or freezer. Available in 50cm by 60cm and 60cm by 90cm.
Newgo Cooling Eye Mask
Stick the eye mask in the freezer for a couple of hours then sit back and chill. As well as cooling you down, it can also help calm puffy eyes and revitalise tired eyes. And in the winter, put it in the microwave for 10 seconds for a lovely warming mask. Comes in various colours.
Gaiatop Mini Portable Pram Fan
A handy fan that can be attached to a pram or cot to keep your baby cool, or to anything else that works for you! One reviewer said his wife takes it to her spin class. Comes in six colours.
Contigo Ashland Chill Water Bottle with Straw
This water bottle features a double-walled Thermalock vacuum insulation designed to keep your drink cool for 24 hours, while the opening is large enough to add ice cubes.
Handheld Fan with Mist Spray
Use the water bottle included to fill the fan with water then spray when needed to enjoy a cool mist on your skin. It comes with bear ears, for those who like their fans to be cute.
Huw Owen, co-founder at TravelLocal, said: ‘In terms of taking precautions against the heat, it’s best to do as many Europeans do and recalibrate the day. From 12-7pm is for the mad dogs – that’s when you should get some rest and shade.
‘The early morning or the evening, through to the early hours, is when the days are at their coolest, so it’s best to save any walking around for these times if you can, to avoid the heat.
‘It means a shorter night’s sleep, but you top it up in the middle of the day (as the Spanish do, build a “siesta” into your day). It’s a great way to have more energy to experience the nightlife, and is good for your health too.’
Fans, gel mats and more to keep cool during hot weather on holiday.
