Ways to Escape the Summer Heat

Sweltering in your office or home in the hot summer months is never fun; luckily, it's not something you have to endure. Each year, people in countries all over the world seek an escape from the summer heat and actively search for ways to keep cool. Avoiding overheating in the summer can involve leaving town, but you can find simpler ways to escape the heat right where you are.

Swimming Pools

• When it's too warm, head for the water. If you don't live near an ocean, lake or river, visit your local public swimming pool, where you're likely to find plenty of others diving into the waters to cool off. If you'd rather not share your pool with dozens of swimmers, you could instead arrange a pool party at the home of a friend or family member who has a private pool. If all else fails, buy an inflatable pool from a store, fill it up and relax in your own backyard.

Getaways

• A more long-term method of escaping the heat is to leave town and head to cooler climes for a week or two. Book an apartment or hotel room on the coast where the temperature will be cooler, or rent a cabin by a lake. You could also head to a region of your country where the average temperature is lower, even in the summer. If it's within your budget, take a cruise. A cruise ship still offers you the chance to enjoy the sun, but you'll be able to sip cool drinks or head below deck to your air-conditioned room if it gets too warm.

Air Conditioning

• If you have to sit tight in a house or office, ensure that you have a decent supply of air conditioning. Your home or workplace might already have a sufficient air conditioning unit; if not, invest in a fan and place a bowl of ice cubes on your desk or on a table in front of the fan. When the fan blows in your direction, it'll be extra refreshing. Close the curtains on the side of the house or office with the most sun exposure, and take regular cool showers, if possible, to keep from going into a meltdown.

Clothes

• What you're wearing can make a big difference to how hot you feel in hot weather. Don a hat with a wide brim to keep the sun off your face and shoulders, and wear loose-fitting clothes to increase air circulation. In terms of materials, choose cotton unless the synthetic materials in your clothes are designed to cool you.

Find Cool Buildings

• When it's sweltering outside and you're about town, try to find cool buildings where you can spend a few hours. Consider museums, libraries and other public places that are air-conditioned and possibly free or relatively cheap to explore. You could also stop at a restaurant or cafe for a break inside the cool interior.