What No One Tells You About Traveling Somewhere Actually Hot

So, someone’s booked a trip somewhere hot. Proper hot. Maybe the desert. Maybe somewhere with red rocks and zero clouds and that dry, relentless sun. And they’re feeling confident. After all, they’ve lived through a few heatwaves at home, right? So yeah, bring it on! Except… no. Absolutely not. When it comes to travel challenges, yeah, this can definitely be seen as one, well, the lack of research, to be exact.

canyon

Now, you need to keep in mind that heat at home is a sweaty inconvenience. But heat in the desert is a whole other species. Well, usually any hot climate, not just a desert, but really a small heatwave at home and a hot climate are far from being the same. Actually, they’re not even in the same family! Probably, the comparison would be a cousin who doesn’t talk to anyone unless it’s to cause chaos.

So, if you’re thinking about traveling to a hot climate, especially during peak season (which is usually the summer since that’s when everyone has vacation days), then here’s what you really need to know!

The Heat Out there isn’t Playing

Back home, when it’s hot, you’re inside. The AC’s on. You’ve got an iced drink, a fan on full blast, and your only concern is figuring out what’s for dinner without having to turn on the oven. It sounds great, right?

Okay, now picture this: you’re in Arizona, it’s barely 10 AM, and it already feels like you’re standing inside a hairdryer. You’re halfway through your “easy” hike and suddenly your body’s screaming for water, your forehead’s sizzling, and you’re seriously questioning every life decision that led to this moment. And weirdly, you’re not even sweating that much. Well, that’s because in dry heat, your sweat evaporates before it can save you. 

It’s the kind of heat that turns your brain to mashed potatoes and makes you genuinely furious at the sun. Instead, you just walk around thinking, “This was a mistake.”

Tours are Your New Best Friend

Trying to go it alone in a hot climate is bold, but not in a good way. Some places, like Antelope Canyon, are stunning, but they’re also in environments that are no joke. Just because you had an easy hike in Greece, somewhere like the Samaria Gorge, it doesn’t mean it’s going to be easy in a truly hot climate, one known for its heat (like Arizona).

So, you’re a lot safer just booking a tour through https://antelopecanyon.az/, and no, isn’t just about convenience, actually, it’s about staying safe. You’ll be safe with a guide (and even a guided group tour can be fine) because they know the right timing, they know first aid, and the hike just won’t feel like a death march.

That Midday Sun will Ruin Your Whole Day

You really need to keep in mind that locals in hot places know the deal. They don’t casually go sightseeing at noon. They’re chilling, inside, living their best life with an ice-cold drink and some shade. Because outside? It’s lava. Usually, tourists tend not to think the same way.

So, the trick is: do stuff early. Ideally just rest during the sweaty part of the day. Then maybe head out again in the late afternoon. Really, it’s not lazy. It’s literally survival. Sure, it’s not ideal getting up early for a hike or certain activities (or when the sun is going down), but that’s really what the locals do.

About the author
Mark Stoneman
Hi! My name is Mark! I have been a resident of Door County for almost ten years now, and I'm glad to help you say "Hello" to Door County. I believe that travel helps to change lives, and because of that, I want to help you improve your life through travel.