How to stay cool: Tips for beating the heat without AC

If the air conditioning in your surroundings isn't working, there are practical methods to cope with the heat. Here are a few tricks that can be effective both at home and during exotic travels.

Although the heat is just beginning, high temperatures are expected on exotic vacations. In such situations, it's worth knowing effective ways to cool down, especially when the air conditioning in your hotel room isn't working or is absent. These methods will allow you to lower the temperature in the room and feel better quickly.

An air conditioning failure is not the end of the world. There are a few simple tricks to lower the temperature in your hotel room. For example, hang a wet towel in the window in the evening—wring it out well so it doesn't drip. The moisture from the towel will make the room cooler.

If you have a fan, place a bowl with ice cubes in front of it. This will cool the air entering the room. Another way to reduce the perceived heat is to remove all heat sources, such as charging electronic devices. It's important to do this before going to bed.

High temperatures can also be bothersome at night in tropical climates. However, there are ways to cool down before sleep, even if the air conditioning isn't working. Cooling down your pillow is a great idea—put it in the refrigerator for the day, ideally in a plastic bag, to keep it from soaking up moisture. When you remove it, it will be pleasantly cool.

Similarly, you can cool or wet your socks with cold water. Cooling your feet triggers an automatic response in the body: it improves circulation, making it easier to fall asleep. A cool bath or soaking your feet in cold water before bedtime is also effective.