For people that are used to cold and dry climates, traveling to a place where the weather is almost always warm is a dream. However, keep in mind that your body is used to the climate at home, and it can be quite an adjustment when you arrive at your tropical destination.
A lot of vacationers get sick or become much uncomfortable because of the change in temperature, humidity levels, and weather conditions. If you want to enjoy your vacation without hassle, here are some things to remember before looking for hotels near Changi Airport:
1. Pack light clothes
The clothes you have at home are probably suited for colder weather. However, your sweaters and thick t-shirts are not going to cut it in a tropical climate. While planning your trip, start shopping for thin, light clothes that are airy and comfortable to wear. If you’re planning to go to a fancy place, ensure that your business casual clothes are just as breathable. The last thing you want is to sweat through your outfit while on a cruise ship.
2. Don’t forget your jacket
Even if the weather in the country you’re planning to visit is typically hot, it can get quite cold during the evenings and at higher elevations. Pack a fleece or a jacket that is made of breathable, water repellent material. In case you need to go somewhere cool or breezy, your jacket can keep you comfortable.
3. Bring lots of sunscreen
Sunburn is the bane of many Western travelers, especially for those who don’t get a lot of sun in their home countries. To protect your skin and avoid ruining your trip because of sunburn pain, pack lots of sunscreen lotion with a high SPF counter. And while you’re there, don’t forget to use it. You never know how quickly a sunburn can develop with just a few minutes under the sun’s rays.
4. Buy mosquito repellent
It’s not common to contract malaria in resorts and urban areas. Therefore it is not entirely necessary to take a malaria pill or other mosquito prophylactics unless you are traveling to a remote location.
Dengue fever, on the other hand, can be common even in urban areas. Therefore, don’t forget to pack mosquito repellent and apply it to all exposed areas of your skin around dusk and dawn.
5. Pack extra swimwear
In a place where humidity is high, your swimwear might not dry quickly. The same goes for towels, cover-ups, and other things that are going to the beach with you. Thus, if you’re going to be spending a lot of time on the beach and in the water, don’t forget to pack extra swimwear, towels, and cover-ups.
6. Bring an umbrella
Rain showers are expected in tropical islands because of the high humidity and pressure in the area. Keep a small umbrella in your bag to keep yourself dry in case of unexpected rainfall. It’s also a good idea to bring a raincoat or rain poncho, but these can be bulky in your luggage. Consider buying one from a local store; they are relatively cheap and can be quite sturdy.
7. Assemble a medicine bag
Aside from your prescription medicines, bring medications that you think you might need, such as pills for upset stomach, allergies, headaches, and motion sickness. Even if you don’t typically get sick while traveling, having a complete medicine bag with you is a must. There might be instances when the food doesn’t sit well with your stomach, or the rocking of the boat is too much for your body. In any case, you can easily pop a pill and go on with your vacation.
8. Be wary about the water
The water in tropical countries is entirely different from the water you have at home. Do not drink tap water from your hotel room even if the management says its potable. When eating at restaurants, ask if the service water is at least filtered. Even so, you might not want to take the risk if you have a sensitive stomach. Ask for bottled water instead.
9. Keep yourself hydrated
Since the weather is hot and humid, you can lose a lot of water through sweat. Bring a reusable water bottle around with you and fill it with filtered or distilled water. Keep yourself hydrated throughout the day to avoid getting sick or becoming easily fatigued.
Vacationing in a tropical country is one of the best experiences that you can have. However, since the climate and environment are so different, keep these travel tips in mind to ensure that you have a safe and comfortable vacation ahead.
