How to stay cool in the heatwave – tips and tricks to keep your guests comfortable during the hot weather.
So it's vital that we all know how to cool down effectively, if we want to avoid things like heatstroke. We all know that we should be wearing sunscreen and drinking water but sometimes, that's just not enough.
Most buildings haven´t been designed with sizzling heat in mind, and many vacation rental guests struggle to keep cool. What can you do to advise them? You need ventilation to actually cool down the body, that is why a room feels much more comfortable with a fan and all windows open.
So, advise your vacation rental guests with a few tips for staying cool.
1. Listen to your body
If you believe you or someone else is suffering with heat exhaustion, move them to a cool place, get them to lie down and give them plenty of fluids to drink.
2. Check your vacation rental
When hot weather is forecast, make sure the property you’re renting out is well equipped to keep your guests cool. Make ensure your windows can be opened and if they are exposed to direct sunlight, make sure shutters, blinds or curtains are installed which can help to keep heat out.
Check your fridge, freezer and any fans in your vacation rental are working properly and that your central heating can be turned off.
Make sure you have enough supplies such as water in case your guests are unable to leave your property during the hottest times of the day.
3. Freeze your breeze
If you place a bowl or tray of ice in front of a blowing fan your room will become cooler as the ice melts.
4. Shut out the sun
Advise guests to keep blinds and curtains closed during the day as a preventative measure to stop the room from overheating.
5. Get in the shade
It's advisable to step into the shade between 11am and 3pm. This is the time of the day where the sun is strongest.
6. Eat small meals regularly
Your body warms up as it works to process larger meals. Metabolic heat is needed to break down food, so eating smaller portions can help keep you cooler.
7. Choose cotton
Opting for lightweight cotton clothing is the best option when it's hot outside.
8. Keep hydrated
Sweating can cause dehydration, making you more susceptible to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Drinking cool glasses of water throughout the day can be enough to bring your body temperature down.
9. Get low
Hot air rises, so get down as low as you can to make sure you’re surrounded by cool air. Let your guests sleep on the floor, or even head downstairs, if they’re getting desperate to escape the heat.
10. Rinse your wrists
Washing either your wrists or your feet with cold water before you hit the hay can help you to cool down and drift off.
11. Rethink your summer wardrobe
Opt for loose, cool clothing made of lightweight, natural materials such as cotton to help your skin breathe. If you go outside, wear sunglasses and a hat and of course, make sure to apply a sunscreen with a high SPF and good UVA protection.
12. Keep your feet cool
There are plenty of pulse points around the feet and ankles, so dunking your feet into an ice bucket can help take your temperature down.
13. Breathe deep
Inhaling through the mouth and exhale through the nose to create a refreshing effect.
14. Keep your moisturizers in the fridge
On a hot day, you get get a bit of much-needed rejuvenation by applying a cold moisturizer to your body. Keeping your products in the fridge will create this cooling effect without any hassle.
If you need advise on check-in / check-out with key exchange, the Sharebox support team are always available on chat for hosts and guests from the app or website