If you’re craving a last-minute #getaway to close the summer on a high note, there’s still time to book a long weekend in #vacation hotspots such as Las Vegas, New Orleans and Myrtle Beach. But if you want something a little less crowded (and likely less expensive, too), Budget Travel suggests, consider destinations such as Bangor, Maine; Portland, Ore.; and Cleveland, Ohio a try; all have a range of lodging, dining and outdoor activities to try. For a more international escape that’s not too far from the U.S., try the Bahamas, Cancun or Guatemala; it’s the off season and you may be able to take advantage of last-minute deals without having to book an overly long flight. #LastMinuteSummerTravel
Tag: summer
Hit the Beach Before Summer’s End
The days are getting shorter, kids are returning to school and evening temperatures are starting to cool somewhat. And you still haven’t been to the beach? No worries, Travel & Leisure says — there are options from sea to shining sea. Southern California offers sandy beaches throughout the year, though water temperatures can get cold in the winter months. The Atlantic Coast offers beaches from Maine to Florida, and the Gulf Coast offers more beaches and sport fishing. Further inland, there’s the Great Lakes, New York’s Finger Lakes and thousands of smaller lakes just waiting for you to pull up with a lounge chair and a good book. Plan your last #summer trip now, though, so you don’t miss out on the rest and relaxation or wind up paying more to #travel. #LastMinuteSummerTravel
Lifestyle Choices That Can Help Beat the Heat
To keep the home and yourself #cooler, a few easy options can get you started. First, don’t run appliances including the dishwasher, clothes dryer or oven during a heat wave, says Real Simple; all produce heat and can make your space warmer. Next, keep direct sunlight out with blinds and sheer drapes; you’ll also want to dress in something breezy and maybe go barefoot. Keep a spray bottle of water in the refrigerator for a quick, refreshing spritz (add essential oils if you wish) and opt for chilled fruits and vegetables over hot foods. Make an exception for spicy dishes, which can actually help cool the body down by encouraging the body to #cool itself through #perspiration. #BeatTheHeat
Escape to Climate-Controlled Comfort
If you don’t have air conditioning or it suddenly goes on the fritz during a #heat wave, find a public space that does. Malls, stores, public libraries and cinemas are excellent places to spend a couple of hours in climate-controlled comfort. While fans and evaporative coolers offer some slight comfort by augmenting your body’s natural cooling mechanisms, they lose effectiveness at temperatures above 90 and in high humidity. That’s when youl need to find a cooling center, take a cool shower or resort to measures such as freezing your bed linens. Or you can create your own makeshift A/C unit using a cooler, ice, fan and a few simple tools. #BeatTheHeat
Keeping Pets Safe in Extreme Heat
Extreme #heat is especially dangerous for our animal companions, says the New York Times. Walk dogs early in the morning or after sunset when temperatures are cooler, avoid strenuous activity and seek shade. Carry water and a collapsible dish to keep your pet hydrated. If your dog slows down, let them take a break — and if he or she shows signs of #overheating such as excessive panting, lethargy or a deep-red tongue, get them to a cool water bath fast. If signs of distress persist, go to a veterinarian immediately. And never leave your pet unattended inside a closed car; a car’s cabin temperature can rise to dangerous levels even when the outside air is temperate. #BeatTheHeat