Summers are here, and soon, the holidays will come. If you’re looking to explore Canada in the summer, then you will need water to keep you hydrated throughout the journey. Depending on some variables, you can be more vulnerable to the consequences of dehydration sooner. A person can only survive for a few days without water as the human body needs it to function correctly.

Even the symptoms could be different for different people. You might feel extremely thirsty or exhausted. In severe cases, it may lead to organ failure.

I usually drink lots of water. And I take care of this even on my trips. But for many people, it’s not just about drinking water. There could be many other reasons that lead you to dehydration. It also depends on the capacity of individuals. If you want to stay hydrated on your trip you must read this blog. I have some very simple but effective tips for you.

1. Drink Plenty of Water

Don’t forget to take a bottle for yourself when you travelling. The human body comprises 60% water. which helps with proper digestion, functions of organs, absorption, and regulation of body temperature, among others. Summers have taken me as far as India and Victoria and those places burn like a ball of bire. However, if you ever thought about spending your summer vacation in India, just grab a coconut water. It is refreshing and keeps you hydrated throughout the day. It is rich in electrolytes like potassium, which can keep you recharged during the day.

The Canada Hustle team interviewed Diane Howard, the RN and Founder of Esthetic Finesse, about the tips for staying hydrated during summer travel and associated benefits. Here is what she said:

“When it comes to staying hydrated during summer travel, my top tip is to remember that your skin is the first place to show signs of dehydration. That’s why protecting and hydrating your skin with sunscreen and moisturizer is key to staying fresh and radiant on the go. 

Don’t forget to pack these essentials to ensure you not only quench your thirst but also keep your skin glowing throughout your journey!”

2. Limit Excess Caffeine and Alcohol Intake

Yes, I Understand. You might as well be wondering what’s going through my head. “So, should I not drink when I’m in a holiday mood?” No, it is not like that. All I’m saying is that you have to limit your caffeine and alcohol intake. It will hasten the dehydration process. So keep up a good balance between Alcohol and water.

3. Avoid Excessive Exposure to the Sun

Spending too much time walking under the sun in a hot place or beach may lead to dehydration in terms of sweating. If one feels dehydrated, I recommend sitting in a cool restaurant or mall preferably with shadow and water. There, one should take some glasses of water but ensure that it is room temperature water and rest for some time until the body cools down.

In an interview with the Canada Hustle team, Daisy Cabral, the Visionary Founder and CEO of Teami Blends, shared some useful tips for staying hydrated during summer travel. Here is an excerpt from the interview:

“Sometimes, always having water readily available on a trip isn’t as easy as you think. There might not always be access to fresh water to fill up your own bottle, which can be frustrating when trying to ensure you maintain a healthy level of hydration. 

In these cases, I always pack extra snacks with me that are full of water. Cut watermelon, cucumber, and other fruits for vacation beach days are great options to ensure you stay hydrated.

I also make sure to have electrolyte or hydration packets on me that I can either consume as is or add as a powder to water to increase my hydration levels even more. These packets are easily stored in your travel bags, so you can take them with you when on vacation in the summer.”

4. Chia Seeds

My study tells me that chia seeds are very rich in nutrients as well as high antioxidants hence helping to hydrate the body too. Just mix the chia seeds with water before leaving, let it sit for 10-15mins then eat it. You can also add some flavours, such as lemons, juices or limes, to taste better.

5. Carry Hydrating Snacks

I always carry lots of hydrating snacks along with water. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, you get approximately 20% of the water from the foods you eat. Cucumbers and watermelons contain more than 90% of water. So, I recommend you pack these healthy hydrating snacks in your bag before going out to travel.

We interviewed Staci Anderson, Director of Marketing at Raynor Garage Doors, and talked to her about the ways to stay hydrated during summer travel. Here is what she had to say:

“First off, I just make sure to keep a refillable water bottle on hand. It’s a simple habit that guarantees I have water with me wherever I go (whether that’s moving from gate to gate at airports, in the car for a road trip, or walking around some new city).

Try using bottles that have a filter; this way, you can refill them safely from different water sources. Putting a reminder on your phone to take a sip every so often can also ensure you stay hydrated, especially on long outings.

Another important practice is to actually eat to hydrate: eat a lot of hydrating foods. Watermelon, cucumbers, oranges, and strawberries are all packed with fluids and can help you reach the daily goal of 13 cups of fluids for women or 9 cups for men through food.

The benefit of these is that they can be quite refreshing and rehydrating, making it easier to maintain fluid balance throughout the day and reducing the total amount of water needed.

It is key that you listen to the signals from your own body and adjust your hydration strategy accordingly. How much water you need depends on your body temperature, how much you are exercising, and how much you sweat.

If you live or exercise in a warmer climate, you will need to drink even more water, no matter how you try to disguise it. However, if it is clear or light yellow, you may be well hydrated.”

Keep Yourself Hydrated!

Your health is ultimately what counts the most. You should be aware of the recommended daily calorie intake for food and water. You will almost certainly get a heart attack if you don’t drink enough water. You can, therefore, quickly understand the significance of everyday water consumption. So pack up your bags and hit the road.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much dehydration is fatal?

Physical and mental impairment, along with intense thirst, can result from a loss of more than 10 percent of the body’s total water. Approximately 15-25% of the body’s water must be less for death to occur.

2. How long can you survive while dehydrated?

To sustain cells alive and to maintain a stable internal temperature, the body needs a lot of water. A human can often go without water for three days.

3. Can your body shut down from dehydration?

Serious instances of dehydration can make it extremely difficult for the body and mind to function normally if they are not handled. This occasionally causes organ breakdown and hallucinations.

Guest Author: Saket Kumar

Last Updated on August 14, 2024 by Saket