A wise man once said, “It’s not the destination, but the journey;” we have a suspicion that this wise man was never stuck in a car with several children and a broken air conditioner! As experts in the hospitality business, we know how to help our guests strike the perfect balance between staying cool and enjoying all that sunny Treasure Island, FL has to offer. So, whether traveling to and from our location or simply looking for the best way to go straight from parasailing or fishing to one of Treasure Island’s many restaurants without having to stop to wipe your brow, we’ve got you covered with these tips on keeping cool.

1) Time your excursions to beat the heat. The sun reaches its peak around noon, but temperatures tend to be highest around or until 2-3 p.m. Planning your outdoor excursions for the morning can be worth waking up a little earlier, if you plan on being exposed to the elements for several hours during activities like fishing, boating or hiking. Many attractions won’t be open at night, so it’s a good idea to plan on dining al fresco after the sun has begun to set.

2) Pack light and…well, light. Lightweight fabrics in light colors are your best bet for trekking around on a sunny day. Athletic fabrics are usually designed to wick sweat and avoid heat retention, but if you’re looking to go the stylish route, women can find loose wrap skirts that are still occasion-appropriate, while polos are available to men in a variety of comfortable materials. Cotton is always a good choice.

3) Reserve time for naps. The heat can make both adults and children alike start to feel sleepy, woozy and cranky. Planning a time in the mid-afternoon to retreat to the Page Terrace Beachfront Hotel and lounge at the pool or take a nap in your air-conditioned room is a great way to recharge for the rest of the day.

4) Drink plenty of water. Dehydration doesn’t just make you feel hotter, but can also lead to dizziness, fatigue and even irritation. Be sure to drink water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty; studies have shown that by the time you ARE craving a cold glass of water, your body has already reached critical parchness.

5) Bring a sun umbrella or parasol. BYOS – Bring your own shade! Carrying a small sun umbrella to use while exploring outdoors will keep the sun from beating down on your face and neck, helping you to avoid both sunburn and perspiration.

6) Don’t forget the sunscreen. A cloudy day doesn’t mean you can’t get a sunburn! Make sure you don’t spend your vacation lobster-red, and bring sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Be sure to reapply according to the instructions on the bottle, and always after swimming.

7) Pack light snacks. Eating a big meal can make you feel sluggish, especially on very hot and sunny days. Pack your favorite snacks to munch on while you explore Treasure Island, and save the feasting for when things have cooled down a bit, come sunset.