School’s out for the summer! It’s the holiday season and that means plenty of Brits will be packing up and heading off for a leisure vehicle adventure.
Those of us who planned a UK staycation might be somewhat underwhelmed by the abrupt ending to the glorious, sunny weather we’d been lucky enough to experience for the last few weeks.
However, for those heading abroad in their caravans and motorhomes, there is ample opportunity to experience the highs of the European summer.
So, during a touring holiday to a very warm destination, what measures can you take to keep yourself and your caravan, campervan or motorhome cool? Air treatment expert Chris Michael from Meaco recently shared his best tips to make your summer getaway as comfortable and safe as possible.
Keep rooms cool
The weather outside may very well be frightful, but there’s no reason not to feel delightful. Unless, of course, you’ve left your windows and curtains open all day, exposing your leisure vehicle to the harsh temperatures.
If you’re hoping for more fresh air, try to only open windows and doors when the air outside is cooler, or at opposite ends for cross ventilation. This will ensure you aren’t increasing the inside temperature.
Furthermore, switching off any unused electrical devices will reduce the amount of heat energy being radiated within your leisure vehicle.
Invest in a portable fan
Recent years have seen the rise of USB-charged portable fans. Think how good a cool breeze would feel on a long car journey in 35-degree heat – that’s where these gadgets come in very handy.
Because these devices don’t require a plug socket, they’re also a great companion if you’re heading off-grid in your leisure vehicle. Look out for Quiet Mark-certified products that aren’t noisy and could potentially make the difference between a poor night’s sleep and a good one.
Take advantage of air conditioning
If your leisure vehicle is equipped with an air conditioning unit, turn it on a few hours before you intend to go to bed for a more comfortable experience.
Some units – especially fixed ones – can be particularly noisy, but cooling the bedroom down before you sleep there means you can turn it off after a few hours and enjoy a peaceful night.
Remember to keep the bedroom door and any curtains or blinds closed to avoid losing the cool air or, conversely, inviting the warmer air back inside.
Prepare for a chilled sleep
Before you head to bed, take a warm bath or shower. This will allow your body to relax and cool down naturally, unlike a cold wash, which stimulates your blood vessels to dilate and increase your body temperature.
Don’t forget to keep a glass of (preferably ice) cold water nearby to keep rehydrated if you wake up in the night feeling hot.
Photo credit: gya den / Pexels
