Here's What You Need to Know Before Traveling with Hot or Cold Intolerance

However, not everyone's nervous system functions properly... There's a variety of conditions, such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), and even Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), among so many others, that cause someone to suffer from temperature sensitivity, also referred to individually as hot or cold intolerance. Regulating your body temperature and maintaining homeostasis is one of the most important functions of the nervous system.

I spend most of my time in Michigan in the northern United States, where we have a well-known joke: "If you don't like the weather, wait five minutes." This means that I've had to become proficient in managing my ever-changing body temperature.

It can be very dangerous, especially traveling alone, to be ill-prepared in terms of temperature control- for everyone, whether you struggle with abnormal temperature regulation or not. Very commonly travelers suffer from dehydration, passing out, or even heat stroke!

In a valiant effort to avoid an emergency room visit, here are my favorite tricks that I've learned over my years that I wish I knew earlier and compiled here to share with you.

Too hot?

Can You Spot the Cold Pack?

- I love recommending this one simple trick. Carry/pack ice packs with you. When you're at home, grabbing an ice pack from the freezer is a great option for any heat wave. However, whether you're traversing Machu Picchu or the grocery store, you won't always have a cold ice pack readily available to cool you down. One of my absolute favorite hacks I've ever come up with- and has been a literal lifesaver so many times -- is to carry an instant cold pack. These instant cold packs are unique from regular freezable ice packs because they travel at room temperature yet freeze within seconds. This means that you can carry one (or two, or three, depending on your needs!) in your bag and easily activate and apply this newly freezing ice pack to cool down. I recommend applying these to a few key locations on the body (especially the pulse points - neck, wrists, thighs, and even your stomach work great) and rotating often to avoid something called cold/freezer burn. I actually carry one with my in my bag everywhere I go, and if I'm planning on being out on a long, hot day, I'll pack extra. These are super easy to travel and fly with too.

- Purchase a cooling towel. Cooling towels are great, especially when exercising on a hot day because they dually function as a sweat towel. Simply applying water - even warm water - activates the cooling technology in this easily packable towel and leaves it cool and wet.

- Obviously, stay hydrated. This is one of the most important things you can do, all the time, no matter the weather! Dehydration can range from mild to severe but no fun regardless. Pack water (icy, if possible), drink it often, and refill it. Even more, consider adding electrolytes to your water! Many people, especially in recent months I've noticed, have begun adding electrolyte solutions to their water, such as Nuun, Propel, and Liquid IV. With the wide variety of flavors and price options, you're sure to find a solution you like. As someone who's tried all three, I think Nuun is my personal favorite due to the price, good flavor, and ease of packing.

- Naturally, be conservative with sun exposure. Emphasize shade and AC, even if you aren't feeling hot! Heat stroke can be sneaky, and there's plenty of time to overheat later.

- Eat cold! If you're out and about in the sun, eating ice cream or drinking a cold lemonade is a great way to cool your body down- from the inside!

- Dress accordingly. I carry a zip-up sweatshirt with me almost anywhere because it's so easy to put on or take off, and also rolls up small to go in my backpack. This makes it super easy to adjust my body temperature quickly.

Too cold?

- Again, dress accordingly! Wear a lot of layers, and pack even more. Everyone knows that a coat is the most important, but dry (emphasis on dry!) socks, a hat, and mittens are also crucial when the weather/temperature warrants. Some times I've even worn two pairs of socks because my feet got so cold. I even keep a hat and gloves in my bedside table for when I get super cold during the night- even in a heated house, fuzzy blankets, and a heating pad in the middle of summer*; the human body is weird !

*feat nervous system dysfunction!

- Instant heat packs! The brand HotHands makes heating packs that, similar to the instant cold packs, heat up within seconds when activated. I keep a pack of them in my car, for one! They are super great to stick in your coat pockets to keep those fingers warm. However, similarly to the cold packs, use these with caution. I actually used to stick these packs in my bra against my chest to keep my body temperature up, but have long stopped because I actually gave myself second-degree burns without even noticing; I was so cold, I didn't feel my skin burning. Ouch. Don't make my mistake!

- Keep a blanket in your car! In my trunk, I have a rolled-up blanket that is super light, packs super small, but insulates, or conserves my body heat, really well. Having a blanket comes in handy in a lot of situations, but can be truly life-saving in the event of a trauma, freezing temperatures, and other emergency situations. Preparedness saves lives!

- Eat warm. Many people would attest there's nothing better for cold hands than a warm cup of hot chocolate, coffee, etc. Drinking or eating hot foods will help to regulate your internal body temperature.

Whether you're constantly sweating, ceaselessly freezing, or miserably alternating between the two (me too), I hope these tips can provide you with some relief and safety- whether you're in the comfort of your own home or all the way across the world.