What to carry and how to prep if you are travelling during a heatwave

It is raining in most of India currently, but several parts of the world are now grappling with a severe heatwave.

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Extreme temperatures and prolonged heatwaves have been predicted across popular tourist destinations in Europe and parts of US. Not to scare you, but heat-related deaths have been reported in June among tourists in Greece, while a few are still missing. Over 1,300 people died during this year's Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia as they faced extremely high temperatures.The National Weather Service in the US, meanwhile, issued a heat advisory for "dangerously hot and humid conditions" in areas including Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.Travel planners do not recommend planning a trip to a place experiencing a heatwave. “It is burning everywhere already. July and August are going to be crazy hot in Europe. June is generally very pleasant, but this year the heatwave has started way too early,” says Rohit Khattar, founder of IKIGAI - Your Travel Genie, a group-tour company.He does-n't recommend planning a tour during the summer season in Europe. “My clients certainly don't enjoy Europe in June,” Khattar says.In case the trip is already planned, do remember a few things like packing essentials, avoiding peak sun hours, and staying hydrated.

Health impact:

A heatwave can severely impact your health, leading to a fatal condition like heatstroke.

Dr Vinayaka G P, consultant internal medicine, SPARSH Hospital, Bengaluru, shares more ways a heatwave can affect a person's health:

Heat exhaustion

The symptoms in patients suffering from chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, etc., increase and affect their existing conditions.

People who have sensitive skin suffer from sunburn, skin damage, and heat rash.

Dehydration

Heatstroke, which can cause permanent disability or death

Symptoms to watch for: