So, your tickets are booked for your first trip to a city where the air feels more like soup than… well, air. Maybe you’re headed to Houston, New Orleans, Jakarta, or somewhere else where summer feels like a full-body sauna experience. Don’t sweat it (okay, you might still sweat a little)—with a little planning, you’ll actually enjoy yourself way more than you think.

What to Pack (Hint: Denim Is Not Your Friend)

Let’s talk clothes. If you pack like you’re heading to a dry climate, you’re probably in for a day-two meltdown. Whatever you do, leave anything heavy or non-breathable at home. Cotton, linen, those soft athletic shirts—these are your new best friends. Personally, I always bring an extra shirt in my day bag, just in case I’m leaving puddles everywhere after lunch. Oh, and don’t forget extra socks if you’re a sneakers-all-day person. Wet socks are the fastest way to ruin a good mood.

There’s also zero shame in carrying a little travel-sized deodorant or baby wipes. They might feel over-the-top, but trust me, you’ll thank yourself for keeping “fresh” in your back pocket.

Hydration Is No Joke

This one is obvious until you forget and spend the day feeling foggy. Bring a water bottle and use it. More than you think you need. Sweating is basically the city’s favorite pastime—so join the club (and stay upright).

Be Kind to Your Skin and Your Hair

If you’re a skincare routine person, stick to lightweight products. Heavy lotions or makeup just sort of melt off and feel sticky. Same goes for hair—frizz is part of the fun, honestly. Try a leave-in conditioner or a hat if you really want to resist nature’s hair-raising plans. Bug spray is smart, too. Mosquitoes love this weather almost as much as you love the air conditioning.

AC Is Your Friend—And Sometimes Your Savior

Plan your day around shady streets, museums, and, yes, restaurants with decent air conditioning. Duck into a cafe when things get truly swampy. A funny thing—lots of folks don’t realize hotels or rentals that boast “cool but comfy” sometimes mean they’ve actually had a pro run a whole house cooling calculation, so you’re guaranteed a crisp escape after sightseeing. 

Go Slow, Enjoy the Ride

Something about humid cities makes time move differently. Locals don’t typically sprint from spot to spot (they know better). Give yourself permission to stroll. Take shady breaks and order that iced drink you’ve been side-eyeing since breakfast. It’s not about cramming in as much as possible—it’s about feeling the city at its pace.

Laugh It Off—Really

You will sweat. You might have a hair day that defies gravity and logic. It’s all part of the memory. Slap on some sunscreen, roll with it, and snap a selfie after a little rainstorm—you’ll look as alive as you feel.

Safe travels, and may your trip be more adventure and less stickiness. Honestly, humidity makes for great stories. Wear it like a badge of honor.