Deserts worldwide are one of the dream vacation destinations for many travelers. Despite the extremely hot weather, these unique tourist spots in only a few countries offer extraordinary exoticism. Take the Sahara and Namib deserts in Africa, the Thar Desert in India, or the Arabian Desert, all among the most beautiful deserts in the world. The heat in these deserts can reach up to 38 degrees Celsius during the day.
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For those of you who love traveling in such hot weather, taking care of and protecting your body while enjoying your vacation in these enchanting places is essential. Here are some tips or things you can do as preparation when traveling to desert regions. In addition to the items or equipment you must bring, consider safety measures.
10 Tips for Traveling to the Desert
Here are the tips for solo traveling to the dessert.
1. Drink More Water
Since the desert air is extremely hot, you will naturally feel thirsty. You will sweat more than usual. If you don not drink enough water, you will become dehydrated. So make sure to stay hydrated while traveling in the desert.
The dunes in Indonesia, such as Gumuk Pasir Yogyakarta, are also extremely hot. Therefore, if you visit there, bring more water than usual. Besides ensuring your fluid needs are met, having enough water will keep you feeling fit and avoid dehydration.
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2. Wear appropriate clothing
Since the weather is extremely hot, do not choose the wrong outfit for this hot destination. Wear lightweight, sweat-wicking clothing from soft, breathable materials like cotton, linen, jersey, or silk.
Also, wear clothing that makes you feel comfortable, and consider using bright colors. Besides reflecting sunlight, it will also make your photos look cooler.
3. Use sunscreen
The extreme temperatures in the desert will make the sun even more intense, so do not forget to protect your skin with sunscreen. Using sunscreen will help protect your skin from burning. This is because sunscreen works by reflecting sunlight before it touches your skin. Choose sunscreen that can be used on your face and body, so you do not have to carry two products.
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4. Bring Sunglasses
In addition to protecting your skin, when traveling to a desert area, it is also essential to protect your eyes. The intense sunlight, twice as strong as in tropical regions, can damage your eyes more quickly. Bring sunglasses to protect your eyes from flying dust and sand. They also help reflect sunlight and protect your eyes from harmful UV rays.
5. Use Head Protection
Direct exposure to hot air on your body or head can make you feel dizzy quickly. Protect yourself by wearing a head covering like a hat, scarf, or similar. Choose a scarf that can absorb sweat. Or if you use a hat, choose one made from comfortable material by a reputable hat manufacturer. Head coverings also help block dust and sand particles in the desert.
6. Bring a Jacket
Do not be mistaken, even though it is hot, the wind can be powerful in the desert. Therefore, bring a comfortable jacket that can absorb sweat. This jacket protects you from strong winds, preventing dust or sand from directly touching your skin. Additionally, the desert often experiences unexpected natural phenomena, such as sudden sandstorms or other events.
7. Complete Equipment
If you plan to stay or camp in the desert and go independently without using a tour service, do not forget to prepare the essential items you will need. At night, the air temperature in the desert can get very cold, whereas it is hot during the day.
Therefore, bring adequate gear, such as a warm jacket, a fire starter, a flashlight, cooking utensils, food, drinks, or other essentials. Research as much as possible about what is available in the desert if you plan to stay overnight or camp at a desert tourist site.
8. Use a 4WD Vehicle
For those planning an independent desert trip with friends, you can rent or use a 4WD vehicle. These vehicles are designed to handle sandy terrain and are built to tackle challenging conditions like deserts.
Before departing, ensure that the vehicle is in good condition, has sufficient fuel, and has a fuel reserve. Since desert tourist spots are far from populated areas, it will be pretty challenging if you run out of fuel or the vehicle’s engine malfunctions.
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9. Bring a GPS or Compass
Make sure you understand the route for your safety. This tool is essential, especially if you are vacationing in the desert independently, only by renting a vehicle. The potential for getting lost is high, especially if it is your first time. So, make sure to bring a GPS or compass for directions. Even if you are only visiting the desert in Central Java, known as Gumuk Pasir, ensure your GPS or compass is in good condition, functioning correctly, and ready to use.
However, if you are traveling to a desert with a challenging or complex route, it is better to use the services of a local tour guide familiar with the terrain there.
10. Check the Weather
Conditions in the desert are often unpredictable. It is advisable to check the weather forecast for the coming days before embarking on a desert trip. This way, you will know what to prepare for the expected weather conditions. Especially if you are visiting the vast Sahara Desert.
Those are some tips for planning a desert trip that you should prepare. To make your trip more enjoyable. Or if you have experience traveling to the desert, feel free to share your experiences or tips in the comments section.
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