There’s nothing quite like an Australian summer! Long days relaxing at the beach, the smell of sunscreen and backyard barbecues, and temperatures that skyrocket well above 40 degrees Celsius.
While it might sound like paradise, if you’re not careful, the summer holidays can quickly turn into a chaotic, sweaty few weeks! From melting in the sun to getting stuck in traffic for hours, here are six of the absolute worst things you can do during the Australian summer holidays. Hear our warnings, and learn from our mistakes!
Go without sun protection
Heading outside in the summer without sunscreen is one of the most foolish things you can do in Australia, and getting sunburned is a surefire way to ruin your week. Sunburn can occur in less than 15 minutes and lead to long-term skin damage - no thanks!
The best way to prevent sunburn is to Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide - slip on some sunscreen, slop on a shirt, slap on a hat, seek shade and slide on some sunglasses.
Go to the beach on a scorching day
Look, we know this one doesn’t sound like it makes sense, but trust us - the beach is not always a nice place to be once the temperatures hit a certain point. The sand is hotter than a frypan, finding a car park is impossible, and everyone in the entire world seems to have had the same idea. Not to mention, swimming at the beach can sometimes be dangerous. Save yourself the trouble, buy an inflatable pool and spend the afternoon in your backyard with your friends.
Attend any events aimed at school children
During the school holidays, places like zoos, museums and theme parks are going to be packed. Families flock to these spots in droves, making queues long and spaces crowded - what would normally be a fun day out can become noisy, stressful and exhausting. If you’re thinking about heading to a local gallery or zoo in the summer holidays, maybe save that plan for when school is back in session.
Try to find a car park at a shopping centre
We all need to do our weekly shop - but when you decide to head to the supermarket at peak hour, you might be spending more time in the car than the shopping centre itself! You’ll be circling the car park endlessly, fighting over parking spots and maybe even getting grumpy with your partner or friend. Shopping early in the morning, using public transport, or shopping online can save you a lot of frustration.
Leave food in your car
Now, this is a mistake you’ll only make once. Temperatures inside a parked car can rise very quickly, and before you know it, the chocolate you left in the backseat has turned to liquid. Spoiled food can stain your car’s interior, and the smell can linger for weeks. Always unload perishable items first when you get home, and avoid leaving anything sensitive to heat in your car.
Try to sleep without a fan or air conditioner
A hot, sticky Australian night can make it almost impossible to sleep. Although it might be nice to get cosy with the air conditioner on all night, it can be a bit expensive! Invest in a pedestal fan, or even a small desk fan - having a bit of air flow can make all the difference.
Australian summer can be super fun if you stay sun-smart, pick your beach days wisely and avoid anywhere overrun with families or massive crowds. A little preparation can go a long way, and if you follow our advice, you’ll be having the time of your life this Aussie summer!
