Tips for Moving to a Hot Country from the UK

In this week’s home moving blog you can expect to discover:

• 12 Tips for Living in a Hot Country
• What are the Benefits of Living in a Hot Country?

Moving to a warm and sunny country is a dream for many people, offering the opportunity for an outdoor lifestyle and an overall more relaxed way of life.

But of all the challenges you will face such as culture shock, getting used to a new language, being far from family and friends, and new social norms, the effect that living in a hot climate has on virtually every aspect of your life is often not given the consideration it deserves.

Whilst we dream of long lazy days in the sun and iced drinks under the shade of a tree (never sit under a tree by the way!), the reality for most of us is that life goes on and you will need to learn how to function and live, often in oppressive heat.

So in this week’s home moving blog we look at how living in a hot country affects you, tips for everyday life in a hot country, and things to be aware of.

You may also like to read: International Home Moves. The Ultimate Home Moving Challenge? Moving abroad has its own unique challenges and complications. In this guide, we offer some advice to make your international relocation easier and cheaper.

12 Tips for Living in a Hot Country

Living in the UK you long for the dull, rainy days to end and for the sun to shine, the hope that there will be at least a few good weeks of decent weather this summer.

But I can guarantee that when you live in a hot country you will long for respite from the relentless sun and when it does rain again, you will be so thankful.

Don’t get me wrong, there is absolutely no feeling like knowing that the sun is guaranteed to shine for months on end. Sunny weather just makes you so happy and relaxed, it really does add to your quality of life.

But there are things to know about living in a hot country that few people tell you about, which most expats find out the hard way.

So, how do you get used to living in a hot country?

#1 Work When It’s Cool, Rest When It’s Hot

Natives of hot countries have learned to live in the heat by adapting their lifestyles. That often means starting the working day very early before the sun gets too hot, resting during the hottest parts of the day, and then working again in the evening when the sun is lower.

Life is generally far less frantic than the UK and life is taken at a far slower pace. Manyana Manyana, there is always tomorrow.

#2 Dress Appropriately

The clothing you wear can big a big difference to how comfortable you are in the heat. Light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes made from natural, breathable fabrics will keep your body cool. A wide-brimmed hat will keep your head cool and your face shielded from the harmful sun, whilst sandals will help your feet breathe.

Avoid dark, tight-fitting clothes which will trap heat and only make you hotter.

Finally, good quality sunglasses are essential, cheap ones will offer your eyes no protection at all.

#3 Stay in the Shade

You will soon learn which side of the street to walk on at which times of day to make the most of the shade, or which parts of the garden you can work on in the morning and which part in the afternoon.

By seeking shade whenever possible, and working at a slower pace with frequent rests, it makes even physical tasks more tolerable in the heat.

 When planning the layout of your garden you will find that you will have different seating areas for different times of the day, and in your home, you will keep the curtains closed to keep the rooms cool.

You learn to park your car in the shade or use sun shields in the windows and to keep it in the garage or under a carport when not in use.

#4 Stay Hydrated

It is easy to become dehydrated as your body loses water faster in hot weather, so always drink plenty of water and keep a bottle of water with you all the time.

Tea is often the beverage of choice in many hot countries because it raises your internal body temperature to match that of the environment.

Drinking cold, iced drinks cools your body too quickly, so your body compensates by raising your body temperature making you even hotter.

#5 Avoid Heavy Foods

Eat light meals often, such as salads, grilled meats, and fish, and avoid large, heavy, stodgy meals.

And because fresh fruit is so plentiful and cheap you will find yourself eating far more healthily.

Picking pineapples, lemons, limes, or avocados that are growing wild along the lanes will never cease to be a thrill.

You may even find yourself adjusting your eating times so that you eat during the cooler parts of the day and have a number of smaller meals spread throughout the day.

Some people find that eating spicy food helps keep them cool down because it causes you to sweat which is an effective way of cooling the body down.

Spicy food also has antibacterial properties that rid food of pathogens, which promotes general good health and longevity.

Just as the locals do, in Sri Lanka and Thailand I often had a hot spicy curry for breakfast to help regulate body temperature.

Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it!

#6 Air Conditioning

Whether in the car or at home, air conditioning is invaluable and you will even find yourself shopping in particular stores just because they have air conditioning.

Fans tend to have little effect other than pushing the hot air around, although the ones that mist water onto you are great.

A useful addition I found for the BBQ area in the garden is a water misting system. This is basically a hose with holes that mists the area with extremely fine water. It is bliss on a scorching day.

#7 Bugs, Creepy Crawlies, Reptiles, and Predators

One of the things about living in a hot country that puts a lot of people off is the bugs, creepy crawlies, reptiles, and predators that the majority of hot countries seem to have.

It will become second nature to check the toilet bowl before sitting down, to turn over your shoes before putting them on, to watch where you tread, to not walk barefoot in the grass, or to dive into water without checking for snakes first, never sitting under trees, and never plunging your hand into a flowerbed or into the piles of things in the garden shed.

But you just learn to be cautious, which plants to put in the garden to ward off the bugs, or herbs to burn to deter mosquitoes and ticks, and to wear long sleeves and trousers to prevent insect bites, as well as high, thick rubber or leather boots if working in the long grass just in case you get bitten by a snake.

Personally, I am petrified of snakes but you soon learn the places they may lurk and how to avoid them. In all reality though, snakes are more scared of you than you of them, you just need to be wary that is all.

The bugs and insects are not so easy to avoid.

Ants are a perpetual problem but you learn not to leave any food out and that everything is kept in airtight containers.

Never keep rubbish in the house and ensure any waste is taken to the street containers immediately.

But the vast array of amazingly beautiful wildlife, the birds, and the scenery more than compensates for the less desirable creatures you may come across.

#8 Taking Pets to a Hot Country

If you intend to take your family pet abroad with you then there are also some things to be aware of.

Ticks are a big problem for cats and dogs so you need to check them regularly and treat against ticks as necessary.

They are also more prone to skin diseases as their fur and skin dries out.

There may be things like frogs and toads or plants that can be poisonous to your pets should they try to eat them.

The upside is that cats are great for keeping down snakes and small vermin.

It will be as much of a learning curve for your pets as it is for you learning how to cope with the heat. They will need plenty of shade, water, and rest.

#9 Keeping Your Home Cool

The majority of homes in hot countries have tiled floors, very thick stone walls, shutters on the windows, air conditioning, and mosquito nets at the doors and windows.

Keep the curtains drawn and windows closed to keep the heat out, and doors closed to keep animals out.

You will rarely need anything other than a thin sheet and a mosquito net on the bed at night.

#10 Health and Your Body

The heat will affect your body in different ways and we will look at that in more detail later, but there are a few things to mention about this topic here.

Many people find that their hair will go frizzy or curly in the sun and that their make-up will run as they sweat. The good news is everyone is the same and nobody really wears that much make-up in hot countries anyway.

I have been a sun worshipper all my life and go oak brown just by walking under a light bulb, well, you get the idea, but the tropical sun is a very different beast.

It is easy to get sunburned even in the shade or through thin clothing.

As you get older it is likely that your body will react to heat and sweat differently. It is not unusual to develop skin fungus and infections, although lotions and treatments are readily available.

Even the smallest scratch can get infected very quickly and you should keep a close eye on any bug bites.

#11  Laundry

The sun will fade your clothes very quickly in the sun, so hang them in the shade to dry.

Mold can also be a problem, especially on leather goods, but give them a good wipe regularly and they should be fine. Shoes can go moldy exceptionally fast so keep them clean and dry in a well-ventilated place.

Mold is something to be especially mindful of if you suffer from respiratory diseases.

#12 Gardening

Gardening is a full-time occupation in a hot country. The earth dries out incredibly quickly, pests, bugs, and vermin are a constant problem, and often crops fail.

No matter how good a gardener you are you will need to relearn almost everything.

Water is precious and you will learn to save and hoard used water, to collect rainwater when you can, and to water low, avoiding getting any water on the plant’s leaves.

You have to create water channels to funnel the water in between your crops so that no water is wasted.

And keep the boundaries of your land free from weeds and grass which is where snakes like to hide.

That said, the satisfaction and incredible taste of organically grown fruit and vegetables is worth every minute of hard work and constant vigilance.

Whenever you pick peaches or avocados from your garden it is so satisfying and wondrous, it is such a great feeling.

And it is in those moments that you realise why you love being in a hot country.

We hope these tips help and shorten your learning curve, these are certainly things I wish I had known before moving to a hot country.

You may also like to read: Is Moving Abroad a Good Idea? Moving abroad is a huge step to take but the rewards are even bigger. But everyone is different and a pros and cons list will help you decide f moving abroad is the right decision for you, so here we offer some disadvantages and advantages that you may like to consider.

What are the Benefits of Living in a Hot Country?

Some of the tips in the previous section may seem to highlight the negative aspects of living in a hot country, but the reality is, no number of negatives can diminish the overwhelming advantages of living in a hot country.

The truth is that you cannot pin down exactly what makes living in a hot country so good, how much it improves your quality of life, and gives you a zest for living.

But here are just some of the advantages of living in a hot country that go into the melting pot of making life in a hot country so good.

You may also like to read: Is the UK a Unique Mess? Is Living Abroad Really Any Better? Take a stroll with me through my village as I compare life in Europe with life in the UK and you decide if your quality of life will be better or not.

#1 Outdoor Lifestyle

When you can do everything outdoors, from gardening to washing the dishes, even chores don’t seem like work.

When every meal is taken outside it becomes an event, a moment to share with others, or conversely, to enjoy the solitude of the sun rising as you eat breakfast on the patio or veranda.

On an evening the warm air envelops you, like Mother Nature is hugging you, the setting sun casting a golden glow over everything, you can hear the birdlife in the trees, crickets in the grass, and the sounds of people gathering and enjoying quality time together.

Taking an early morning or late night walk in the warm air, enjoying a drink or two as the sun sets on another beautiful day, going for a swim in warm water, or taking a refreshing shower in the garden just become the norm, you do everything outside.

Even shopping becomes an event, walking around the local markets where there is an abundance of locally grown exotic fruits and vegetables, and stopping to chat with friends and neighbours.

And because everything is taken at a slower pace, you take the time to appreciate all that surrounds you, you actually take notice and absorb the sights, sounds, and smells.

#2 Closer Family Bonds

Due to the fact that so much family activity takes place outside you will find that you actually share meals as a family, sat at a table, having a special interaction that sitting in a dining room in Birmingham just does not give you.

Family life tends to be so important in many countries abroad and the good weather offers you the opportunity to create family gatherings in wonderful surroundings.

You will likely share sports, or walks, go swimming, or sunbathe together because good weather seems to promote a closer family unit where people actually want to do things together.

And because everything happens outside the kids will actually want to participate in clubs and extracurricular activities, they will find a whole new world of social interaction that will make them forget that video games and TV ever existed.

You will find yourself being more sociable as well. People will be working in the garden, shopping, or just being outside at the same time as you. You will share cooking and gardening tips over the garden fence, swap seedlings and produce, and become part of a real community.

An outdoor lifestyle adds immeasurably to your quality of life.

#3 Health Benefits of Living in a Hot Country

Living in a hot country has plenty of health benefits.

#1 Vitamin D. Studies have shown that exposure to sunlight triggers the production of vitamin D in the body, which is important for maintaining healthy bones and immune function.

#2 Lower risk of seasonal affective disorder (SAD): People living in hot countries may be less likely to experience SAD, a type of depression that is triggered by reduced sunlight during the winter months.

#3 Lower risk of respiratory infections: Certain viruses, such as the flu, thrive in cold and dry environments, so living in a hot and humid climate may reduce the risk of respiratory infections.

#4 Improved cardiovascular health: Heat causes blood vessels to dilate, which can increase blood flow and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

#5 Reduced inflammation: Heat therapy, such as saunas or hot baths, has been shown to reduce inflammation in the body, which is associated with many chronic health conditions.

#6 You will become fitter: You will have more opportunities to do things outdoors, whether that is swimming or gardening, it will improve your physical fitness.

#7 Improved memory: It is believed that when your body temperature is high your mental alertness and memory functions improve.

#8 You may live longer: Studies show that death rates are higher in cold countries.

#4 Fresh, Organic Food: Imagine taking a stroll down to the harbour as the sun breaks over the horizon to collect some fish fresh off the boat, or picking your evening meal straight from your garden to your plate in just a few minutes.

Knowing that you grew your meal with no chemicals or additives, or that the meat comes from the farm just a kilometer down the road where the cattle roam free and happy.

Eating what is in season or what is available is normal, and the taste is so different from anything you get in a supermarket.

Without any of the plastic packaging or thousands of kilometers it has travelled to be on your plate, you also know it is better for the planet.

#5 Strong Cultures and Traditions: An outdoor lifestyle creates a bond between people that often manifests itself in the strong cultures and traditions of many countries.

There is nearly always some celebration or event going on, a time when all the village comes together to share and create memories.

These festivals and celebrations often last for days and are not only usually a gastronomic feast, but a feast for your senses.

It is these special events that not only add to the sense of community but are a celebration of life and all the things that we should be grateful for.

And it is times like these that we realise how important some things are in our life and how futile and pointless most other things are.

Cultures and traditions are an important component that goes into making life in a hot country so good.

#6 Living in Beautiful Surroundings: Beautiful surroundings and hot weather often go hand in hand.

Of course, there are beautiful cold places, but I think that because you are so much happier because of the sun you actually appreciate your surroundings more. You take time to notice things, to see, smell, and hear, to allow your senses to absorb what is around you.

Flowers seem brighter and more vibrant. People appear happier and more relaxed. Life feels better.

#7 The ‘It’ of Life: The one thing that makes living in a hot country so wonderful is the ‘It’. The something that you feel is missing from your life, the thing that makes life worth living.

That feeling of contentment and happiness that you can’t quite find nor define exactly.

Sure, life is not always easy in a hot country and there are downsides, but the overall feeling that good weather gives you, the fresh food, being able to reconnect and share great times with family, the close communities, and the more relaxed way of life all contribute to a great quality of life.

You may also like to read: Does Moving Home Make You Happier? In this guide, we examine whether a different home and new area will make you happier or if will you just take your problems with you.

We hope you have found these tips useful and that your new life abroad is as wonderful as you hope it will be.

Don’t forget to visit our international home moving blog where you will find many more useful tips and guides to moving overseas.