5 summer essentials to beat the heat

During the sweltering summer months, it often feels like we’re in survival mode. Leaving the safety of your cool, air-conditioned abode? Not without checking off your summer checklist first. Only with proper preparation can we venture out and fully enjoy the warmer weather.

Whether you’re planning the perfect summer in Hong Kong or jetting off to far-flung lands (South Africa, Dubai or Fukuoka anyone?), there are a few summer essentials you should never leave home without. Here, we’ve listed a few items you’ll find extremely useful when it comes to surviving long summer days – all available when you shop with Cathay. 

The suncream

The number one item on any summer shopping list is suncream, because as much as we may enjoy being out in the heat, we need to protect ourselves from the sun’s harsh UV rays. For this, we recommend Clarins UV anti-pollution sunscreen multi-protection broad spectrum SPF 50. Unlike many suncreams, this lightweight oil-free lotion not only protects your skin from UVA and UVB rays, but also from pollution and free radical damage.

The speakers

We like our portable speakers to be three things: small, waterproof and punchy. Thankfully, JBL’s Clip 4 speaker delivers on all three of these. Plus, it’s also dust-proof, meaning it fares just as well at a beach or during a hike as it will in your hotel room. Just clip this ultra-portable speaker onto your bag and blast your favourite beats for an unforgettable summer adventure.

The towel

There are towels, and then there are microfibre towels. And once you’ve experienced the ultra-absorbent, fast-drying qualities of the Sea To Summit pocket towel, there’s no going back. So named because it can easily fit into your pocket, this handy towel can absorb up to three times its weight in water and dries a lot faster than your normal beach towel. Our favourite feature, though, is how soft it feels – it’s the perfect place to park your bottom for a day at the beach.

The fan

A portable fan is an essential product for the scorching heat – and this summer set from Francfranc goes the extra mile. The Frais handy fan is made from antibacterial plastic while the swingstand keeps the fan rotating all day – meaning not only is it ideal for walking and travelling, but great for hot summer days at the office too. Once you’re done, give it a clean with the mini cleaning sticks and store it away for next year’s heatwave. 

The suitcase

Heading off on a summer vacation? Why not treat yourself to a shiny new suitcase to accompany you on your summer travels? The American Tourister Curio Spinner is our product of choice, thanks to its cool, contemporary design and handy features. Its expanding function lets you pack (or shop) even more, and its combination lock keeps your belongings safe throughout your journey.

Hero image: Getty Images