Travelling by train in the heatwave over the last few weeks has been, well, a bit of a nightmare. The extreme weather continues to seriously affect rail services across the country, resulting in cancellations, delays and packed trains that are, let's say, unpleasant.
Just last week, my usual direct 1.5 hour journey from Bath to Paddington took almost four hours, with two changes along the way. Some trains had air con, others didn't and the windows wouldn't open so was stifling hot, and every single one was jam-packed. Thankfully, as a seasoned train user, I went prepared, and so wanted to share a few simple, easy-to-pack essentials that will help even the most unpleasant travelling experience infinitely more bearable.
I got this clip-on fan last year while trying the best fans under £20 on Amazon, and it has come everywhere with me ever since. As a perimenopausal woman, this stays in my bag even in winter and works wonder for hot flushes. As the name suggests, you simply clip it on to clothing, switch on and you're good to go. It's not the strongest fan I've tried, but it's good enough to help keep cool on the train, and the hands-free element really makes a difference while travelling.
Having spent longer on platforms recently than on an actual train, this Bondi Sands SPF 50 sunscreen mist has become a handbag must-have. It's rare to find an SPF that you can apply over the top of makeup and doesn't irritate your skin by being too heavy. The aerosol mist is very fine, fragrance-free, and very refreshing in the heat. It's in a super-small container, which easily fits in my makeup bag and I take it everywhere. I still apply my SPF each morning, but this mist means no matter how long I'm waiting for a train, I am never without adequate sun protection.
£120 for a water bottle, yes, you did read that right. Stay with me. The new BRITA LARQ iQ is a self-cleaning insulated water filter bottle, with very clever technology that automatically cleans the water every two hours, getting rid of up to 99.99% of bacteria. And while that might seem extreme, trust me when I say it makes the water taste so fresh and clean. It keeps water cold for up to 24 hours, no matter how hot it is outside, and an app helps you track your water intake to ensure you're staying properly hydrated. Also, it might seem like a minor thing, but the handle to carry this bottle is a small but very significant, helpful design element when travelling too.
With the heat set to continue throughout this week, if you are due to travel by train, it's definitely worth checking for updates with the carrier before you leave. Many operators have listed ongoing disruption, with services cancelled across the country, and so it's definitely worth making sure your journey isn't affected before heading out.
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Polar Gear is known for quality outdoor gear, and this water bottle is no exception. It has hundreds of positive reviews on online, including: 'The stainless steel construction feels durable and high-quality. It keeps drinks fresh for few hours, and the leak-proof makes it easy to carry in a bag , bottle is also easy to clean. Highly recommended!'
If you like the look of the BRITA water filter bottle but it's a little out of budget, this Stanley version has the same feel. There's none of the clever tech or filter, but it will keep your drink cold for 10 hours, has an easy carry handle and is dishwasher safe.
This Owala stainless steel water bottle has a massive over 38,000 reviews online, with a very solid average score of 4.6 out of 5 stars. The design features both a chug spout and a sip with a straw option, can keep drinks cold for up to 24 hours and has an easy carry handle too. 'It's perfect whether I'm at the gym, at work, or on the go. The bottle is completely leak-proof, so I can throw it in my bag without worrying about it,' wrote one happy customer.
If you still have to travel, the one thing I would say, above all else, is water. The trains running have been so busy due to cancellations, it is often impossible for the drinks cart to move through the train. And even when they do, water is often the first thing to sell out. Many trains I got on last week had no air con, nor did the windows open, so having water to help you stay hydrated is really key.
