As much as I prefer to travel during the colder months, there are just times when my impulsive self books a ticket to a place warmer than my own country. Did I regret it? No. Will I do it again? Maybe not. Haha!

Last month, my friend and I decided to book tickets to the fragrant harbour, Hong Kong. Unlike the Philippines, Hong Kong has three seasons (based on observation and experience lol) — cold, warm, rainy. The colder months between December and March and the warmer months between April and November. The rainy season or typhoon season often falls on June, July, or August. So if you plan to go to HK within these months, make sure to check the weather!

It’s still summer in HK now so the humidity can go so high, up to 80% (without rainfall). Imagine riding the MTR surrounded by people drenched in sweat, smelling funky and weird. I had no choice, it’s the “sweat fest” season.

I’m writing this to arm you with the things you need to buy or bring when you want to go to Hong Kong during these months or if you have already booked your tickets.

Here are 7 things you can’t miss bringing in HK during summer:

1. Water – Water in HK can be expensive especially when you visit famous tourist spots. If your hotel/hostel offers free-flowing water, grab the chance and refill your empty water bottles before heading out and starting your day. It’ll quench your thirst and save you money. Win-win!

2. Rechargeable Fan – I thought bringing one would make me look weird or funny but I didn’t care about it anymore. Sometimes you have to go to places where there is no air condition and this one helps a lot.

3. Umbrella – Having an umbrella doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to rain. In HK, bringing an umbrella is essential during summer. You won’t be a sore to the eye when you pop your umbrella open since everybody does the same. It is also helpful when taking photos. It gives you shade so you don’t have to squint every time.

4. Menthol inhaler or White Flower – Like I said, it’s sweat fest season. So A LOT of people are drenched in sweat smelling weird and all the gross things you can imagine. This can ease you whenever you feel nauseated from the smell. Seriously, I never go out without this! Trust me!

5. Cap/Hat/Scarf – You can choose between bringing either any of these or an umbrella. It does the same and sometimes adds up to your outfit if you know how to pair stuff.

6. Sunglasses – I usually don’t bring another pair of sunglasses since I already have transition glasses. It doubles as my sunglasses effortlessly. Sunglasses are very useful especially when the heat is too harsh.

7. Sunscreen – As Baz Luhrmann’s song goes “If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it. The long-term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists, whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable than my own meandering experience…” and I, thank you!

It’s really up to you now. As what many would say, it’s always better to be prepared. I’ll be writing about my Hong Kong trip soon, so keep posted! For now, here’s a sneak peak:

Feel free to leave comments or message via e-mail if you have any questions. If you like this article and want to see or know more about my trips and tips, follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

xo,