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What’s Hot? - Outside
As the great Nelly once said, “so hot in… so hot in here,” and that “here” has been much of North America. Over the past few weeks, temperatures have continued to climb across the U.S. as a heat dome scorching the western part of the country spreads to the Northeast. This weather has created challenges for residents, tourists, and individuals in the hospitality industry alike.
Across the industry, heat waves have affected everything from restaurants to hotels and transportation. Outdoor dining spaces are seeing a drop in reservations as management works behind the scenes to keep guests and employees comfortable during these extreme temperatures. Earlier this summer during the intense June 2026 heatwave, hotel searches filtered by “air conditioning” soared by over 424% in two weeks (Hotels.com). In these extreme conditions, the guest experience and comfort become a more difficult act to balance when Mother Nature turns up the heat.
Transportation has also felt the impact, with Philadelphia’s SEPTA system experiencing heat-related delays as high temperatures can affect rail equipment and infrastructure. SEPTA Heat Delays During the city’s current tourist uptick due to the 250th anniversary of the US, the FIFA World Cup, and the MLB All-Star Game, delays can act as a barrier to entry for tourists getting around.
In a field where the guest comes first, we encourage you to also look to your staff during these extreme times. For their safety, it is important to find new ways to keep your team comfortable to maintain quality service. OSHA recommends staying hydrated, taking frequent rest breaks, and working in shaded or cooler areas for workers exposed to extreme heat. OSHA: Water, Rest, Shade, Heat Safety Guidance. Taking care of employees by supplying electrolytes like Liquid IV or Waterboy, giving staff cooler breaks in the walk-in fridge, and providing nourishing meals is how some restaurants are ensuring teams can continue creating the experiences guests expect.
Let’s get personal. This section features a weekly ‘ILC Three’ where we highlight three things that are on the top of our overstimulated minds.
Between you and me, I don’t plan on spending much time outside in this heat. But if you’re brave enough to embrace the sunshine, whether you’re traveling, exploring a new destination, or simply enjoying time outdoors, it’s important to stay cool and protect yourself from the sun. Here are a few simple ways you can do that this summer:
Limit Time Outdoors - Plan outdoor activities during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or evening, when the sun’s rays are less intense, and avoid spending time outdoors between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun is at its peak. If you must be outside, remember to wear light, breathable clothing and take frequent breaks in shaded areas.
Stay in Air-Conditioned Areas - The quickest way to beat the heat is to spend time in the air-conditioned indoors. If your home doesn’t have air conditioning, visit cooling centers, libraries, malls, movie theaters, or other public spaces to help your body cool down and reduce the risk of heat-related illness.
Stay Hydrated - Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty! You must replenish the fluids that your body has lost through perspiration. Also, limit alcohol, sugary drinks, and excessive caffeine, as they can lead to dehydration.
Our team is based in Philadelphia, PA, and this portion of our newsletter is set to provide updates on our local hospitality scene, our host cities, and members of our community who are doing interesting things in their city.
If the soaring temperatures have you dreaming of cooler days, there’s good news. One of the best ways to beat the heat is by taking a refreshing dip in the pool! Philadelphia’s public pool season officially kicked off on June 12 and runs through early August, giving residents plenty of opportunities to cool off this summer.
Whether you’re looking to swim laps, splash around with the kids, or simply escape the heat for a few hours, now is the perfect time to take advantage of pool season. Even better, admission is free for Philadelphia residents, making it an easy and budget-friendly way to stay cool!
Looking for a more elevated experience? Philadelphia residents and visitors exploring the city can take advantage of hotel day passes for a relaxing escape without booking an overnight stay. Many hotels such as Sonesta Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square (starts at $45/ a day), The Windsor Suites ($80/ weekdays & $95/ weekends), and the W Philadelphia (starts at $100 ) offer access to their pools, and some even include amenities like the fitness center, spa, or other resort facilities. You can also browse ResortPass to discover more options throughout the city.
No matter how you choose to spend your summer, don’t forget your sunscreen, towel, and water bottle! If you’re looking for a free way to cool off, check out the full list of Philadelphia’s public pools.
Thanks for reading! Let’s keep the conversation going. See you in October for our INDIECongress in Miami, FL.
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