Summer is on its way, which comes with an arsenal of unique desert conditions and recreation opportunities that can require a few extra tips and tricks to beat the Idaho heat. There are thousands of hacks out there, but we’ve chosen only the best (or most random, depending on your perspective). From warding off mosquitoes and keeping cool to getting into all the best Idaho parks for cheap, check out these 15 tips.

1. This summer, be sure to switch your ceiling fan direction to keep cool air moving.
sharon morrow/Flickr
Heat rises and can cause a space to feel much warmer than it is. By switching the direction that your fan blades turn, cooler air is circulated to keep you feeling up to 10% cooler without running the AC.
2. Anything can become a grill if you try hard enough.
genebrooks/Flickr
A hankering for red meat should never, ever, be ignored. Even when the grill is on the fritz.
3. Get summer chores done in half the time with this lawn mowing contraption.
John Carrel/Flickr
"Look, ma, no hands!"
4. Or, use that old bike to hand-churn some refreshing ice cream.
Gemma Grace/Flickr
5. Slice a pool noodle into rings and hollow out to make floating drink cozies.
Andrew/fFlickr
Why get in and out of the pool or lake just to grab a drink?
6. An upside-down bottle with holes in the lid makes a perfect camping-ready hands washing station.
Vladimir Agafonkin/Flickr
Use a two-liter bottle and cut off the bottom part of the bottle to enable easy refilling.
7. Freeze Aloe Vera in ice cube trays to keep that farmer's tan (or sunburn) at bay.
Cliff Johnson/Flickr
Supposedly, vinegar works even better (but use that tip at your own discretion).

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8. If you feel yourself overheating, place ice cubes on each wrist or run them under cool water.
ace_alejandre/Flickr
The pressure points here and high density of vessels will help cool your blood -- keeping you cool as well!
9. Always pack a Terracotta flower pot with you on vacations.
Tavi P./Flickr
You can build a fire in it without creating a hazard, or use it as a makeshift BBQ grill.
10. For all those summer BBQs that you'll need to bring dishes for, improvisation can come in handy.
Andrew Steinmetz/Flickr
11. Never underestimate the power of duct tape.
Clint Lalonde/Flickr
Forget to pack flip flops? Duct tape. Minor injury? Duct tape band-aid. The solution to all life's problems.
12. Hollow out an orange, fill with brownie batter, and wrap in foil for a grilled treat while camping.
Frédérique Voisin-Demery/Flickr
You can also fill with s'more ingredients as well!
13. Need a drink chilled quickly? Soak a paper towel and wrap it around the bottle or glass before freezing.
Josh Mormann/Flickr
The added moisture will draw the cool air towards your beverage more effectively.
14. Keep a small, portable fan pointed towards yourself to keep pesky mosquitoes away.
Leo Hidalgo/Flickr
If out camping, a battery powered fan will work just as well. Just be sure to point a second fan at your ankles to keep pests away from their favorite body part.
15. Rather than paying a per-park entrance fee, nab an Idaho Parks Passport.
D, Taylor in Idaho/Flickr
You'll get unlimited day-use access to every Idaho State Park, including boat access and hiking trail use for a fraction of the cost.

These tips (even the facetious ones) should all help you get through Idaho summers in relative luxury. Which one is your favorite?

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