Even on a short walk, drink water regularly – whether or not you feel thirsty. Keep in the shade whenever possible. Wear loose, light-coloured clothing, dark glasses and a wide-brimmed hat, and use a sunscreen. On your feet, wear walking boots or trainers; don’t go without socks: they won’t make your feet significantly hotter, and they will reduce the risk of blisters. For extra safety, be sure that you know what to do if bitten by a desert creature. Details about dealing with the unwelcome attentions of everything from tarantulas to rattlesnakes are available from any desert visitor centre or rangers’ office.