I was one sweaty regret away from spending $40 on a fan at a street stall. Here’s why I’m never making that mistake again.

I thought I was prepared for Japan. Comfortable walking shoes? New Balance 9060s, obviously. Enough Hydralyte to rehydrate a small army? Check. A suitcase packed with breathable linen and optimism? Naturally. What I didn’t pack – and deeply regretted from the moment I stepped out of Haneda Airport – was a handheld fan.

Because let me tell you: I was so hot.

Japan in summer is no joke. I’m talking 35-degrees-at-10-am, slap-you-in-the-face humidity, sweat-dripping-down-your-back-at-the-temple hot. And I wasn’t alone. Everyone – from chic locals to savvy tourists – had one of those nifty little fans buzzing away in their hands like a personal air-conditioner. I, meanwhile, was wilting like a konbini sandwich in the sun.

One day, I borrowed one from a fellow traveller on our tour – just for a minute – and it was like sticking my face in a hotel air-con unit. Blissful. Transformative. I didn’t want to give it back. But the ones at the stalls were going for ¥3000-¥4000 ($30-$40), which felt like a lot without doing research into each one, so I powered on, overheating at every castle, street market and attraction I visited.

The peak? A 40-degree day in Nagoya. It was the hottest of the whole trip, and we’d organised a visit to Nagoya Castle, where – surprise – you can’t actually go inside. The main keep is currently closed due to age and earthquake resistance concerns. There was no shade, no breeze, and the stone grounds radiated heat like an oven. I basically melted. A personal fan would have felt like life support. Instead, we spent far longer in the guest shop than I normally would and left with a giant matcha ice cream to take the edge off.

Beppu was a close second. Famous for its hot springs – literal pools of steaming water bubbling out of the earth – it felt even more humid. You can’t go in these ones either: they’re too hot, often over 100°C, and are just for viewing. So we wandered around them in the blazing heat, admiring the vibrant colours and rising mist while slowly stewing in our own sweat. My camera fogged up. My hair stuck to my neck. My sweat had sweat. Meanwhile, other visitors glided by, fanning themselves into a state of temperature-controlled Zen.

I did spot a few travellers using classic handheld folding fans – the old-school kind you flick open and wave yourself with – and they definitely help, too. But what struck me most was just how many people had upgraded to electric ones. They’re everywhere. USB-charged, multi-speed. I’m already researching one for my next trip..

The only real relief I found from the heat was once I stepped back onboard the ship. I was travelling through Japan with Norwegian Cruise Line aboard Norwegian Spirit, where the air-conditioned interior and breezy ocean decks offered the perfect cool-down after steamy days on land.

Now, back in the Sydney cold and watching Europe suffer through yet another record-breaking heatwave, I’ve made a decision: I’m never travelling without a handheld fan again. Not to Japan. Not to Italy. Not even to Cairns in winter.

Forget neck pillows and packing cubes – in 2025, the hottest thing you can pack is a fan.

5 fans currently in my cart

Because I will be the smug one next time.

JisuLife Handheld Fan Life10S ($29.99) – Lightweight but powerful, this cult favourite packs a 5000mAh battery for up to 28 hours of breeze. Five speeds, concentrated airflow and a low-noise brushless motor make it ideal for hot travel days. A travel MVP.

Yoobao Mini Fan & Power Bank ($59.95) – A sleek two-in-one fan and power bank with up to 6000mAh of juice and 32 hours of breeze. Three speeds, ultra-quiet and compact enough to toss in your bag.

TUNISE Portable Handheld Fan ($25) – Ultra-quiet with six speed settings (including a smart “natural wind" mode) and an 18-hour lifespan, this fan folds, hangs around your neck, stands on a desk and also doubles as a power bank.

Goldair Rechargeable Personal Handheld Fan ($14) – A simple option from Harvey Norman, this fan is compact and practical with three speeds and up to six hours of run time.

Handheld USB Air Conditioning Fan ($30.38) – A bladeless fan that pulls in air from all directions. Three speed settings, low noise and safe for kids (no blades!).