This summer is still shaping up to be a scorching hot summer, with extreme and prolonged heat waves expected in many parts of the United States and Europe.
The sweltering conditions could impact millions of travelers and disrupt vacations in some of the world's most popular tourist destinations. Multiple heat-related deaths among tourists reported Greece And Saudi Arabia in June following extreme temperatures in the Middle East and Aegean regions. Even those who have booked trips to traditionally cooler locations may not be spared from the summer heat due to the increasing unpredictability of weather conditions.
Here are some tips for dealing with high temperatures when traveling to a hot area.
Check government guidelines
If a heatwave is forecast at your destination, check government websites before you travel to give yourself plenty of time to plan and adapt. During extreme temperatures, governments often issue heat advisories warning people to stay indoors during peak hours and provide resources to help residents and visitors stay cool. In the United States, the National Integrated Heat Health Information System has a website with information and tools to help prevent illness and death in excessive heat.
Tourist Attractions also provides important updates on conditions at tourist sites, including any planned closures, as a precaution against high temperatures. Some cities experiencing intense heat, such as Los Angeles, Miami, Athens and Melbourne, have designated heating managers to prepare for heat waves and lead emergency responses.
Avoid peak sunlight hours
It may seem obvious, but staying outside for extended periods of time when the sun is at its peak can put many people at risk of heat exhaustion. Even if the temperature is not exceptionally high, dry heat or excessive humidity can make an environment feel hotter than it is.
Travel advisors adapt itineraries, organize sightseeing tours at the cooler times in the early morning and evening, and pre-book tickets for their clients so they don't have to wait in line.
“We tend to do activities and tours in the morning, then stop for lunch, and by mid-to-late afternoon we either return to the hotel to sit by the pool or we go to the beach,” said Gary Portuesi, a co-managing partner at Authentic explorations, a travel agency based in New York and specialized in Europe.
Mid-day hikes are also not recommended. On June 5, Dr. Michael Mosley, a British medical journalist, died during an afternoon hike in a 104-degree heatwave on the Greek island of Symi. Four other tourists, including an Americanrecently died in Greece as temperatures continue to soar.
“I would always recommend hiking with a certified local guide and under no circumstances alone,” said Franziska Basso, a Milan-based travel advisor for Exclusive Dreamsteam trip. “Of course, avoid the hottest hours of the day. Go hiking very early in the morning. And always respect official hiking trails.
In some European cities, including Paris and London, air conditioning is not a given, so check if it's available before booking a hotel, restaurant or transport to ensure you have a cool place to rest scorching heat. Visiting a museum or other indoor tours is another good option, but expect crowds at peak times.
Stay hydrated and take a nap
Dehydration and heat stroke are among the most common causes of hospitalization during heat waves and can be avoided by stay hydrated and limit alcohol consumption. During meals, consider eating foods like melons, cucumbers, and celery, as these can help maintain hydration throughout the day. Always carry a bottle of water with you and consider an umbrella and portable fan to help you stay cool and shaded when you're outside.
Even though your itinerary may be packed with activities and sightseeing, the heat can take a toll on your stamina, so consider following the European siesta ritual by breaking up your day with a short nap.
“I tell my clients to adjust their itineraries and enjoy a post-lunch nap, then reschedule their visits for later in the day when it's cooler,” said Sarah Johnson, owner of Paper Ink & Travel Passports, a luxury travel agency based in Pennsylvania. “There’s a reason they’ve been doing it in Spain and Italy for generations. Walking around in the midday heat and waiting in line could really hurt some people.
Wear cool clothes
The National Weather Service recommends light, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing for outdoor use because it reflects heat and sunlight.. Hats and sunscreen are also recommended to protect the face and scalp from harmful UV rays.
Just because it's hot doesn't mean it will be dry. Heatwaves can lead to torrential rain, so be prepared.
“My biggest advice to travelers is to be prepared – for hot or cold, dry or humid weather, because you never know,” said Laurel Brunvoll, owner of Unforgettable trips, a travel agency based in Maryland. “Pack the diapers.”
Book flexible travel
Even after taking all the necessary precautions, traveling during a heatwave can be distressing, making it worth your time to make flexible bookings and purchases. “cancel for any reason” travel insurance have the possibility to postpone your trip to a cooler period.
Reasonable weather, a Los Angeles-based startup that offers a weather guarantee for vacations and outdoor experiences, recently added high heat protection to its coverage. Travelers booking through a Sensible partner in the United States will be able to add daily protection that will allow them to claim a refund for a reservation if the temperature exceeds a threshold usually set between 90 and 100 degrees.
“Our customers can still go on vacation, but if it's too hot during certain hours of the day and it's unpleasant to go outside, you can stay in the air conditioning and we'll refund your money,” said Nick Cavanaugh, founder of the company. , which was developing the product while caught in a heatwave in Barcelona last year. Package tour participants are reimbursed the average daily rate of their entire trip for each day exceeding the heat threshold.
For more travel tips, visit our collection of Travel 101 tips and tricks.
