Traveling in the summer can be a great way to take advantage of warm weather, but if you're planning a trip to Europe, temperatures might be too warm for your liking. Europe is facing record-breaking heat, making summer travel safety even more important.
The World Meteorological Organization reports that Western Europe is affected by a strong high-pressure system that’s trapping dry air from northern Africa, leading to above-average temperatures in Western Europe, Central Asia and North Africa.
As you get ready for your Italian dream trip or other European adventure, review these tips for Europe heatwave travel to keep yourself safe and have an enjoyable vacation.
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How the heatwave is affecting Europe
Popular destinations including France, Spain, Portugal, Italy and Greece are facing extreme heat, prompting countries to issue heat alerts. In early July, France experienced temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), while temperatures in Morocco reached above 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit). Wildfires have broken out in Crete, a popular tourist spot in Greece, forcing evacuations.
The heatwave is having widespread effects across Europe. In early July, the Eiffel Tower’s summit was closed because of the heat. Italy experienced a blackout because of a surge in electricity use to power cooling devices like air conditioners.
Tragically, from June 23 to July 2, approximately 2,300 people died of heat-related causes across 12 European cities. Those deaths are a sober reminder of how dangerous extreme heat can be, and how important it is to travel safely this summer.
Summer travel safety tips for European vacations
Planning ahead and carefully structuring your trip can help keep you and your family safe. As you plan your trip, consider these helpful heatwave tips:
Check government resources
Check government guidance before you travel. Many European government websites are posting updated information about heat, closures and local cooling resources available. Familiarize yourself with these websites and check them frequently before and during your trip.
Monitor the weather
Closely watch the weather for all of your travel destinations and be prepared to change your plans based on the forecast. Extreme heat doesn’t just make activities like walking tours uncomfortable, but can even make them dangerous. Plan indoor activities on the hottest days of your trip and adjust your schedule as needed to stay safe.
Verify your lodging is air conditioned
Book lodging at accommodations that have air conditioning. Before you leave for your trip, contact the accommodations to verify that the air conditioning is working.
Bring supplies
Pack supplies that can help you travel safely during the heatwave. A water bottle will make it easier to keep water on hand as you travel. A personal fan can offer relief, too, and a cooling towel that you soak in water and place around your neck can help lower your body temperature.
Learn how to call for medical help
If you have a medical emergency in a foreign country, you’ll need to know how to call for an ambulance. Prepare a list of emergency numbers for each country you’ll be visiting, and keep that list on you while you travel.
Consider travel insurance
European weather, including the wildfires, are affecting popular tourism destinations. Investing in travel insurance can help you get your money back if your trip has to be cancelled or rescheduled because of an issue like a wildfire.
During your trip, these heatwave tips can help keep you safe while you still make the most of your vacation:
Avoid peak heat hours
Schedule your sightseeing so that you avoid peak heat hours, which are usually late in the afternoon from about 3 pm to 6 pm. Try to stay indoors during these times and avoid physically taxing activities.
Call ahead
If you’re planning a trip to a popular destination, call ahead to make sure they’re still open during the heatwave.
Stay hydrated
Drink plenty of water while you travel and avoid beverages that have dehydrating effects, like alcohol and caffeinated drinks. Make yourself drink water even if you don’t feel thirsty.
Dress strategically
Carefully choose your clothes. Light-colored, breathable, lightweight and loose clothes can help keep you cool during your travels. A wide-brimmed breathable hat can also provide some relief from the sun.
Be prepared for heat exhaustion and heat stroke
Even if you’re careful during your trip, the extreme temperatures could still lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Being able to quickly recognize these medical issues can help you get the treatment you need, and could even save your life.
According to the American Red Cross, heat exhaustion symptoms include heavy sweating; cold, pale and clammy skin; a fast and weak pulse, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps and tiredness or weakness. Individuals experiencing heat exhaustion may also be dizzy, have a headache or pass out.
Anyone experiencing heat exhaustion should move to a cool place, loosen any tight clothing and should slowly sip water. You can cool their body with fans, misting, wet cloths or a cool bath. If they vomit, their symptoms get worse or last more than one hour or they become confused, they’ll need immediate medical help.
Heat stroke is a medical emergency and can be deadly. It’s characterized by a body temperature of 104 degrees or higher. Individuals may have a fast, strong pulse, skin that’s hot, red, dry or damp, and a headache or dizziness. Individuals may also become nauseated and confused, and they may pass out.
If an individual experiences heat stroke, you’ll need to call for emergency medical help right away. They should be moved to a cooler place and with fans, misting or wet cloths. They should not be given anything to drink.
Planning for Europe heatwave travel
The current Europe heatwave doesn’t mean that you have to cancel your trip, but you do need to be extra careful in how you plan your summer travel. Climate change means heatwaves are becoming more common, so traveling in extreme heat is likely going to become an ongoing challenge.
With some strategic planning, you can still enjoy your European trip while also staying safe in the heat.
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