Follow our updates for the latest information about heat wave across the United States
It will be another scorching summer, with extreme and prolonged heat waves forecast across many parts of the United States and Europe.
The sweltering conditions could affect millions of tourists and wreak havoc on holidays in some of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. Many heat-related deaths among tourists have been reported in Greek And Saudi Arabia in June after extreme temperatures in the Middle East and Aegean regions. Even those who have booked trips to traditionally cooler places may not be able to avoid the summer heat due to increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.
Here are some tips on how to manage high temperatures when traveling in hot areas.
Check government guidance
If a heat wave is forecast at your destination, check government websites before starting your trip to allow plenty of time to plan and adapt. In extreme temperatures, governments often issue heat advisories, warning people to stay indoors during peak heat hours and providing resources to help residents and visitors stay cool. In the United States, the National Integrated Heat Health Information System have a website with information and tools to help prevent illness and death during extreme heat.
Attractions also provide important updates on conditions at attractions, including closure schedules as a precaution against high temperatures. Some cities struggling with extreme heat, such as Los Angeles, Miami, Athens and Melbourne, have assigned temperature agency directors to prepare for heat waves and direct emergency responses. .
Avoid peak sun hours
This may seem obvious, but staying outdoors for long periods of time when the sun is at its peak can put many people at risk of heat exhaustion. Even if temperatures aren’t particularly high, excessively dry heat or humidity can make the environment feel hotter than it actually is.
Travel advisors are adjusting itineraries, putting sightseeing into cooler early mornings and evenings and pre-booking tickets for customers so they don’t have to wait in long lines.
“We usually do activities and tours in the morning, then stop for lunch and by mid or late afternoon you go back to the hotel to sit by the pool or Go on beach”. -managing partner at True discovery, a New York-based travel company specializing in Europe.
Walking in the middle of the day is also not recommended. On June 5, Dr. Michael Mosley, a British medical journalist, died during an afternoon hike during a 104-degree heat wave on the Greek island of Symi. Four more tourists including an American manrecently died in Greece as temperatures continue to rise.
“I always recommend hiking with a certified local guide and under no circumstances go alone,” says Franziska Basso, a Milan-based travel consultant. Dreamsteam exclusive travel. “Of course avoid the hottest hours of the day. Go hiking very early in the morning. And always stick to official hiking trails.”
In some European cities, including Paris and London, air conditioning is not available, so check for air conditioning availability before booking a hotel, restaurant or transport to ensure tell you to have a cool place to rest from the scorching heat. Visiting a museum or other indoor tour is another good option, but there will be crowds during peak hours.
Stay hydrated and take a nap
Dehydration and heatstroke are among the most common causes of hospitalization during heat waves and can be prevented by water retention and limit alcohol consumption. During meals, consider eating foods like melon, cucumber, and celery as it can help maintain hydration throughout the day. Always carry a water bottle with you and consider using a parasol and handheld fan to help keep you cool and shaded outdoors.
While your itinerary may be packed with activities and sightseeing, the heat can take a toll on stamina, so consider practicing the European siesta ritual by breaking up the day yours by taking a nap.
Sarah Johnson, owner, said: “I am advising my customers to adjust their itinerary and take advantage of a post-lunch siesta, then push their tour to the afternoon when the weather cools than”. Paper, Ink & Travel Passport, a luxury travel company 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 can really hurt some people.”
Wear cool clothes
The National Weather Service recommends wearing light, loose, 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. Heat waves can bring torrential rainfall, so be prepared.
“My biggest advice to travelers is to be prepared – for hot or cold, dry or wet weather because one never knows,” said owner Laurel Brunvoll. . Unforgettable trips, a travel company based in Maryland. “Package of layers.”
Book your trip flexibly
Even after taking all the right precautions, traveling during a heatwave can still be difficult, so it’s worth being flexible with your bookings and purchases “cancel for any reason” travel insurance for the option of postponing your trip to cooler times.
Reasonable weather, a Los Angeles-based startup that specializes in providing weather protection for vacations and outdoor experiences, recently added high-temperature protection to its coverage. Travelers booking through partner Sensible in the US will be able to add daily protection that allows them to request a refund on their booking if temperatures exceed a threshold typically set between 90 and 100 degrees.
“Our customers can still go on vacation, but if it’s too hot for a few hours during the day and can’t go out, you can sit in the air conditioning and we’ll refund your money”. , who was developing the product when he encountered a heatwave in Barcelona last year. Participants on package tours are reimbursed the average daily price of the entire trip for each day the heat threshold is exceeded.
For more travel tips, visit our collection Travel 101 tips and hacks.
