Follow our updates for the latest heat wave in the US
It’s shaping up to be another hot summer, with extreme and prolonged heat waves forecast for many parts of the United States and Europe.
The sweltering conditions could affect millions of travelers and wreak havoc on vacations in some of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. Multiple heat-related tourist deaths have been reported in 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 places may not escape the summer heat due to the increasing unpredictability of weather conditions.
Here are some tips on how to manage high temperatures when traveling in a heat zone.
Check government guidelines
If a heat wave is in the forecast for your destination, check government websites before you start your trip to give yourself plenty of time to plan and adapt. In extreme temperatures, governments often issue heat warnings warning people to stay indoors during peak times 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 prevent illness and death during extreme heat.
Tourist attractions also provide important updates on conditions at attractions, including any planned closures, as a precaution against high temperatures. Some cities struggling with intense heat, including Los Angeles, Miami, Athens and Melbourne, have assigned senior heat officials to prepare for heat waves and lead emergency responses.
Avoid peak sun hours
It may seem obvious, but being outdoors for extended periods of time when the sun is at its peak can put many at risk of heat exhaustion. Even if the temperature is not extremely high, excessive dry heat or humidity can make the environment feel warmer than it is.
Travel advisors adjust itineraries, schedule sightseeing tours in cooler mornings and evenings, and pre-book tickets for their customers so they don’t have to wait in long lines.
“We tend to do activities and tours in the morning, then stop for lunch, and mid to late afternoon you either go back to the hotel to sit by the pool or go to the beach,” said Gary Portuesi, partner. -managing partner at Authentic Explorations, a New York-based travel company specializing in Europe.
Hiking 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 in a 104-degree heat wave on the Greek island of Symi. Four more tourists, including an American, recently died in Greece as temperatures continued to soar.
“I would always recommend hiking with a certified local guide and never alone,” said Franziska Basso, travel consultant for Milan-based Dreamsteam Exclusive Travel. “Of course, avoid the hottest hours of the day. Go hiking very early in the morning. And always follow official hiking trails.”
In some European cities, including Paris and London, air conditioning is not a given, so check if it is available before booking a hotel, restaurant or transport to ensure you have a cool place to find respite from the hot heat. Visiting a museum or other indoor attractions is another good option, but expect crowds at peak times.
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 staying hydrated and limiting alcohol consumption. During meals, consider eating foods like melons, cucumbers, and celery, as they can help keep you hydrated throughout the day. Always carry a water bottle with you and keep an umbrella and portable fan handy to keep you cool and shaded when outdoors.
While your itinerary may be packed with activities and excursions, the heat can take its toll on stamina, so consider following the ritual of the European siesta, breaking up your day with a short nap.
“I tell my clients to adjust their itineraries and take advantage of the siesta after lunch and then push their tours later in the day when it’s cooler,” said Sarah Johnson, who owns Paper Ink & Passports Travel, a luxury trip. company based in Pennsylvania. “There’s a reason they’ve been doing it in Spain and Italy for generations. Walking in the midday heat and waiting in line could really hurt some people.”
Wear cool clothes
The National Weather Service recommends light, loose, light-colored clothing for outdoor use, as 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 warm doesn’t mean it’s going to be dry. Heat waves can bring torrential downpours, so be prepared.
“My biggest tip for travelers is to be prepared — hot or cold, dry or wet, because you never know,” said Laurel Brunvoll, owner of Unforgettable Trips, a Maryland-based travel agency. “Layer packing”.
Book a flexible trip
Even after taking all the right precautions, traveling in a heat wave can be miserable, making it worthwhile to make flexible bookings and purchase “cancellation for any reason” travel insurance to give you the option to postpone your trip in cooler weather.
Sensible Weather, a Los Angeles-based start-up that provides weather insurance 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 compensation for a booking if the temperature exceeds a threshold typically set between 90 and 100 degrees.
“Our customers can still go on holiday, but if it’s too hot for certain hours of the day and it’s not pleasant to go out, you can hang out in the air conditioning and we’ll refund you,” said Nick Cavanaugh, founder the company’s. , who was developing the product while caught in a heat wave in Barcelona last year. Those on organized tours are reimbursed for the average daily price of their entire trip for each day the heat limit was exceeded.
For more travel tips, visit our collection of Travel 101 tips and hacks.
