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This year's heatwaves continue with extreme and prolonged heatwaves predicted for many parts of the United States and Europe.
The stifling weather could affect millions of travellers and wreak havoc on holidays in some of the world's most popular tourist destinations. Following extreme temperatures in the Middle East and Aegean region, several heatstroke deaths were reported among tourists in Greece and Saudi Arabia in June. With weather patterns becoming more unpredictable, even those who have booked trips to traditionally cooler locations may not be able to escape the summer heat.
Here are some tips to help you cope with high temperatures when traveling in hot climates:
Check government guidance
If a heatwave is forecast for your destination, check government websites before you depart to allow plenty of time to plan and adapt. When temperatures are extremely high, 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 Stroke Information System runs a website with information and tools to prevent illness and death during extreme heat.
Tourist destinations are also responding to the heat by providing important updates on the status of their destinations, including any planned closures. Cities hit by extreme heat, including Los Angeles, Miami, Athens and Melbourne, have appointed Chief Heat Officers to lead emergency responses in preparation for heatwaves.
Avoid the sun's brightest hours
It may seem obvious, but many people who are outdoors for long periods of time when the sun is at its strongest put themselves at risk for heatstroke. Even if the temperature isn't particularly high, excessive dry heat or humidity can make you feel hotter than it actually is.
Travel advisors are adjusting itineraries to schedule sightseeing trips for cooler early morning or evening hours and pre-booking tickets to help clients avoid long lines.
“They'll probably do an activity or tour in the morning, then have lunch and then go back to the hotel in the mid-to-late afternoon to sit by the pool or go to the beach,” said Gary Portuesi, co-managing partner of Authentic Explorations, a New York-based travel company that specializes in Europe.
Daytime hiking is also not recommended: On June 5, British medical journalist Dr. Michael Mosley died during an afternoon hike on the Greek island of Symi in a 104-degree heatwave. Four more tourists, including an American man, have died in Greece recently as temperatures continue to rise.
“I always recommend going hiking with a certified local guide and never going alone,” says Franziska Basso, a travel advisor with Milan-based DreamSteam Exclusive Travel. “Avoid the hottest times of the day, of course. Go hiking early in the morning. And make sure you're on an official hiking trail.”
Some European cities, such as Paris and London, don't have air conditioning, so check before booking hotels, restaurants and transport to make sure you have a cool place to escape the hot sun. Visiting museums and other indoor attractions is a good option, but expect them to be crowded at peak times.
Stay hydrated and take a nap
Dehydration and heat stroke are one of the most common causes of hospitalization during heatwaves, but can be prevented by staying hydrated and limiting alcohol consumption. When eating, consider eating foods like melon, cucumber, and celery, which will help you stay hydrated throughout the day. Always carry a water bottle with you and bring an umbrella or portable fan to stay cool and shaded when outdoors.
Your itinerary may be packed with activities and tours, but the heat can be draining, so consider following the European siesta tradition and punctuating your day with short naps.
“I tell my clients to adjust their itineraries to take advantage of post-lunch nap times and postpone tours to the cooler afternoon,” says Sarah Johnson, owner of Pennsylvania-based luxury travel company Paper, Ink & Passport Travel. “There's a reason they've done it for generations in Spain and Italy: walking around and waiting in line in the midday heat is just too much for some people.”
Wear cool clothes
The National Weather Service recommends wearing light, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing when outdoors to help reflect heat and sunlight, as well as wearing a hat and sunscreen to protect your face and scalp from harmful UV rays.
Hot doesn't mean dry. Heatwaves can bring torrential rain, so be prepared.
“My biggest advice to travelers is to be prepared because you never know what's going to happen — hot or cold, dry or rainy,” says Laurel Brumboll, owner of Maryland-based travel agency Unforgettable Trips. “Bring layers of clothing.”
Book flexible travel
Even if you take all the right precautions, travelling in extreme heat can be tough, so it's worth booking flexibly and taking out 'cancel for any reason' travel insurance, giving you the option to postpone your trip until cooler times.
Sensible Weather, a Los Angeles-based startup that offers weather guarantees for vacations and outdoor experiences, recently added high temperature protection to its coverage: Travelers who book through Sensible partners in the U.S. can add daily protection that allows them to request a refund on their booking if temperatures exceed a threshold that's typically set at 90 to 100 degrees.
“You can go on holiday, but if there are hours during the day when it's too hot to go outside, you can stay in an air-conditioned room and we'll cover you,” said Nick Cavanaugh, the company's founder, who was developing the product during last year's heatwave in Barcelona. Package tour participants are compensated the average daily rate for the entire trip for each day the heat threshold is exceeded.
For further travel advice, Travel Introduction Tips and Hacks.
