In case you haven’t heard, it’s been an extremely hot summer. From Rome to Phoenix, cities across the world are hitting record-breaking temperatures – and that’s impacting travelers.
Earlier this month, a Delta Air Lines passenger and flight attendant were taken to the hospital for a “heat-related issue” after the plane cabin reached an uncomfortable temperature. That day, the high hit 115 degrees Farenheit. On Monday, another Delta flight headed to New York from Milan made an emergency landing in Rome when severe weather damaged the plane.
But the scalding temperatures aren’t stopping tourists. This month, visitors flocked to Death Valley National Park to experience the record-breaking 134 degrees. This summer, Europe is experiencing a serious influx of tourists too, with visitor levels in top destinations like Rome and Athens expected to pass 2019 records.
“It’s one of the busiest seasons I’ve seen in the last 25 years going to Italy,” said Rey Alton, a Texas-based travel agent who specializes in luxury travel to the Mediterranean.
Unfortunately, extreme heat may become the norm for summer travelers. “As a physician, I’m concerned about the increased pattern of extreme events,” said Dr. Neelu Tummala, surgeon and co-director of the Climate Health Institute at George Washington University. “There are multiple reasons why the heat has been so bad this summer and climate change is one of them. I’m concerned this will be a more frequent reality in the summers.”
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How are record-breaking temperatures impacting travelers?
In Europe, the Mediterranean is taking the brunt of the heat wave. Tourists in Italy passed out from heat stroke. Some popular tourist cities like Rome have set up cooling stations near popular attractions, offering free water or misting tents to help give tourists some respite from the heat.
Alton said he’s been advising clients in places like Italy to avoid standing in line to see the statue of David” in the serious heat. “Let’s make that early morning trip and then you have the rest of the day (to relax),” he said. During the hottest time of day, he suggests to his clients to relax by the pool or grab some gelato.
“I would recommend to really map out everything (you want to do on your trip),” Alton said. That’s where using a travel advisor could come in handy, given their insights on what and when to do activities. “We’ll make sure you have air conditioning and take the tours at your pace and at the right time.”
Are any popular attractions closed due to the heat wave?
Alton said he hasn’t heard of any attractions in Italy closing from the heat wave. Last weekend, Italian officials issued an “extreme” health risk for 16 cities.
In Greece, the Acropolis, which sits under the hot sun and offers few shady areas, closed down mid-day because of the health risk posed to workers and visitors – apparently up to 25 people have been fainting from the intense heat. Visitors are only allowed between 8 a.m. to noon. and tickets bought in advance can be used anytime over the next year, officials said.
In the U.S., where central and southern regions are extremely hot, many visitors can still go through with their summer travel plans to national parks, which won’t close down because of heat (although maybe some programs or events will be canceled).
How can you protect your trip from flight, train or tour cancellations due to the severe weather?
Protect your trip by purchasing travel insurance. “We’re a big proponent of insurance,” Alton said. “Just in case something gets cancelled.”
He added that many tour operators who cancel your activity due to heat will likely refund you your money. Make sure to contact them ahead of time and ask before payment.
Top safety tips for traveling in the heat wave
“Just be smart about it, especially when traveling because you do more physical activity when traveling, so be conscientious,” Dr. Tummala said. Walking around for longer than you usually do adds thermal stress, making your heart and body work harder, she said. This is especially a concern for older folks with underlying heart issues like high blood pressure.
Parents should also “be hypervigilant” if traveling with kids, who may not be able to communicate if they’re feeling overheated, Dr. Tummala added.
- Plan as many frequent breaks as possible.
- Bring plenty of fluids.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and lots of sunscreen.
- “Talk with your tour operator and say, tell me about my trip so I can be prepared,” said Shannon Stowell, CEO of the Adventure Travel Trade Association. “They don’t want to be dealing with a guest who’s having an emergency.”
- “Everyone has the digital tools to know what they’re stepping into that day,” Stowell said. Check the weather before heading out and don’t risk it or push yourself if the weather looks too extreme.
- “Know your limits,” Stowell added. If you’re not a hiker, don’t think about hiking when there’s a heatwave. Sometimes plans don’t go accordingly and a hike could take twice as long.
What are signs you’re getting heat stroke when out and about?
If you’re starting to feel lightheaded, nauseous, muscle cramps, or are experiencing heavy sweating or headaches, it’s time to take a break and try to cool down the body as fast as possible, Dr. Tummala said.
- Drink fluids with electrolytes.
- Put a cool, wet cloth on as much of the body’s surface as you can.
- Move to a shady or air conditioned area.
- Put ice on the body.
Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at [email protected]
