The European continent is currently recording record-high temperatures, with some countries already issuing warnings after experiencing wildfires and registering death cases.
To avoid any casualties and serious health risks that may occur due to the extreme heat, tourists have been warned to travel cautiously to Greece, Italy, Spain and several other popular EU destinations, Schengen.News reports.
Parts of some of the most popular hotspots in the bloc, such as Spain, Greece, and Italy, have been registering temperatures as high as 40C.
Due to the high temperatures in Greece, several tourists went missing, and some have been found dead as the temperatures in some parts of the country increased to 43C.
To make sure that tourists are safe and no other casualties are recorded, Greece’s Athens decided to take measures by closing its most famous historical landmark. Last week, Athens was forced to close the Acropolis due to the high temperatures.
In addition to the mainland, the heatwave has also affected Greek islands. Crete, Rhodes, and Samos are just some of the Greek islands that have been hit by the heatwave.
Italy has also felt the effects of the extremely high temperatures, with the Italian Ministry of Health issuing a Level Three alert, which is the highest level, for several cities, including Palermo and Rome, among others.
Taking into account the current situation, tourists have been advised not to leave litter, especially glass, and make sure to properly extinguish cigarettes to avoid starting wildfires.
Is It Safe to Travel to EU Hotspots Amid High Temperatures?
Despite the high temperatures, it is still safe to travel to popular EU destinations, provided that you follow the advice issued by the local authorities and take all necessary precautions to be safe.
To stay safe during the hot weather, travellers are advised to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and stay in shaded or air-conditioned environments.
In addition to the above-mentioned, travellers are highly encouraged to purchase adequate travel insurance as wildfires due to extreme temperatures are not predicted.
While travel insurance is mainly designed to cover unforeseen events related to medical expenses, cancellations, and lost or stolen belongings, some policies also cover cancellations that occur due to extreme weather.
In most cases, you are entitled to compensation if your flight is cancelled due to unforeseen weather conditions.