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Everybody loves summer. It is one of the holidays that we all get excited to plan for, and Europe is one of the best summer destinations. Most people look forward to strolling in Paris, sightseeing in Rome, or enjoying the sunny days in Barcelona. Not to forget the multiple festivals.
However, recently, with the heatwaves becoming longer and stronger, and the temperature keeps rising, it is becoming a major concern, and people are now wondering: is it still safe to plan a summer city break in Europe, or are the risks now too high? Let’s take a closer look.
Over the last few summers, Europe has faced extreme heat, with countries like Spain, Italy, Greece, and France having seen temperatures go above 40°C (104°F). In some areas, wildfires have broken out, hospitals have seen a sharp rise in heat-related illnesses, and many tourists have had to cut their trips short.
Heatwaves are becoming so common that they are no longer seen as unusual events. They are expected each summer. Cities, especially, trap the heat even more, making them feel hotter than rural areas, which makes city breaks during peak summer challenging.
Locals may be used to the heat, but tourists often are not. People living in southern Europe usually know how to cope during the hottest months, and their bodies may be more adapted to higher temperatures because they live with it year after year.
On the other hand, if tourists come from much cooler countries where summers are mild, the heat might be too much for them. The sudden jump to 35°C or even 40°C can be a shock to the body, which makes it harder for them to enjoy their activities and even puts their health at greater risk. Their lack of adaptation, their busy schedules and planned activities, and sometimes poor planning make them more vulnerable.
Heatstroke is a serious heat-related illness that can cause symptoms such as:
If not treated quickly, it can damage organs and, in severe cases, cause death. Emergency services across Europe have been warning tourists to be extra careful, especially the elderly, children, and people with health problems, who are more vulnerable.
So, should travellers avoid summer city breaks in Europe? The answer is not a simple yes or no. On one hand, the risks are very real. Rising heatwaves can make summer holidays dangerous. Many travellers have already experienced exhaustion, dehydration, or heatstroke while sightseeing.
On the other hand, with careful planning, summer city breaks can still be safe and fun if you adjust your schedules and follow the warnings and instructions regarding heatwaves. Authorities are issuing heat alerts to warn people about the hottest days, helping tourists prepare better.
Europe is still a beautiful place to explore in summer, but travellers will have to be more cautious now than ever. Families with young children, elderly relatives, or people with medical conditions might want to consider travelling in spring or autumn instead, when the weather is cooler and safer.
The rising number of heatstroke cases is a clear warning that things have changed. What was once just “a hot summer day” can now be a dangerous health risk if you are not prepared.
We are a family of 4 - mother, father and two children. Our aim is to travel the world and review all travel opportunities to help other families.
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