Travel Essentials for Visiting Europe During the Heat Wave

Aug 2

Europe is currently experiencing a heatwave, Cerberus Heatwave, which is expected to bring the hottest temperatures ever recorded in Europe. Starting on 10 July 2023, the record-breaking Cerberus anticyclone affected many European countries, with the effects felt most severely in parts of Southeast and Southwest Europe such as Cyprus, Greece, Italy, and Spain. Temperatures were predicted to exceed 48 °C (118 °F) and break the record for the hottest ever recorded in Europe.

While the warm weather may be a welcome change for some, it can also pose a serious risk to travelers who are unprepared. In this blog post, we’ll be discussing some essential tips for staying safe and comfortable while traveling in Europe during a heatwave.

From staying hydrated to choosing the right accommodations, there are several steps you can take to ensure that you’re able to enjoy your trip despite the heat. Whether you’re planning a city break or a beach vacation, these tips will help you make the most of your time in Europe while staying cool and comfortable.

So if you’re planning a trip to Europe during the heatwave, be sure to read on for our top travel essentials. With a little preparation and some smart choices, you’ll be able to have an unforgettable trip while staying safe in the heat.

Stay Hydrated

One of the most important things to remember when traveling during a heatwave is to stay hydrated. High temperatures can cause you to lose more water through sweating, so it’s important to drink plenty of fluids to replace what you’ve lost.

Here are some tips for staying hydrated while traveling in Europe during a heatwave:

Carry a reusable water bottle with you at all times and refill it regularly.
Drink water even if you don’t feel thirsty. Thirst is not always an accurate indicator of dehydration.
Avoid sugary or alcoholic drinks, as these can actually dehydrate you further.
Eat foods with high water content, such as fruits and vegetables.

By following these tips and making sure to drink plenty of water, you’ll be able to stay hydrated and avoid the negative effects of dehydration, such as headaches, dizziness, and fatigue.

Avoid The Hottest Hours

During a heatwave, it’s important to avoid being outside during the hottest hours of the day. Health organizations advise avoiding the heat of the day between 11 am and 3 pm. During these hours, the sun is at its strongest and temperatures can reach dangerous levels.

Here are some tips for avoiding the heat during a heatwave in Europe:

Plan indoor activities during the hottest hours of the day. This could include visiting museums, art galleries, or shopping centers.
If you must be outside, try to stay in shaded areas and avoid direct sunlight.
Wear a hat and sunglasses to protect your head and eyes from the sun.
Use sunscreen with a high SPF to protect your skin from sunburn.

By following these tips and avoiding being outside during the hottest hours of the day, you’ll be able to reduce your risk of heat-related illness and stay comfortable while traveling in Europe during a heatwave.

Choose Accommodations with AC

When traveling in Europe during a heatwave, it’s important to choose accommodations that have air conditioning. This will help you stay cool and comfortable while you sleep, and provide a respite from the heat during the day.

Here are some tips for choosing accommodations with air conditioning in Europe:

When booking your accommodations, check to see if they have air conditioning. This information is usually listed in the room amenities section of the hotel’s website or on booking websites.
If you’re unsure whether a hotel has air conditioning, contact them directly to ask.
Consider upgrading to a room with air conditioning if it’s not included in the standard room rate. The extra cost may be worth it for the added comfort.

By choosing accommodations with air conditioning, you’ll be able to stay cool and comfortable while traveling in Europe during a heatwave.

Travel by Train or Bus

When traveling in Europe during a heatwave, it’s a good idea to travel by train or bus whenever possible. While not all trains and buses in Europe are air-conditioned, many are, and they can provide a comfortable and cool way to travel.

Here are some tips for traveling by train or bus in Europe during a heatwave:

Check to see if the train or bus you’re planning to take is air-conditioned. This information may be available on the transportation company’s website or by contacting them directly.
If you have a choice between different transportation options, choose the one that is air-conditioned.
If you’re traveling on a train or bus that is not air-conditioned, try to sit near a window or vent to get some fresh air.

By traveling by train or bus, you’ll be able to stay cool and comfortable while getting from one place to another in Europe during a heatwave.

Head to Northern Europe

If you’re looking to escape the heat during your trip to Europe, consider heading to Northern Europe where temperatures may be cooler. While the heatwave is affecting many parts of Europe, some areas in the north may not be as severely impacted.

According to AccuWeather’s 2023 Europe summer forecast, summer weather will start quickly across central and northern Europe. This means that while temperatures may still be warm, they may not reach the same extreme levels as in other parts of Europe.

Here are some tips for traveling to Northern Europe during a heatwave:

Research the weather conditions in different parts of Northern Europe to find areas that are not as severely affected by the heatwave.
Consider visiting coastal areas where sea breezes can help to cool things down.
Plan indoor activities or visit attractions that are air-conditioned to stay cool.

By heading to Northern Europe, you may be able to escape the worst of the heat and enjoy a more comfortable trip.

Escape the Concrete Jungle

During a heatwave, cities can become even hotter due to the urban heat island effect. This is when buildings, roads, and other man-made structures absorb and radiate heat, making cities several degrees warmer than surrounding rural areas. To escape the heat, consider leaving the city and heading for greenery instead.

Here are some tips for escaping the heat in cities during a heatwave in Europe:

Research parks, forests, or other natural areas near the city where you can go to cool off.
Consider taking a day trip to a nearby rural area or small town where temperatures may be cooler.
If you’re staying in a city, try to find accommodations near a park or other green space where you can go to cool off.

By escaping the concrete jungle and heading for greenery, you may be able to find some relief from the heat during your trip to Europe.

Conclusion

Europe is currently experiencing a heatwave, with record-breaking temperatures being reported across the continent. While the warm weather may be a welcome change for some, it can also pose a serious risk to travelers who are unprepared. In this blog post, we’ve discussed some essential tips for staying safe and comfortable while traveling in Europe during a heatwave.

So if you’re planning a trip to Europe during the heatwave, be sure to keep these travel essentials in mind. With a little preparation and some smart choices, you’ll be able to have an unforgettable trip while staying safe in the heat.

Alex Wilkinson