- How to Travel Safely in Europe (During a Summer Heatwave)
- Smart packing = safe travelling. Make room in your luggage for:
- Top picks include:
- To avoid the worst of the heat. Think like a local and plan your schedule strategically:
- Smart and Stress Free Travel Holiday Planning Tips
- Here’s how you can be part of the solution:
- Always stay informed with:
No time to read the full article here are my favourite picks..
- When in Rome….. Live like a local, Sightseeing in the morning, siesta during the afternoon and then eat and drink the night away.
- Most comfortable sandal’s ever, great support and style are….. Merrell Women’s Harbor Backstrap Sandal
- The emergency phone number in Europe is 112.
How to Travel Safely in Europe During a Summer Heatwave
If you’re planning a summer trip to Europe this year, you’ll want to read this first.
With record breaking temperatures sweeping across the continent, staying safe, healthy, and happy in the heat is no longer optional, it’s essential.
From scorching city streets to blackouts in popular tourist hubs, here’s how to travel safely (and comfortably) through a European summer heatwave.
Surviving Scorching Summer Travel Temperatures in Europe
Europe has always been a dream summer destination but rising global temperatures mean that dreamy can quickly turn dangerous and uncomfortable.
In recent years, parts of Spain and Portugal have hit 46.6°C (115°F), France has issued red heat alerts, and Italy has seen major cities like Rome and Florence experience rolling blackouts during 40°C+ days.
This isn’t just about discomfort.
High heat can lead to serious health risks like heat exhaustion, dehydration, and heatstroke, particularly for older adults or those with pre-existing conditions.
But with a little planning, you can still enjoy an unforgettable trip.
What to Take: Your Heatwave Travel Essentials
Smart packing = safe travelling. Make room in your luggage for:
- A refillable water bottle (preferably insulated)
- Cooling towels or a portable fan
- High-SPF sunscreen and after-sun lotion
- Electrolyte packets or rehydration tablets
- A travel-sized first aid kit
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Lightweight reusable shopping bags (for impromptu market stops)
These small items are lifesavers when the mercury rises.
What to Wear for Blissfully Comfortable Summer Travel When It’s Sweltering
Fashion meets function when it comes to European summers.
Think breathable, lightweight, and loose-fitting. Choose natural fabrics like linen or cotton that let your skin breathe.
Top picks include:
- Loose dresses and flowy tops
- Linen trousers or shorts
- Comfortable walking sandals I love Merrell Women’s Harbor Backstrap Sandal
- A Merino scarf or shawl for sudden temperature drops indoors
Avoid tight-fitting or dark clothing. And trust us you’ll regret jeans.
How to Perfectly Arrange Your Travel Days to Beat the Brutal Heat
A little planning goes a long way, nobody wants to spend their holiday sunburnt, dehydrated, and miserable.
To avoid the worst of the heat. Think like a local and plan your schedule strategically:
- Mornings: Do your sightseeing early (fewer tourists, especially day trippers). Book walking tours or explore landmarks before 11 a.m.
- Afternoons: Siesta like a local. Relax indoors, visit museums or churches (often air-conditioned), or take a refreshing nap.
- Evenings: Enjoy dinner outside after sunset, stroll through markets, or take a river cruise.
Tip: Remember you’re in Europe where everyone is out and about until late.
Many European cities are beautifully lit at night, don’t miss their after dark charm!
Smart and Stress Free Travel Holiday Planning Tips
- Check for air conditioning (don’t assume it’s included!)
- Look for properties with blackout blinds or shutters
- Pick locations near shade, parks, or water
- It’s sometimes fun to find the local pool and dip to cool off.
Consider visiting cooler regions or coastal towns and opt for flexible travel insurance in case extreme weather changes your plans.
Be a Respectful Traveller: Energy and A/C Etiquette
Europe has limited natural resources, and power grids can struggle during peak demand.
Many locals use A/C sparingly due to high costs.
Here’s how you can be part of the solution:
We don’t get a heap of snail mail these days, but it still needs handling.
Set up direct debits for your bills, and either redirect or hold your mail at the post office (yes, there’s a fee, but peace of mind is worth it).
Plants watered, bins emptied, fridge cleaned, then I’m leaving on a jet plane….
- Turn off the A/C when you leave your accommodation
- Close shutters or blinds to keep the heat out
- Avoid running A/C with windows open
In cities like Florence and Rome, blackouts have been directly linked to tourists blasting A/C all day. Don’t be that visitor.
Stay Hydrated or Regret It Later
Dehydration is the fastest way to ruin your trip and it can be fatal.
Make water your best friend. Carry a refillable bottle and sip regularly.
Skip the extra alcohol and caffeine, especially during the day.
Look for public fountains (common in Italy, France, and Spain) and don’t forget to stock up on electrolytes if you feel sluggish or dizzy.
I always travel with a tube of electrolyte and magnesium tablets, there’s nothing worse than those cramps in the middle of the night.
Check for Heat & Fire Warnings
Always stay informed with:
- Local weather apps and government alerts
- Fire risk zones (especially in Portugal, Greece, and Spain)
- Heatwave warnings from the EU Copernicus Emergency Management Service
Postpone hikes or remote trips if high risk is announced.
We come form a country that hat has bushfire every year, it a given that you check the forecast before you head out for the day.
Fires move fast, and emergency services may be overwhelmed.
Travel Tip Be Mindful of Food Safety
Heat accelerates food spoilage. Here’s how to stay safe:
- Skip dairy or meat heavy meals from open air stalls unless they’re busy and reputable
- Watch for signs of spoiled food, and trust your instincts
- Store perishables properly if you’re self catering
Eating light, fresh, local meals is not only safer but also more enjoyable in the heat.
Be a Heatwave Hero: Watch Out for Others
Older travellers, kids, and people with health conditions are more vulnerable in extreme heat.
If you’re travelling in a group, check on each other often.
- Heat exhaustion: heavy sweating, dizziness, nausea
- Heat stroke: confusion, rapid pulse, flushed or dry skin
If symptoms appear, act fast: get to shade, cool the body with water, and seek medical help. Remember, 112 is the European emergency phone number.
Explore Without Overheating: Cool Activity Ideas
Midday is not ideal for climbing mountains or wandering ruins. Choose cool, shaded, or indoor activities instead:
- Museums, art galleries, churches (many offer respite from the heat)
- Boat tours or beach breaks
- Evening markets or festivals
- Shady parks or gardens
Yes, You Can Travel Europe in a Heatwave
Europe in the summer is still a magical experience.
You just need to be a bit more savvy.
Plan around the heat, pack smart, stay hydrated, and be mindful of your impact.
A few thoughtful choices can turn a sweltering trip into a sensational one.
So go ahead, embrace the adventure, keep cool, and make incredible memories in Europe this summer.
