As our aircraft approached the coastal city of Bodrum in southwestern Turkey, I couldn’t help but envision a refreshing dive into the sparkling turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea. Despite warnings about the intense heat, I was excited to return home for my vacation. Southern Turkey is always hot during the summer, but the idea of sea breezes and swimming made it an enticing destination, especially after enduring Geneva’s heatwave with limited access to air conditioning.
However, as soon as the plane door opened at Milas Bodrum Airport, a blistering wind of 113 degrees Fahrenheit hit me like a scorching blowtorch. Instantly, my one-year-old began to cry, and fellow passengers hurriedly rushed towards the bus that would transport us to the terminal. The heat was unbearable, and my initial excitement for a fun-filled vacation started to wane.
Cem Tosunoglu, a 28-year-old computer engineer from Istanbul, shared his disappointment, stating, “I can’t say we had a real vacation. We just melted. It was brutal.” Tosunoglu had decided to end a luxurious sailboat cruise around Bodrum’s secluded bays due to the extreme heat and the unexpected presence of aggressive horseflies, which thrive in hot environments. He lamented the lack of escape from the oppressive conditions, even in the seawater itself.
This summer marks Europe’s tourism rebound, with a surge of travelers flocking to the continent after three years of pandemic restrictions. However, their vacations have been marred by excessive and prolonged heat, reaching 118 degrees Fahrenheit in southern Europe in July. Additionally, wildfires have caused evacuations in Greece, Italy, and Spain, further dampening tourists’ experiences.
Europe has been grappling with persistent heatwaves in recent years, with Sicily reaching a record-breaking 119.8 degrees on August 11, 2021, according to the World Meteorological Organization. This record is expected to be surpassed this summer as the heat intensifies.
Tourists have been feeling the impact of the scorching temperatures. In mid-July, visitors waiting in line at the Acropolis in Athens collapsed from heat exhaustion, prompting the closure of the popular attraction during the afternoon hours. Similar incidents occurred at the Colosseum in Rome, and a man on the Italian island of Sardinia had to be airlifted from a beach after losing consciousness.
Sarah Johnson, owner of luxury travel company Paper Ink & Passports Travel, urges her clients to adapt their itineraries to include siestas and take advantage of cooler evening hours. She advises against walking around in the midday heat and waiting in long queues, as it poses a real danger to people’s health. Scott Maxwell, an account manager from Los Angeles, canceled several walking tours in Rome and a trip to Florence due to the excruciating heat that surpassed 100 degrees. His family spent most of their vacation in their villa outside Rome, where they relied on air conditioning and portable fans to combat the heat.
Ron Ross, a technology sales professional from Boston, also experienced the heatwave in Italy during his family vacation. By booking private tours and transfers, he was able to avoid long queues and made sure their activities were scheduled for the cooler morning hours. However, even with these measures, the family felt the intensity of the heat, especially in the city of Matera.
Other travelers, like Tania Goodman from London, had to adjust their plans due to the extreme heat. When she saw reports of tourists being carried out on stretchers from the Acropolis, she considered canceling her hotel reservation in Athens. However, the penalty fee convinced her to keep the booking. Instead of exploring the city’s sights, she and her boyfriend opted to spend their time at the beach, enduring suffocating heat.
Despite the challenges posed by the scorching temperatures, some travelers were able to find relief. Mr. Maxwell cherished the hours spent in the pool at his villa in Italy, making use of umbrellas for shade. He also sought respite in air-conditioned areas and enjoyed trips to nearby lakes and towns, savoring refreshing drinks.
Ultimately, the heatwave impacted tourists’ experiences and forced them to find creative ways to cope. While some managed to salvage their vacations by adjusting their schedules and seeking cooler environments, others had to forgo certain activities altogether. Reflecting on their trips, many admitted that the heat had affected their enjoyment and expressed a preference for traveling during the shoulder seasons.
It’s essential for tourists to stay informed about weather conditions and plan accordingly, especially in regions prone to extreme heat. By taking necessary precautions, future travelers can better navigate the challenges of traveling during heatwaves and make the most of their vacations.
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