How Extreme Weather is Redefining Travel Choices and Safety Protocols
As more and more people die this year in the Mediterranean because of the heat, people are paying more attention to how climate change is changing the way people move. Summer has traditionally been the busiest time for tourists to visit beautiful places like Greece and Italy. But as temperatures rise across Europe, these once-loved places are becoming uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous, which means that tourists and tour companies have to change their plans.
Travel companies that focus on outdoor events are being affected by this change in the weather. The popular Camino de Santiago walking pilgrimage planner Follow the Camino, for instance, has noticed a dramatic shift in the times and locations of its clients’ journeys. Ciarán Bruder, a marketing communications specialist at the firm, notes that many people prefer to take their vacations in the fall and winter rather than the summer. “With summers growing increasingly hotter, we’re seeing a preference for rainy conditions over risking heatstroke,” Bruder said.
In the same way, Intrepid Travel, which is known for offering engaging and active travel, is constantly changing its plans because of bad weather. Hazel McGuire, who is the general manager of Intrepid Travel in the UK and Ireland, said that customers are now more interested in traveling during those slower times of the year. “We have seen a clear trend where travelers are moving toward our active tours during the shoulder seasons.” “Weather patterns have had a big impact on these decisions,” McGuire said. Because of problems caused by extreme weather, the company has had to change tours a lot. “Last year alone, we encountered 121 more incidents related to climate change, including heatwaves, wildfires, and flooding,” she said.
Climate change affects more than heat waves. Fires, hurricanes, and floods are becoming more frequent, making year-round travel harder. The European Travel Commission found in March 2024 that weather-related occurrences are tarnishing numerous Mediterranean resorts. According to the report, travel preferences are changing. There may be fewer tourists during peak summer months, more summer excursions to colder regions, and more shoulder season travelers.
As people look for a break from the extreme heat, cooler places are already getting a lot of plans for the summer. A high-end travel company called Virtuoso Travel says that summer plans for places like Iceland and Sweden have gone up by 49% and 47% annually, respectively. There have been 27% more orders in Scandinavia as a whole, and 33% more in the Netherlands. Norway and Ireland have also reported growth of 16% and 13%, respectively. These numbers show that more and more tourists are looking for cooler places to stay away from the heat.
Because of these shifting conditions, tour operators and vacation spots are putting safety and flexibility at the top of their lists. McGuire stressed how important it was to keep visitors safe when the weather was uncertain. “Safety is very important. “As a tour company, it’s our job to make sure we do everything we can to keep our customers safe,” she said. Companies are spending money on new tools and strategies to deal with the problems that come with extreme weather and to keep things fun even though the weather is changing.
Climate change will impact the travel sector in various ways that are slightly different from each other. Frequently seen severe weather phenomena not only impact the timing and locations of people’s travels but also affect the functioning of travel firms. The sector is reacting as these issues evolve by adjusting itineraries, increasing security protocols, and heading toward milder locations.
Travelers should monitor the weather and appropriately schedule their journeys considering both the consequences of climate change and the safety precautions in place. Both travelers and the organization should maintain flexibility and awareness as global climate change impacts the travel industry.
Ultimately, travel patterns are being more affected by climate change, which is causing individuals to reconsider their regular holiday destinations and means of transportation. More individuals are seeking cooler locations to visit and tour operators are adjusting to the new weather conditions, so the tourism industry is changing greatly. Extreme weather will be more important for trip preparation, hence both passengers and travel agencies will have to find ways to ensure everyone stays safe and enjoys their vacation.
This content was adapted from an article in the BBC
Weather in Italy
