Extreme heat is plaguing European destinations. However, that doesn't seem to stop Swedish tourists - even though the temperatures can be downright dangerous for some groups.
But the heat is not considered reason enough for cancellation, according to travel companies.
The heat has turned southern Europe into something resembling a giant pizza oven, according to climate scientists. But despite the extreme temperatures, Swedes continue to travel abroad during July and August, according to travel companies TT has spoken to.
”"When the weather is uncertain at home in Sweden, the demand for traveling abroad increases. People want to get to the Mediterranean anyway," says Martina Krantz, press officer at Apollo.
TUI also reports that booking pressure is similar to previous summers. The travel company has sent text messages with information and advice to travelers in areas where the heat is at its worst.
”"We refer to local advice and recommendations. You can also ask the hotel how to deal with fire risk and heat," says communications manager Adam Györki.
Are there health reasons, confirmed by a doctor, travelers can make an insurance claim if it is the heatwave that stops them from traveling. But otherwise, it is not a valid reason for a refund of the trip, according to TUI.
”Heat or a heat wave is not a reason to cancel,” says Györki.
The same applies to Apollo.
”"It is only when there is a real travel warning that we allow a refund. Hot weather is not included in that," says Krantz.
SOS International is an emergency organization for people who need help while traveling abroad. They are seeing an increase in calls from travelers in Greece, where forest fires are raging in the wake of the heat.
”"It's people who are wondering how they should behave if the fires spread to the area where they are, or people who are close to and in the vulnerable areas who are getting in touch," says Charlotte Bjerregaard at SOS International.
Travel and insurance companies offer various solutions if the trip is affected by extreme weather, according to the Swedish Consumer Agency. It is important for the consumer to have a dialogue with their travel provider and investigate what conditions apply for rebooking or cancellation.
”If activities are cancelled due to the heat, you are entitled to compensation, such as a price reduction,” says Hanna Bornstedt, counselor at the Swedish Consumer Agency.
The Package Travel and Charter Act provides consumers with better protection than consumers who have only booked scheduled flights.
”"Also check if you have cancellation protection for your trip in your home insurance before you buy extended travel protection," says Bornstedt.
For Swedes For those who are traveling, high temperatures can be a shock to the body. When it is hot, temperature is regulated by increasing blood circulation in the superficial blood vessels, which dilates the vessels so that sweat production increases.
”"This in turn increases the load primarily on the heart and leads to fluid and salt losses. If you already have any cardiovascular disease, it can be dangerous," says Kristina Sparreljung, Secretary General of the Swedish Heart and Lung Foundation.
Children, the elderly and other chronically ill people are also extra sensitive.
As a tourist in a heatwave, it's important to be aware of symptoms such as headaches, dizziness and nausea. To prevent this, you can drink plenty of water.
”Avoid alcohol and caffeine, it’s not very good when it’s very hot.”
In addition, it may be a good idea to follow the local custom in many places and take a siesta in the middle of the day to avoid the strongest sun.
”"The siesta exists because this hot time in the middle of the day is exhausting for the body. So it's actually a pretty good idea," says Sparreljung.
Source: TT-DI.SE
