While it is still spring right now, summer will be here before we know it and in Europe, this means weeks of extreme heat. For those planning on a hiking trip to a European nation, hiking experts offer tips for staying safe and managing those extra-hot days.
How to stay safe when hiking in Europe’s hot summer
More than 175,000 people die each year in Europe due to extreme summer heat and with climate change, it tends to be hotter every year. While it is tempting to hike and explore Europe’s beautiful and varied landscapes, hikers must take care and learn how to handle the summer heat.
According to a report from the World Health Organization (WHO), heat waves are causing more than just discomfort and can be lethal. In June last year, British TV presenter and health guru, Michael Mosley, died along with four other tourists while hiking in Greece.
From Italy to Spain and other countries in between, temperatures soar to more than 40°C (104°F). These temperatures spark wildfires and extreme weather warnings, but many ignore these, choosing to hike while they are on vacation.
Experts offer tips on hiking in Europe’s extreme heat
Last year, a 55-year-old American traveler’s body was discovered on the Greek island of Mathraki, while also in June, the body of a 74-year-old Dutch tourist was found on the island of Samos in Greece, after going for a walk. How can travelers handle the hot summers?
Choose cooler destinations or months
As Europe’s weather patterns become extreme, even tour companies are having to adapt to the hot conditions. A spokesperson from WalkingWomen told Euronews:
We can no longer hike in some countries from June to September as the heat starts earlier – for example Spain is sometimes 40 degrees in June.
The tour company has adapted its programs to offer more hiking during spring, autumn and winter, when the temperate are more comfortable. When it comes to summer months, WalkingWomen takes hikers up north to Norway and Scotland, where temperatures are much cooler, while landscapes are equally stunning.
Meanwhile, adventure travel company Intrepid Travel is also adjusting its offerings to the new extreme weather.
Radek Nowak, Active Product Manager for Intrepid, said:
At Intrepid, we’ve definitely seen an increase in the severity and frequency of extreme weather events in Europe.
Meanwhile, last year, Intrepid recorded 121 more climate-related incidents around the world than in the previous year. Nowak continued:
We’ve had to change and adapt to this new reality by extending departures into shoulder season months… and considering climate change when investing in future travel destinations – like expanding in Scandinavia.
Moreover, the tour company no longer offers hiking trips in Portugal, Spain and Turkey during the hottest summer months of July and August. However, they have now added winter trips to countries like Croatia, Greece, Italy and Spain.
Get ready to adjust your hiking itinerary
If hikers find they are unable to change their travel dates or destination, they must be prepared to adapt their plans in line with the weather. Nowak explained that they have had to adjust existing itineraries to ensure outdoor activities don’t fall in the hottest part of the day.
Moreover, travelers should regularly check the local weather forecasts and plan their hikes for early mornings or evenings to avoid the hottest part of the day. In the meantime, they can spend the hot hours of the day enjoying indoor activities, like visiting galleries, museums, or shopping, or simply enjoy a siesta like the locals do.
Carefully plan the hiking route and its rest stops
Hikers should plan their route ahead of time, as local rescue teams in Greece find tourists often veer off the beaten track to see various sites and become lost. This puts hikers in danger, but also makes rescue missions more difficult.
One way to avoid danger is not only to plan well, but also ensuring they don’t hike alone. Walkers should ensure that they enjoy the walk with friends or a local tour guide to avoid danger. Moreover, pick routes that offer shady trees, preferably near water.
Always carry a supply of water
One essential item that walkers should always carry is water, as the extreme heat quickly causes dehydration. One expert recommends that hikers should always carry around 3 liters per day to ensure they stay hydrated.
Besides water, travelers should also eat foods with high water content, including fruit and salads, to help protect themselves from dehydration. Moreover, enjoying snacks and regular small meals throughout summer days also keeps travelers’ energy levels up.
What clothing is suitable for hiking in the heat?
The best clothing to choose for a hike is loose-fitting, light colored and made of natural materials to keep cool. Meanwhile, tourists should ensure they wear sunglasses, have long sleeves, and use high SPF sunscreen to protect themselves.
What are the signs of heatstroke and heat exhaustion?
Travelers should note the signs of heatstroke and heat exhaustion in order to act quickly if heatstroke and heat exhaustion are affecting them or their hiking companions.
Symptoms include dizziness, weakness, headache, increased sweating, nausea, confusion, and a rapid heartbeat. Any of these signals indicate that the body is struggling to cope with the heat. Anyone suffering from these symptoms should immediately find shade, drink water, or seek medical attention if necessary. If possible, hikers should take a cool shower or apply cold towels to the skin.
