July 27, 2025 – 9:24 AM

As Mediterranean heatwaves grow more severe, tourists heading to sun-soaked destinations like Greece, Italy, Spain, and France are facing dangerous temperatures. While the region’s stunning coastlines and historic cities still draw millions each summer, experts say planning ahead is now more important than ever to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

From choosing the right accommodations to adjusting your itinerary and recognizing signs of heat-related illness, here’s how to make the most of your Mediterranean holiday—without putting your health at risk.

Rising heatwaves across the Mediterranean

In recent years, parts of Southern Europe have experienced record-breaking summer temperatures, with multiple heatwaves pushing daytime highs well above 40°C (104°F). This year is no exception, with heat advisories issued across popular tourist regions and hospitals reporting spikes in heat-related illnesses.

“The line of the tropics has literally moved,” said Nick Cavanaugh, a climate scientist and founder of climate risk firm Sensible Weather. “Circulation patterns around the globe are shifting, and southern Europe is increasingly experiencing tropical-like conditions.”

These changes are especially risky for tourists, who may be unaccustomed to such heat or unaware of how it can affect their health. According to Dr. Olalekan Otulana of Cassiobury Court in the UK, travelers are often more relaxed about routines and hydration, making them more vulnerable to heat exhaustion or heatstroke.

Choose accommodations that beat the heat

Many tourists are surprised to discover that air conditioning is not guaranteed in European lodgings—especially in older buildings or budget accommodations.

“Electricity has always been very expensive in Italy,” said Andrea Moradei, founder of Florence-based travel company Vinarium. “Many of us grew up conserving energy—keeping shutters closed and only opening windows after dark.”

Moradei recommends looking for naturally cool accommodations, such as historic stone buildings or properties on hillsides with good airflow. Hotels with exterior shutters and cross-ventilation can also help keep rooms cooler at night.

Traveler Georgia Fowkes, who visited Greece last summer, described the struggle of staying in an overheated hotel. “Our AC groaned like a dying fan,” she recalled. “At one point, I lay down on the cool stairwell tiles just to get relief.”

Follow local customs and rest during peak heat

Across Spain, Italy, and Greece, locals often slow down after lunch to avoid the hottest part of the day. Shops and restaurants typically close between 1:00 and 5:00 PM, offering travelers the perfect opportunity to rest, nap, or recharge indoors.

“You can’t fill your day with too many activities,” Moradei advised. “It’s just too hot. Follow the rhythm of the locals and let some hours of the day slip away.”

In Italy, the tradition is known as pausa pranzo—a midday break often spent relaxing, reading, or planning the evening meal. Taking a short nap or retreating indoors can help maintain energy levels and prevent heat-related illness.

Plan smarter sightseeing

Trying to pack in too many attractions on a tight schedule can backfire when temperatures soar. Instead, experts suggest sightseeing early in the morning and choosing shaded or air-conditioned locations during peak hours.

Whitney Haldeman, founder of women’s travel group Atlas Adventures, described how her group adapted in southern France: “We shifted our tours to the early morning, prioritized shaded lunches, and added daily rest periods. Cool cellars for wine tasting and hotel pools became our sanctuaries.”

Museums and historic churches also offer cooler environments where you can still enjoy culture and history without risking your health.

Stay hydrated and know the warning signs

One of the biggest dangers in extreme heat is underestimating how much water your body needs. Dr. Otulana emphasizes the importance of drinking water regularly—even if you don’t feel thirsty. “Hydration is critical,” he said. “Keep sipping water throughout the day.”

Common signs of heat exhaustion include dizziness, nausea, headache, and heavy sweating. If symptoms progress to heatstroke—marked by confusion, loss of consciousness, or a lack of sweating despite feeling hot—medical attention is urgently needed.

“Extreme heat hijacks your whole trip,” said Fowkes, recalling her experience. “We weren’t sightseeing—we were surviving. Everyone was just looking for mist machines and hiding in grocery stores until the sun went down.”

Haldeman added that her group relied on hydration tablets, battery-operated fans, and lightweight natural fabrics to stay cool. “By day two, everyone wanted the guest who packed the portable fan,” she laughed.

Final thoughts: adapt and enjoy

With proper planning and realistic expectations, you can still enjoy everything the Mediterranean has to offer—without putting your health at risk. As climate patterns shift, being heat-aware isn’t just smart—it’s essential for safe, enjoyable travel.

Remember to:

• Choose accommodations with AC or natural cooling features
• Rest during peak heat hours, especially after lunch
• Prioritize shaded, indoor, or early-morning activities
• Stay hydrated and recognize the signs of heat-related illness

Enjoy your holiday—and don’t let the heat catch you off guard.

Source: BBC – How to holiday safely this summer under the Mediterranean sun

The post How to Stay Safe During Summer Travel in the Mediterranean appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

After a turbulent year marked by safety concerns, tragic accidents, and air traffic control failures, summer air travel in the US is shaping up to be challenging. Travelers should brace themselves for potential delays and disruptions as the busy season kicks off.

A Tough Start to 2025 for US Air Travel

The year began with a heartbreaking midair collision in Washington that claimed 67 lives, shining a spotlight on safety risks in the skies. Near-miss incidents and pilots performing urgent go-arounds to avoid crashes have heightened anxiety nationwide. To make matters worse, Newark Liberty International Airport has faced weeks of air traffic control meltdowns caused by staffing shortages and technology failures, triggering hours-long delays for passengers.

What Does This Mean for Summer Travelers?

Memorial Day weekend signals the start of the peak summer travel season, with United Airlines alone expecting to fly 300,000 more passengers than last year. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is gearing up for its busiest summer in 15 years, especially toward late July.

While the FAA says it is prepared for the influx, experts warn that ongoing understaffing and fragile infrastructure could still cause headaches for travelers.

Why Summer Travel Often Means Delays

Hayley Berg, lead economist at travel company Hopper, explains that disruptions “are always worse in the summer” because of increased passenger volume and lingering staff shortages at airports and air traffic control centers.

“Airports are busier, and while airlines are flying near full capacity, staffing levels haven’t fully recovered,” Berg said.

Newark Airport’s Ongoing Struggles

Newark has been hit hardest by these problems, suffering four separate technology outages since late April. Its air traffic control tower is stretched thin, and runway construction has forced the FAA to cut flights by about 25% compared to April levels. Some flights will resume after construction ends mid-June, but the airport won’t return to full capacity anytime soon.

Retired American Airlines captain Les Abend warns that issues like Newark’s can ripple out, creating delays across other airports. He points out the problem isn’t the new air traffic control technology itself but the supporting infrastructure and data systems that are failing.

What Travelers Can Expect This Summer

Add in chronic air traffic controller shortages, the long training time for new controllers, and typical summer storms, and the result is a “recipe for frustration,” Abend says.

However, he reassures passengers that the US air travel system remains safe. “If you lose contact with air traffic control, pilots have protocols to handle the situation,” he explained.

Abend doesn’t foresee widespread chaos this summer. “Most of the time, you’ll get to where you’re going on schedule,” he said.

Anxiety at Newark — and How to Prepare

Newark’s reputation as a major international gateway means many transatlantic travelers are watching its struggles nervously. Tomasz Pawliszyn, CEO of AirHelp, says the media attention has exposed long-standing issues, making travelers more cautious about flying through Newark.

Despite these concerns, most people are still choosing to travel this summer.

A Mixed Bag for Airfares and Travel Plans

Domestic airfare is about 3% cheaper than last year, with round-trip tickets averaging $265—the lowest since 2021. Flights to Europe are down roughly 8% from 2024, making summer travel attractive despite the challenges.

Tips to Beat the Summer Travel Hassles

Experts advise travelers to plan carefully:

• Fly direct to avoid missing connections.
• Choose morning flights and avoid busy weekend travel.
• Consider flying through JFK or LaGuardia instead of Newark for New York-area trips.
• Stay alert for potential delays by tracking where your plane is coming from and checking weather conditions at departure points.
• If bad weather is expected, think about changing your flight early to avoid getting stuck.

Bottom Line

Summer 2025 air travel in the US may bring its share of frustrations, but with preparation and patience, most travelers should reach their destinations safely. The FAA and airlines are working on long-term fixes, but for now, packing extra time and flexibility into travel plans is the best strategy.

Source: CNN – Summer air travel could be a ‘recipe for frustration’

The post Why Summer Flights in the US Might Be Delayed This Year appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.