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.

Heads-up, travelers: United Airlines is tightening its check-in window for domestic flights — and that means you’ll need to be a bit more punctual, even if you’re just carrying a backpack.

Starting June 3, all passengers flying United within the U.S. must check in at least 45 minutes before departure, regardless of whether they’re checking bags or not. Previously, travelers without checked luggage had until 30 minutes before takeoff to check in.

United says the change will make things more consistent and keep flights running on time — something all airlines are aiming for as post-pandemic travel demand continues to surge.

“It brings greater consistency for our customers,” a United spokesperson told The Associated Press, noting that the updated policy aligns with many other major carriers.

Why Check-In Cutoffs Matter

Checking in confirms your spot on the flight and gets you that crucial boarding pass. Most airlines let you check in online starting 24 hours before departure, but the final deadline is still important — especially for those cutting it close.

Airlines also rely on these deadlines to finalize seat assignments, manage gate operations, and ensure passengers show up at security on time. International flights usually have earlier cutoffs to account for extra time needed for customs and passport checks.

How United’s New Cutoff Compares

Here’s a quick breakdown of check-in deadlines across some major U.S. airlines — so you can plan ahead, no matter who you’re flying with:

United Airlines

• Domestic flights: Check in at least 45 minutes before departure — whether or not you have checked bags.
• International flights: Minimum check-in is 60 minutes before departure, but this varies by airport.
  • Paris & Dubai: 75 minutes
  • Toronto & Lagos: 90 minutes
  • Guam to Honolulu / St. Thomas: 90 minutes

Delta Air Lines

• Domestic flights:
  • No checked bags: Check in at least 30 minutes before departure
  • With checked bags: 45 minutes
• International flights: At least 60 minutes before takeoff
  • JFK (New York): Even for domestic flights with checked bags, check in 60 minutes early

American Airlines

• Domestic flights: 45-minute check-in and bag check deadline
• International flights: 60 minutes — applies to both check-in and checked baggage
  • Some airports may require even earlier check-ins

Southwest Airlines

• Baggage check: Bags must be dropped at least 45 minutes before departure
  • Late luggage might not make the flight
• General check-in: No hard deadline listed, but if you’re not checked in and at the gate 10 minutes before takeoff, your reservation could be canceled
• International flights: Minimum 60-minute check-in, but some destinations like Aruba require check-in 75 minutes before departure — with or without checked bags

Alaska Airlines

• Domestic flights: Check-in cutoff is 50 minutes before departure
• International flights: 60-minute minimum
  • Exceptions: Some routes, like from Guadalajara, Mexico, require 90-minute check-ins

The Bottom Line

Whether you’re a frequent flyer or an occasional traveler, it’s worth getting familiar with your airline’s check-in policy — especially now that United is trimming down its window. A few extra minutes might not seem like much, but when you’re racing through TSA or stuck in a check-in line, they can make all the difference between wheels up… or being left behind.

Pro tip: Check in online early (up to 24 hours before departure) and arrive at the airport with time to spare — especially if you’re flying during busy travel periods or from airports with longer processing times.

Source: AP News – United is narrowing its check-in window for US flights. Here’s how it compares to other airlines

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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.

The clock is ticking for U.S. travelers as the May 7 deadline for REAL ID enforcement looms. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has issued a warning for air travelers, advising them to ensure they have the proper identification or face possible delays at airport security.

As the REAL ID deadline approaches, TSA is reminding passengers that they’ll need a REAL ID-compliant identification to fly domestically. Without it, travelers could experience significant delays, additional screening, or even be denied entry to the security checkpoint.

TSA spokesperson Lorie Dankers told Fox News Digital that while 81% of the public is ready for the change, the remaining 19% may find themselves unprepared.

“If you do the math, the reasonable response would be to arrive early,” Dankers advised, acknowledging that the delays travelers face will depend on how many others are also without a compliant ID.

This means if you’re among the 19% who haven’t upgraded their ID to REAL ID, you could face longer lines or even additional verification. In larger airports, the delays could quickly snowball.

Gary Leff, a Texas-based travel expert, highlighted the potential ripple effect. “Even a slight delay, like 10 extra seconds per passenger for ID verification, can add up across thousands of travelers. That’s enough to create a bottleneck at security checkpoints,” Leff said.

To avoid the headache of missing the REAL ID deadline, make sure to check your ID now and update it if needed. The TSA suggests that air travelers be proactive and allow extra time to get through security, especially during busy travel periods leading up to the deadline.

If you show up to the airport without a REAL ID-compliant credential and no other acceptable ID (like a passport), you could face serious delays. In some cases, you might not be allowed to proceed to the security checkpoint at all.

With the May 7 deadline quickly approaching, TSA urges travelers to double-check their IDs and take the necessary steps to avoid last-minute scrambling.

Don’t wait until the last minute to get your REAL ID. The TSA is already preparing for potential delays, so it’s best to be prepared early and give yourself plenty of time to make your flight.

Source: FOX News – REAL ID looming deadline prompts TSA travel warning: ‘Expect delays’

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In the shadow of Venice’s iconic Rialto Bridge, Monica Poli, a 58-year-old Venetian, stands as a self-proclaimed guardian against pickpockets. Armed with a powerful voice and a dedication to protecting tourists, she patrols the city’s crowded streets, shouting her signature warning: “Attenzione, pickpocket!”

Her alerts—delivered in Italian, English, and Spanish—stop people in their tracks. Tourists thank her with gratitude, and some even ask for photos. Alessandro Lavardato, one of her 605,000 Instagram followers, calls her work invaluable, saying, “These pickpockets are a real problem.” For many, Poli has become as much a part of Venice as its historic canals and art.

Social Media Fame and a Spiraling Crisis

Poli’s first viral video in June 2023 garnered 69 million views on TikTok. Since then, her trademark warning has been turned into dance tracks, memes, and even protest chants. Yet beneath the humor lies a serious issue: petty crime is on the rise in Italy, with Venice experiencing a 38.8% increase in thefts on trains in 2023 alone.

Tourists, who make up 78% of theft victims, are prime targets for pickpockets, especially since a 2022 judicial reform known as the Cartabia reform makes prosecuting petty crimes more difficult. Without a victim’s formal report or presence at trial, cases are often dismissed—something foreign visitors rarely have the time to follow through on.

As a result, Venice, with its 30 million annual tourists and fewer than 50,000 residents, has become a “gold mine” for pickpockets. Arrests have plummeted, with only two recorded in 2024 compared to 82 in 2019.

A Civic Mission Born from Experience

Poli’s crusade began in the 1990s while working in a store frequented by Japanese tourists, who often carried cash. Watching distraught visitors discover their wallets missing sparked her sense of civic duty. She joined Cittadini Non Distratti (“Undistracted Citizens”), a volunteer group dedicated to spotting and thwarting pickpockets.

Poli sees her mission as more than a hobby—it’s a deep commitment. Even while running errands, she’s ready to drop everything to pursue a suspect. “I believe if someone saw [a pickpocket] robbing my wallet, they’d do the same,” she says.

Risks and Reprisals

Poli’s efforts come at a personal cost. Since going viral, she has been pepper-sprayed, spat on, and physically attacked. Members of her group have faced similar threats, including knife intimidation. Despite this, she continues her work, warning victims and chasing suspects in what she calls her “watery Gotham City.”

Her detractors accuse her of racial profiling and question her methods. TikTok banned her accounts twice for showing the faces of alleged pickpockets. Poli defends her actions, arguing that her work protects the vulnerable, especially elderly victims, who often lose irreplaceable items like family photos.

Fighting Organized Crime

Poli insists that pickpocketing in Venice is not random but a well-organized criminal enterprise. Europol supports this claim, noting that many pickpockets belong to mobile, family-based networks operating across Europe. Poli has watched individuals grow into the trade over decades, reinforcing her belief that this is a systemic issue requiring attention.

Tips for Tourists

For visitors to Venice, Poli offers practical advice to avoid falling victim to pickpockets:

1. Use internal pockets for valuables.
2. Keep bags in front of you with a hand on them.
3. Attach cellphones to your bag or clothing with a cord.
4. Be vigilant when using ATMs or purchasing tickets to avoid revealing your PIN.
5. Avoid carrying anything in your back pockets.

“Everybody thinks they won’t be robbed,” she says, “but it happens. Losing your wallet means losing cards, cash, and often priceless memories.”

A Determined Guardian

Despite the risks and criticism, Poli remains steadfast. She carefully plans her public appearances, often accompanied by a companion for safety. “I’ve been threatened, attacked, and spat on,” she says, “but I’ll keep going as long as I can.”

Monica Poli may not wear a cape, but in Venice, she’s become an unlikely hero, standing up to organized crime with a fierce determination to protect her city and its visitors.

Source

The post Meet Venice’s Guardian: How Monica Poli Fights Pickpockets Daily appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.