Dealing with a heatwave
This won't surprise anyone who visited Europe in July - or anyone who watched the news - but it's official: NASA has announced that July 2023 was officially the hottest month in recorded history. No month since records began in 1880 has ever been as hot as this July.
In Europe, Greece, Italy and Spain were among the countries most impacted, with highs of 46-47°C, and parts of France, Germany and Poland have faced major heatwaves as well.
What is a heatwave?
According to the Met Office, 'A heatwave is an extended period of hot weather relative to the expected conditions of the area at that time of year, which may be accompanied by high humidity.'
To put it into context, summer heatwave thresholds for the UK range from 25°C in Scotland and the north of England to 28°C in London and parts of East Anglia and the Southeast.
What happens on a Riviera Travel holiday during a heatwave?
Weather can make or break a holiday. While it goes without saying that we travel to experience a new culture or destination, escaping the rainy UK for warmer climates is definitely still a bonus! And all this hot weather certainly hasn't deterred our guests from exploring - in July we travelled to Canada, Croatia, Switzerland, France, Italy, Austria, Finland, Norway, Iceland and along the Danube, Rhine, Rhone, Moselle and Seine to name a few. And after weeks of record-breaking temperatures, the mercury is (thankfully) beginning to dip back down to a much more palatable sweet spot throughout Europe - we prefer it between the high 20s and low 30s - so now is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a 2023 holiday.
However, high temperatures are not uncommon during the summer months - and with global temperatures set to rise - these weather events could be the "new normal". But don't sweat it (literally). We've already perfected travelling in hotter climates with holidays to some of the hottest destinations worldwide such as Australasia, Africa and the Middle East - and when you travel with us, we'll share all our favourite tips and tricks to staying cool.
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So, what can you expect on a Riviera Travel holiday when the temperatures rise?
Try as we might, we can't control the weather, but we're always mindful of it. Our itineraries are curated to give you plenty of time to explore each stop at your own pace. When it’s hot, you can take it slow and still see everything - they’ll even be time to stop for a break - no need to overexert yourself or rush.
On a Riviera holiday, your Tour Manager or Cruise Director is there to make and keep you happy - they know all the local lore and handy tricks to ensure your holiday is a memorable one. They've seen it all, and whatever "it" is, they know how to take care of it - and you. At the beginning of each day, they'll remind you to pack the hot weather essentials - hats, sun cream, and water bottles are a must. And, throughout the day, they'll make sure you stay hydrated, reapply sun cream and find cool shade when we stop.
Top tip: bring a refillable water bottle - there are refilling stations on many of our river cruise ships and many of the European cities we visit have drinking fountains scattered throughout the city - so, you can add a city extension to your holiday, without worrying about the hot weather:
Holidays in the hottest places
If you're heading out on one of our river cruises, you can personalise your environment with individually controlled air-conditioning. Most of the hotels on our tours also feature air conditioning - and we would expect it to be in use during extreme heat - however, on some tours, usage is at the discretion of the hotel.
And don’t forget, in 2024, you can beat the heat with drinks on us – our Superior drinks package (worth £400pp) is available on all European river cruises.
What to wear during a heatwave
Staying comfortable while you travel is a must - and that starts with your clothes. Here are our top tips for packing for a heatwave:
Wear breathable fabrics - We recommend fabrics like cotton and linen fabrics which allow air to circulate, and loose clothing. Pack plenty of t-shirts and a few long-sleeved shirts or blouses - which will protect your arms from the sun and collars will protect your neck.
Light colours - whites, pastels, and beiges are the most heat resistant as they reflect rather than absorb the sun. And beware of brighter colours too - they can attract insects!
Comfortable shoes - We cover a lot of ground on our tours and visits so comfortable trainers - or lightweight sturdy shoes - are a must. Make sure they're broken in - blisters are no fun on holiday. If you tend to get swollen feet in the heat, think about packing adjustable shoes or sandals to give you extra room should you need it.
Bring a hat - Hats are a great way to add an extra layer of sun protection. A wide-brimmed hat gives you the most protection, including your eyes, face, neck and ears. Plus, we think it's pretty stylish!
High-factor sunscreen - Don't forget your high-factor sunscreen - UV rays tend to be highest during the summer and strongest closest to the equator. The further south you go, the stronger your sunscreen should be! We'd also advise switching to sun-protective lip balm, so you're covered there too.
Snacks – Whether you bring these from home or explore a local grocery store during time at leisure, a healthy snack can help to keep you going between meals and stop heatstroke. Opt for healthy options that are high in water content (like fruit and veg) or an energy bar.
What do I do if I get heatstroke on holiday?
While we do everything in our power to ensure you stay safe, if you do start to feel unwell, the first thing you should do is alert your Tour Manager or Cruise Director.
Heatstroke is a form of hyperthermia which occurs when your body reaches 38 or above in a very short space of time. Symptoms can include:
- Headache
- Dizzy or confused spells
- Excessive sweating leaving your skin clammy or pale
- Loss of appetite or nausea
- Cramp in your arms, stomach and legs
- A strong feeling of thirst
It can be quite common, so don't panic if you feel like you do have it. Simply:
- Move to a cool location as quickly as possible - your Tour Manager can help direct you to shade or a cool indoor space
- If you can, lie down and raise your feet slightly
- Hydrate - Drink plenty to keep your fluids up
- Wrap a cool wet sheet/or flannel on the hottest parts of your body - usually the forehead, arms and legs
If your symptoms worsen or don't reduce within 30 minutes, seek further medical assistance - your Tour Manager will be on hand to make sure you are properly taken care of.
On our river cruise ships, we'll have a member trained in first aid on every ship so - should you feel ill upon returning to the ship - you're in safe hands.
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