By Claudia Gualdi
How wildfires can impact your travel plans
Wildfires pose significant challenges to travel, with 2024 witnessing an alarming increase in both the frequency and intensity of blazes. The surge is largely attributed to prolonged droughts, unseasonably high temperatures and the lingering effects of climate change. As a result, some regions previously unaffected by wildfires are now experiencing more disruptions.
Within the EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) region, wildfires are a significant environmental concern, especially in Greece, Italy, Ukraine and Spain. As most models predict the decrease of El Niño effects by April-June 2024, wildfires have become a worrying phenomenon in the Americas as well in recent years, mostly in the United States (US) and Canada. On the other hand, fewer countries in the APAC (Asia-Pacific) region experience regular wildfires, with Australia, Indonesia and India facing the most severe ones. Being prepared and informed can help you make the right decisions and stay safe during a wildfire situation while travelling.
Travel tips:
- Purchase travel insurance before departure, as several contingencies could impact your travel plans.
- Contact all travel providers used to book your trip.
- Keep your travel plans flexible. As wildfires can be unpredictable, be prepared to change your plans if authorities issue evacuation orders or safety recommendations, or if your means of transport are impacted by the event.
- Anticipate disruptions to telecommunications. During emergencies such as wildfires, communication networks may be overwhelmed. Expect delays in receiving information.
Safety tips:
- If a wildfire is threatening the area where your accommodation is located, stay indoors and remain at a relatively safe distance from the blaze. Limit exposure to smoke by closing all windows and doors. The fresh air intake on air-conditioners should be shut.
- Monitor air quality. Wildfires cause poor air quality, which can be harmful, especially for individuals with preexisting respiratory issues, the young and the elderly. Consider wearing masks rated for smoke protection if air quality is poor.
- Travellers to wildfire-prone regions should stay abreast of local news and relevant authorities, to keep track of such declarations. Visitors are advised to stay abreast of evacuation maps and opt for voluntary evacuations if they can do so, well before a wildfire threat reaches the warning level.
- Track local media, weather forecasts and wildfire updates to stay informed about potential risks. Sign up for free government emergency alerts; use smartphone apps designed to provide real-time wildfire information, evacuation routes and safety tips.
Some of the most attractive tourist destinations, including Southern Europe will lose attractiveness in the long term due to extreme heat temperatures and wildfires that increasingly impact tourism in coastal regions, from which prompt evacuation may be more difficult. On the other hand, northern countries could gain a new attractiveness. Yet, this change in travel trends will take time. For an in-depth analysis of wildfire trends, locations and risks, consult Riskline’s Wildfires Informer 2024.
How droughts can impact your stay
Climate change, temperatures soaring up to 40°C, erratic rainfall and wildfires are increasingly connected. As well as wildfires, droughts can impact the viability of access to some destinations, especially small islands or remote destinations. Furthermore, water shortages prompt authorities to introduce states of emergency to cope with fewer resources.
Greece
Following Greece’s earliest heatwave in June, touristy destinations and islands including Sifnos, Leros, Sami, parts of Crete, and the Attica region – including the Capital city of Athens – faced water shortage crises. Water resource shortages are exacerbated due to the busy tourist season and prompt authorities to declare emergency measures, such as restrictions on topping up swimming pools or, like on the northern island of Thasos, setting up a desalination unit to turn seawater into drinkable water.
Italy
In late June, the Italian island of Capri put a cap on the arrival of tourists after problems with the water supply had been announced, forcing ferries from Naples and Sorrento to return to departure ports. These emergencies can worsen with the arrival of thousands of tourists on small islands, and impact heavily the lives of locals, who are already subject to limitations such as limits on how many litres of drinking water to collect from a supply tanker.
Spain
In Barcelona, Spain, the message “Drought alert. Save water during your stay.” greets tourists at the airport. Catalonia has also been in a critical situation for three years and has seen its worst drought in 200 years. Tourism increases water demand and also concerns the construction and maintenance of swimming pools at accommodations. Hotels must take measures to confront the drought and be more sustainable, for example by reducing the frequency of laundry and charging extra fees for extra towel changes, revamping their faucets, toilets and shower systems.
In times of droughts, tourists and visitors alike have to respect restrictions issued by local authorities, limit water consumption, and opt for alternative activities when available – for instance, hiking instead of swimming. It’s important to engage with local communities and make sustainable choices, to limit water waste. Be flexible, in case droughts happen to heavily impact your travel plans.
How to travel safely with Riskline
Wildfires severely harm your safety and health and put your travel plans at risk for several reasons. While wildfires can occur suddenly and provoke flight disruptions, road closures and evacuation orders turning your trip into a bad experience, you must know about their risk and how to behave in case of emergency. Following reliable sources such as local news channels, government websites and weather apps is essential for staying updated. At Riskline, we provide real-time updates via Alerts API.
Thanks to our 24/7 hour dedicated team of analysts, Riskline tracks major disruptions to travel and services due to ongoing wildfires. We:
- Inform you if there are evacuation orders, casualty figures, or transports affected.
- Monitor the areas and regions mostly affected and the impacts on health, like smoke and haze
- Track the status of critical infrastructure, including electricity and water supply.
Staying informed ahead of and during a trip is the first crucial step to protect your travel plans.
