Extreme Summer Heat: Why Travellers Must Put Health and Preparedness First

By Dr Ryan Copeland, Regional Medical Director, Assistance, Europe, Middle East & Africa, International SOS

Dr Ryan Copeland is Regional Medical Director for Assistance across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) at International SOS. With more than 25 years of medical experience, he has built his career in emergency medicine, remote healthcare, aeromedical assistance, travel health and occupational wellbeing.

After completing his medical training in South Africa, where he specialised in emergency medicine and trauma care across both public and private healthcare systems, Dr Copeland continued his emergency medicine training in London before joining International SOS in 2007 as a Coordinating Doctor.

Today, he oversees the delivery of medical assistance services across the EMEA region, leading multidisciplinary teams of doctors and nurses who provide medical advice, emergency response, medical transportation and remote healthcare support to organisations and travellers worldwide. His expertise includes travel risk management, telehealth, crisis response and employee wellbeing.

   Extreme Summer Heat Is Changing the Way We Travel

For many people, summer represents freedom—the opportunity to discover new destinations, enjoy outdoor adventures and spend more time with family and friends. Yet travel today is taking place in a very different climate than it did only a decade ago.

Across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and many other parts of the world, record-breaking temperatures have become increasingly common. Heatwaves are arriving earlier, lasting longer and reaching unprecedented intensity. What was once considered an occasional inconvenience has become a significant public health concern affecting millions of residents and international travellers alike.

For travellers, extreme heat is more than an issue of comfort. High temperatures can increase the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, heatstroke, cardiovascular complications and the worsening of existing medical conditions. These risks are particularly relevant for older adults, young children, pregnant women and individuals living with chronic illnesses.

Fortunately, most heat-related illnesses are preventable. With thoughtful planning, informed decision-making and an understanding of how the body responds to high temperatures, travellers can significantly reduce health risks while continuing to enjoy their journeys safely.

   Why Heat Should Be Considered a Travel Risk

Travel preparation traditionally focuses on passports, visas, insurance and vaccinations. However, changing climate conditions mean travellers should now give equal consideration to environmental health risks.

Extreme heat affects the body’s natural ability to regulate temperature. When temperatures and humidity rise, cooling through sweating becomes less effective. Combined with long sightseeing days, physical activity, disrupted sleep, alcohol consumption and dehydration, the body can quickly become overwhelmed.

Many travellers underestimate how rapidly heat-related illness can develop. Early symptoms are often mistaken for ordinary travel fatigue or jet lag. A mild headache, unusual tiredness, dizziness or irritability may appear insignificant, yet these can be the first warning signs that the body is struggling to cope.

Recognising these symptoms early and responding promptly can prevent a minor problem from developing into a medical emergency.

   Protecting Your Health During Summer Travel

Preparing for hot-weather travel begins long before departure. Understanding local weather conditions, planning activities around cooler parts of the day and selecting suitable accommodation can greatly improve both safety and comfort.

Hydration remains one of the most effective preventive measures. Travellers should drink fluids regularly throughout the day rather than waiting until they become thirsty, particularly during outdoor activities or when travelling to regions with dry climates.

Clothing also plays an important role. Lightweight, loose-fitting garments made from breathable fabrics allow the body to cool more effectively. Wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses and high-quality sunscreen provide additional protection from prolonged sun exposure.

Equally important is allowing the body time to adapt. Travellers arriving from cooler climates should avoid strenuous physical activity during the first few days, giving themselves an opportunity to acclimatise gradually.

Whenever possible, outdoor sightseeing, hiking or sporting activities should be scheduled during the early morning or late afternoon when temperatures are lower. Midday, when solar radiation is strongest, is generally the least suitable time for prolonged outdoor exposure.

   Understanding Heat Stress and Heat-Related Illness

Heat stress occurs when the body’s cooling mechanisms are unable to maintain a safe internal temperature. Factors such as high humidity, intense sunlight, physical exertion and inadequate hydration all increase the likelihood of developing heat-related illness.

The progression can be gradual. Early warning signs may include:

* excessive sweating;

* muscle cramps;

* dizziness;

* weakness;

* nausea;

* headache;

* unusually rapid heartbeat.

Ignoring these symptoms may lead to heat exhaustion, which requires immediate cooling, hydration and rest.

If untreated, heat exhaustion can progress to heatstroke—a life-threatening medical emergency characterised by a dangerously elevated body temperature, confusion, altered mental status, collapse or loss of consciousness. Sweating may or may not be present. Anyone suspected of suffering heatstroke requires immediate emergency medical care.

Travellers should familiarise themselves with local emergency medical services before arriving at their destination and know how to seek assistance quickly if symptoms become severe.

   Building a Heat-Smart Travel Plan

Heat preparedness should become as routine as purchasing travel insurance or checking visa requirements. A well-planned itinerary can significantly reduce health risks while allowing travellers to make the most of their destination.

Every summer travel plan should include a reliable hydration strategy. Carrying a reusable water bottle, identifying safe drinking water sources and replacing fluids regularly are simple but highly effective measures. In particularly hot climates or during prolonged physical activity, electrolyte replacement may also be beneficial.

Sun protection is equally important. Travellers should apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, wear UV-protective clothing where appropriate and seek shade whenever possible. Even short periods of intense sun exposure can increase the risk of dehydration and heat-related illness.

Before travelling, it is also advisable to review the local climate and monitor weather forecasts, including official heat alerts. Flexible itineraries allow travellers to adjust outdoor activities if temperatures become dangerously high.

Accommodation should be chosen carefully. Air conditioning is not universally available, even in popular tourist destinations, particularly in older buildings or historic city centres. Confirming cooling facilities before booking can make a significant difference to comfort and health during periods of extreme heat.

Travellers taking prescription medication should consult their healthcare provider before departure, as certain medicines—including some used to treat high blood pressure, heart disease, allergies and mental health conditions—may reduce the body’s ability to regulate temperature or increase the risk of dehydration.

   Supporting Those Who Work Outdoors

Extreme heat does not only affect tourists. Across the global travel and tourism industry, millions of people work outdoors or in challenging environmental conditions every day.

Tour guides, hospitality staff, transport operators, construction workers, emergency responders and maintenance teams often spend long hours in high temperatures while ensuring visitors can travel safely and comfortably.

Travellers can contribute to safer working environments by showing patience during heat-related delays, following safety guidance during outdoor activities and choosing responsible tourism providers that prioritise employee wellbeing through adequate hydration, shaded rest areas and regular breaks.

Responsible travel is not only about protecting the environment—it also means recognising the health and safety of the people who make travel experiences possible.

   Climate Change Is Reshaping Travel

Climate scientists continue to warn that extreme heat events are becoming more frequent, longer-lasting and more intense. As global temperatures rise, travellers must adapt to a new reality in which climate-related health risks play an increasingly important role in trip planning.

Heat resilience begins with awareness. Understanding how high temperatures affect the body enables travellers to make informed decisions before and during their journeys.

Simple adjustments—choosing cooler times of day for outdoor activities, monitoring weather conditions, taking regular breaks indoors and remaining flexible when conditions change—can substantially reduce health risks without limiting travel experiences.

Technology also plays an increasingly valuable role. Weather apps, official heat warnings and local emergency alerts provide travellers with real-time information that can help them avoid dangerous conditions.

   Final Thoughts

Extreme heat has become one of the fastest-growing health risks facing international travellers. Yet unlike many travel emergencies, heat-related illnesses are largely preventable.

Successful travel in today’s climate depends not only on selecting the right destination but also on preparing for the environmental conditions that accompany it. Hydration, sun protection, sensible activity planning and early recognition of warning signs remain the most effective ways to reduce risk.

As climate patterns continue to evolve, travellers who prioritise health, preparedness and informed decision-making will be better equipped to enjoy safe, rewarding and memorable journeys wherever they choose to travel.

Source: International SOS
Image credit: RDNE Stock project / Pexels.com
Photo courtesy of: International SOS