Heat warnings have become a regular occurrence in Europe this summer, with scorching temperatures in Athens, Rome and other cities. Here are some pro tips on how to stay cool and survive the Europe heat wave this summer.
Toronto-based travel agent Wendy Davis, owner of Zebrano Travel, a member of the Virtuoso Luxury Travel Network, said knowing your hotels and your geography can help you battle record high temperatures in Europe and other destinations.
Davis said she thought it might be a hot summer, so she’s been booking families into hotels with swimming pools so they can stay cool.
“Cities like Rome don’t have many hotels with pools so it’s important to plan ahead. We like the Cipriani and Sam Clemente in Venice because they have large pools.
“Villas are nice as families or couples can relax during the heat of the day in the gardens and pools. We always book villas with a pool.”
“It’s also important to book hotels with good air conditioning systems,” Davis noted. “The top hotels all have it. Smaller properties may not. It’s not easy to add AC to ancient buildings in a city like Siena, Italy. “
She also is booking clients bike tours and hikes in the morning.
There are great hikes on both sides of Burgau, Portugal, JIM BYERS PHOTO
Davis said it’s important to know your geography when booking a trip to Europe.
“The further south you go in Europe, the warmer it is. The Baltics are usually cooler. UK, Ireland and Switzerland are cooler. Also, it’s best to be by the seaside. As they say; go jump in the lake or the sea!”
Davis also notes that cities can become heat traps.
“Spend some time in the countryside and siesta.”
Here’s a look at the daily high temperatures for the next three days in Athens, Rome, Edinburgh, Zurich and Stockholm, just for comparison.
ROME: 101F (38,3) 108F (42.2C), 102F (38.9C)
ATHENS: 97F (36.1C), 99F (37.2C) 99F (37.2C)
EDINBURGH: 64F (17.8C), 61 F (16.1C) 65F (18,3C)
STOCKHOLM: 66F (18.9C) 68F (20C), 69F (20.6C)
ZURICH: 79F (26.1C) 85F (29.4C) 78F (26.7C)
Amazing difference.
TRY EUROPE IN THE FALL
One great way to beat the heat is to skip Europe in summer entirely and go in the fall. I’ve often said recommended Europe as a great fall destination. On the Mediterranean, crowds are down, the heat is less extreme, and the ocean water is still warm. You’ll also find hotels and restaurants are easier to book, and staff less harried.
Lake Bled, Slovenia. JIM BYERS PHOTO
Here are a few places I’d recommend in Europe:
SLOVENIA: I often call it “The Tiny, Perfect Country,” with Mediterranean seaside cafes, glorious alpine mountains, fairy tale lakes (Lake Bled) and cool cities (Ljubljana, which feels a bit like Salzburg without the Mozart kitsch).
SWITZERLAND: The mountains are awesome almost anywhere in Switzerland. But they’re truly spectacular around Engelberg, which is a short, easy train ride from Berne.
MANCHESTER:A city that should get more attention than it does. Lovely architecture (try the John Rylands Library) and wonderful shopping areas such as
BURGAU, PORTUGAL: We had a full week here a few years ago, and I loved getting up and going for a hike, followed by breakfast served by a fun British couple just up from the beach. The Beach Bar serves magical Sangria, and the water is beautiful. The hiking is outrageously good, too, and everyone in the village seems to have a smile on their face.
DORDOGNE VALLEY, FRANCE: If you try a canoe ride down the river, you’ll find a castle on almost every hilltop. Fabulous food, too.
GALWAY, IRELAND: I like Dublin, but I LOVE the slower pace and pubs of Galway.
BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA: A cool, surprising city I’d like to explore more.
CESKY KRUMLOV, CZECH REPUBLIC: One of the prettiest cities/towns in Europe, complete with a magical river running through it.
