TEmpo of holidays, travel time towards the splendid coast of the eastern Mediterranean: Sardinia, Greece, Türkiye. Dream scenarios that every year attract millions of touristsIE who – for years now – have coexisted with the recurring threatamplified by climate change, forest fires. Torrid temperatures, arid vegetation and hot winds they transform these destinations into potential outbreaks, often unexpected and violent. But we must not give up holidays in this seats: just pay attention and start prepared by taking some more precautions.
The Mediterranean and the fires of every summer
In recent years devastating fires have affected in particular Greece and Turkey, but also Sardinia has paid a very high price. The episodes have multiplied, triggered by natural factors and, often, even human, but have been made more frequent and extreme by the rise in temperatures and the prolonged drought. Just think of the recent emergency in the Turkish province of Izmir, where several fires have incinerated entire forest areas, or in Greece with i bonfires broke out in Koropisouth of Athens, and on the island of Crete, where thousands of people have been forced to abandon houses, hotels and bathing establishments.
What you need to know before leaving: studying the destination
Those who plan a holiday in risk areas, as mentioned, do not necessarily have to give up. But a different approach is needed: informed, shiny and a little more strategic. It is important, for example, study one’s destination: inquire about fire risk in the area where you will stay. Local government sites, apps of the Italian Civil Protection or on Safe travelare excellent allies.
In Greece, the evacuations also concerned the island of Crete and areas near Athens (Getty)
Enable fire alert notifications
Also Receiving emergency notices is very useful: To do this, just enable alert notifications on the smartphone. In iOS and Android devices it can be made in the notifications settings. In Greece, for example, we recorded the official government alert service. Equally useful is monitor local news: the weather is not enough, however, you must also keep up to date via radio, apps or regional news to know in real time if the situation is worsening.
European tools such as RE-OPEN EU are very useful. Finally, the luggage: It would be good to prepare an emergency “go bag”: It may seem exaggerated, but having passports, cash, essential medicines, insurance documents and chargers at hand, can make the difference in the event of sudden evacuation. It is also a recommendation of the British government.
Insurance yes, but the right one
One of the most underestimated points is travel insurance. Many buy it lightly or rely on the basic policy offered by the tour operator. But to be really insured in case of fire it is important check (before signing):
- If the policy covers natural disasters
- that coverage is expected to be interrupted in the event of environmental emergencies
- If you are entitled to reimbursements if you decide not to leave even if the holiday is not formally canceled
Pay attention to a detail, which is not so detail. Often if there is no official order or a ban on entry by the authorities, The simple “disincelination to travel” does not entitle any compensation. Furthermore, most insurance do not cover the loss of enjoyment of the trip, such as it is not being able to leave the hotel because there is a fire outside.
Some companies They offer yes specific clauses for extreme climatic events, But it’s not a standard. To clarify what is covered and what is not, you can consult the guidelines published by independent bodies such as Altroconsumo, or carefully read the information sheet of your company.
Refunds only if the cancellation is official: the insecurity perceived is not enough
One of the most frustrating aspects for travelers occurs when the flight starts regularly and the hotel is operational: in that case, in fact, renounce the journey for “perceived security” reasons does not automatically give the right to reimbursement. In that case, only an insurance with cancellation clause for environmental causes can protect you. And, here too, it is essential that the company specifies the fires between the covered causes. There European Commissionin his Guide to the rights of the plane passengerclarifies that reimbursements by airlines and tour operators are due only in the event of official cancellation.
Travel responsible: enjoy the summer without underestimating the risks
Traveling to beautiful, but vulnerable areas, requires respect and responsibility. It means enjoying the holiday Without becoming part of the problem, neither for the environment nor for help. But also defend your free timetheir own expenses and serenity with concrete tools. Inquire, insure, prepare: These are the three indispensable actions that, although not deleting the risk, at least transform the uncertainty into awareness.
I woman © RESERVED REPRODUCTION