It is warm in the Netherlands, but in France and Spain it is warmer, warmest. The heat waves are hitting southern Europe and tourists are puffing and sweating. How do you arm yourself against the scorching heat on the way to your holiday destination? And how do you ensure that you stay cool at the campsite? NU.nl asked a few experts.
In the Netherlands, the mercury could rise to record highs next week. The heat waves have been going on for some time in Southern Europe. In the heart of Paris it will be 40 degrees this week and in some Spanish places it threatens to reach 50 degrees.
“We see more heat waves in succession in countries such as Portugal and Spain. That is really striking,” says meteorologist Roosmarijn Knol of Weerplaza. “The temperatures will also rise in the coming days. In places like Madrid and Seville it will be 45 degrees.”
The southern European heat waves are more frequent and last longer. The south wind ensures that the warm air from the deserts in North Africa comes to Europe. “And those air currents can sometimes also reach the Netherlands,” says Knol.
It will be 40 degrees in Paris this week.
It will be 40 degrees in Paris this week. Photo: AFP
Throw an umbrella in the trunk and don’t turn the air conditioning too cold
And so you will have to brave the heat in the car on the way to the campsite. The ANWB has a lot of heat tips for in the car. Spokesperson Annelies Tichelaar: “We always say: ‘Put an umbrella in the trunk’. That may sound crazy, but what if you are unlucky on a dry sandy road? Then you are unprotected in the blazing sun and an umbrella can be used for protection. to care.”
Of course the road association has the general (more famous) tips for heat on the road. Provide sufficient cooling in the car and do not leave children and animals in the car. Tichelaar also advises not to turn on the air conditioning at full throttle. “Do not set the air conditioning more than 6 degrees colder than the temperature outside. A large temperature difference causes complaints such as a headache and sore throat.”
Check the coolant, the air conditioning and bring a small fridge
You don’t want to be stuck in traffic jams for a long time, of course. The longer you stand in the blazing sun, the hotter the car gets. “It’s getting busier on the road,” says Tichelaar. “So make sure you don’t drive on a Saturday. We used to have two black Saturdays, now we already have five.” The Black Saturdays of 2022 fall on July 9, 23 and 30 and on August 6 and 13. “Oh yes, always check whether you have enough coolant and whether the air conditioning is working properly.”
More tips for the heat on the go? Hans Louwers of the Camping and Caravan Industry (KCI) recommends cooling the car. “Take a small mobile fridge with you and make sure it is very cool. You can also put it in the lighter hole of the car. Then you at least have cooled drinks.”
An umbrella protects you from the sun if you are stranded on a dry sandy road.
An umbrella protects you from the sun if you are stranded on a dry sandy road. Photo: Getty Images
Keep doors closed and hang towels on the windows
Then you have finally arrived at that campsite in the south of France and then your own heat plan starts. How do you ensure cooling in the motorhome or caravan? And that tent is completely difficult to cool. “We see more and more mobile air conditioners,” says Louwers, “you can hang them separately from something. Air conditioners are also being built in the ridge of the motorhome, where there used to be a skylight. Make sure you make the motorhome as dark as possible. For example, you have those roller shutters with silver-grey insulating material. In any case, do not open all doors. Even the most luxurious motorhome will have a hard time with the heat.”
Frans Hoofwijk van Camptoo, a platform for renting and renting out your motorhome, also has useful tips. “Hang towels and shirts in front of the windows. This way you keep the sun out and you ensure that there is not too much heat in the interior.”
As soon as the temperature drops, you have to ventilate
The camper is cool, but then comes the hardest part: the tent. “Yes, that remains difficult,” says Louwers of the KCI. “In recent years we have seen a lot of shade canopies and tarps. These are canvases with a few sticks underneath. Because of the shade you can last a little longer before you bake out of your tent.”
Sander Cox of ACSI FreeLife Magazine, one of the largest camping magazines in the Netherlands, sees that the material is improving. “The canvases are increasingly resistant to the heat. Then you have to go to the more expensive price ranges. You still burn out the tent with the cheap ones.”
Ventilation is the keyword at the campsite. “If the temperature drops slightly, you have to get to work. If you do it right, you will quickly remove the extreme heat. A good tent has enough ventilation points that you can open. Open everything when it is less warm. everything with mosquito net so you don’t have to worry about all kinds of insects flying in.”
Hang towels and shirts by the windows.
Hang towels and shirts by the windows. Photo: AFP
Bring a fan and keep eating and drinking well (warm)
And then you have the simple old tricks like the fan with a frozen bottle in front. Roel Reineman of tent specialist Isabella: “The fan is the most important thing. Pay particular attention to what you leave at home. With a lot of electrical appliances you just won’t make it at the campsite.”
“Keep ventilating and provide fresh air. Otherwise you will wake up with a popping headache from the bad air. And sometimes you also have to accept things, because burning out of a tent is difficult to prevent.”
During the day you must ensure sufficient cooling and drink and eat. Hoofwijk van Camptoo warns that eating is just as important as drinking. “Eat a lot of fruit, and preferably also drink warm drinks. Tea is better than ice tea. You should not let your body cool down too much. The body will then work hard to get up to temperature. You will still get warmer.”
Burning out of the tent is difficult to prevent.
Burning out of the tent is difficult to prevent. Photo: AFP
Dive into the pool and please don’t stress
“Also, look at what people wear abroad,” says Hoofwijk. “They know best how to keep cool. So don’t be that stubborn Dutchman. And another thing: in Southern Europe they have introduced a siesta to bridge the hottest moments of the day. Try to enjoy the holidays and postpone that walk or bike ride until a cooler moment.”
“You go on holiday for the nice weather. The heat is part of it,” says Louwers of the KCI trade association. “Dive into the pool regularly and don’t worry. After all, it’s vacation. Adjust your pace and make sure you respect yourself a bit. As Dutch people, we are perhaps less used to that, but please: take it easy. .”
