Extreme heat is serious; are we underestimating the risks?
With millions of us preparing to jet off this summer, our latest research reveals that many UK travellers are not prepared for the dangers of extreme temperatures abroad. We ran a survey of 2,000 UK travellers and found that 2 in 5 (40%) have experienced weather or climate-related health issues while on holiday, with over a third (35%) specifically affected by heat or sunshine.
The soaring temperatures in parts of Spain, Greece, Turkey, and Italy are prompting Foreign Office warnings and wildfire alerts across the Mediterranean. Half of UK holidaymakers (56%) are planning to visit a hot destination this year, but are travellers underestimating the seriousness of heat-related risks?
Confusion around heat illness could be dangerous
One worrying finding from the study showed that the majority of travellers do not understand the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke. When asked to identify symptoms, most respondents incorrectly believed all symptoms applied to both conditions. This confusion could delay critical treatment.
Heat exhaustion symptoms include muscle cramping, headaches, and dizziness—conditions that can often be self-treated by resting, cooling down, and hydrating.
Heat stroke, however, is a medical emergency. Symptoms like confusion, hot dry skin, and body temperatures over 40°C require immediate medical attention.
Slipping into a “Holiday Mindset” cause for concern
Alarmingly, 35% of those who experienced heat-related illness said they were in ‘holiday mode’ and didn’t think the weather would affect them, while 22% were unaware the weather could impact them at all.
Safer Tourism Foundation CEO Katherine Atkinson said:
“Heat affects all of us differently. As climate change drives increasingly extreme temperatures across popular travel destinations, it’s vital that we understand how extreme heat affects us as individuals. And although we often welcome heat on our holidays, extreme heat and heatwaves are not benign. The risks may be higher for older travellers, children or those with existing medical condition, ranging from diabetes to poor mental health. The impacts of heat will also vary depending on whether it’s dry or humid heat, as the effectiveness of sweating is reduced in humid air. It’s worth knowing the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke. If we can identify the symptoms, we’re less likely to delay seeking treatment, allowing conditions to worsen. We’re urging everyone to think ahead, prepare properly, and take heat seriously. Because heat can kill.”
Heat is influencing our travel choices
In our study, we also found that 1 in 3 travellers (33%) would reconsider a destination due to heat, and over half (54%) would consider travelling at a different time of year. Yet, 22% said they wouldn’t reconsider unless temperatures exceeded 40°C, showing a worrying tolerance for extreme conditions.
When it comes to action, travellers are adapting
- 62% carry water bottles
- 61% wear breathable clothing
- 46% book air-conditioned accommodation
- 33% plan activities earlier in the day
However, fewer are taking more robust steps like checking insurance coverage (21%), ensuring safe medication storage (12%), or booking with tour operators specialized in hot-weather destinations (9%).
Stay safe this summer
With extreme heat becoming the new normal in many popular destinations, the Safer Tourism Foundation is urging the travel industry to help us spread awareness about the risks that comes with heat and encourage travellers to take the following measures:
Be flexible with your plans and activities to avoid going out during peak heat hours
Understand the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke
Stay hydrated and seek out the shade
Plan for heat when booking and packing – including medical needs and travel insurance
Monitor local weather warnings while abroad and adjust plans accordingly
Listen to the advice of travel operators and local authorities
Don’t ignore symptoms – early action can prevent serious illness
You can find more guidance on how to stay safe in the heat on our dedicated advice page.
*Based on a survey of 2000 UK adults who have travelled in the last 12 months or plan to travel in the next 12 months. The survey was conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Safer Tourism Foundation from the 16th to the 20th of April 2025.