Last year, forest fires and heat waves ravaged southern Europe.
This year’s summer can also become extremely hot. Although it is still a bit early to say anything for sure about the summer weather.
– We are getting more and more inquiries from people who want to cancel their holiday because they are afraid, says product manager Hilde Øverby at If Europeiske Reiseforsikring.
– The travel insurance does not cover cancellation due to fear. Nor does it come with a weather guarantee, says Øverby.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the travel and insurance industry will now prepare Norwegians before the summer holidays. The backdrop is a more troubled world and climate change.
UD: Be prepared
– Norwegian citizens must take the world situation to heart, as a risk of civil unrest and extreme heat, says Kristin Traavik.
She heads the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ operational centre, which is the first Norwegians come into contact with if they are abroad and need help.
– We do not want to discourage anyone from traveling. The vast majority of trips go well, but with some fairly simple preparations it can go much better, says Traavik.
Here are some good tips:
- Check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ travel information about the country you are going to. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also has travel advice, but this only applies to countries or areas to which travel is advised against.
- Report where you are going.
- Have your papers in order! Valid passport, travel insurance, any visa and vaccinations.
- Check and follow advice from local authorities.
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Forest fires ravaged southern Croatia last July. -
On the Croatian island of Mlini, fires broke out at the end of July last year.
Forest fires ravaged southern Croatia last July. Photo: Guro Hessen / Private
On the Croatian island of Mlini, fires broke out at the end of July last year. Photo: Kristian Eidesvik / Kristian Eidesvik
Marie-Anne Zachrisson, manager of the travel company Ving, says that July is still the most popular holiday month, but that more and more people choose to postpone their trip until the worst of the heat is over.
– September seems to be a very popular month. There are natural disasters every year, but there are more people who are aware of the heat, says Zachrisson.
– It is especially wise to choose a serious tour operator if you want to be sure of being well taken care of in the event of such incidents. The Package Travel Act sets clear requirements for tour operators, says Zachrisson.
Hilde Øverby in IF points out that the heat can cause greater challenges for some groups.
– Especially those with small children or those with underlying illnesses should think a little more about it, says Øverby.
As in the scout, the slogan “always prepared” applies.
– You may encounter frightening situations that make you want to cancel your trip. But that fear is a risk you take when you travel, because the insurance does not automatically cover the return journey for that reason, says Øverby.
More extreme weather
2023 was the warmest year ever. Europe is also the fastest-warming continent, according to new figures from the EU.
– We must take this, once again, as a forewarning of the world we are heading into. It consists of more extreme weather and there is no turning back, researcher Hans Olav Hygen at the Meteorological Institute told VG when the figures came out.
