Flying abroad this summer? These are the risks you need to take into account
More and more vacation destinations are dealing this summer with heatwaves, fires, water shortages, and transport disruptions. A new review recommends adding another consideration before booking a vacation, and presents how climate change is already affecting some of the most popular destinations among Israelis.
For most Israelis, planning a summer vacation usually begins with comparing flight prices, choosing a hotel, and checking the weather forecast. However, a new review by Good Vision from the Fahn Kanne group recommends adding another consideration to the checklist – the climate risk level of the destination. Extreme weather events are no longer rare scenarios, but factors that directly affect infrastructure, transportation, hotels, nature sites, and tourist attractions around the world.
The review notes that the Mediterranean basin, to which hundreds of thousands of Israelis travel every year, is one of the fastest-warming regions in the world. The rate of warming in the region is about 20% higher than the global average. June 2026 was the second-hottest June recorded over land areas in Europe, while in Western Europe it was the hottest since records began. At the same time, prolonged heatwaves, massive fires, water shortages, and extreme weather events were recorded across the continent. In 2025 alone, about 1.03 million hectares burned across Europe, while in Spain, by the end of July 2026, more than 104 thousand hectares had already burned.
Climate change has become a significant consideration in planning vacations. If in the past countries competed mainly through prices and attractions, today they are also evaluated by their ability to deal with heatwaves, water shortages, and fires. The preparedness of transport systems, emergency services, water infrastructure, and shading in public spaces are now key factors affecting the tourist experience.
Greece, one of the most sought-after destinations, is dealing with a combination of heatwaves, fires, and prolonged drought. On islands where water sources are limited, the burden of the tourist season exacerbates the situation. For example, on the island of Astypalaia, the main water reservoir dropped to one-sixth of its capacity, requiring temporary desalination plants. The review recommends that travelers check before arrival whether there are fire warnings, water restrictions, and what the cancellation policy is in the event of a climate event.
Spain is also dealing with the effects of extreme weather. Fires have led to the evacuation of tourists, road closures, and disruptions in train traffic. Even when a resort is not located near a fire, there may be transport disruptions and a decrease in air quality. In the south of France, the risk of fires increases at the peak of the tourist season, often leading to the closure of reserves and the evacuation of campsites. In Italy, the focus is on heat loads in historical cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice, where visiting open sites during noon hours is becoming increasingly challenging.
Cyprus and Turkey are also included in the list of destinations where the impact of climate change is felt. In both cases, the authors recommend checking in advance for active warnings and the hotel's preparedness for emergencies. According to an international survey by Booking.com, 74% of respondents consider the risk of extreme weather when choosing a destination, and 31% have already changed or canceled a vacation due to climate events.
The choice of hotel is gaining additional significance today. Alongside price and rating, it is recommended to examine the accommodation's preparedness for dealing with heat loads, including cooling systems and water infrastructure. Hotels that invest in climate preparedness provide a more stable and comfortable hosting experience.
The review also refers to Israel, where the impact of warming on the tourism industry is felt. In Eilat and the Dead Sea, heatwaves are lengthening, while in the north of the country, the risk of fires is growing. In Eilat, where about 90% of businesses depend on tourism, preparation for climate change has become a significant economic challenge.
Evri Verbin, CEO of Good Vision, notes: "Climate change is not just an environmental issue; it is already affecting the quality of the vacation, the continuity of transport, and the entire vacation experience. The better a tourist destination is prepared to deal with extreme climate events, the higher the chance that the vacation will be safer and more enjoyable."
In conclusion, the authors emphasize that climate change does not cancel the possibility of enjoying a vacation, but requires prior planning. Check the climate risk at the destination, follow local warnings, read the cancellation and travel insurance terms, and prefer a flexible vacation plan that will allow dealing with changes.
