Rich Thomaselli | (TNS) TravelPulse
Austria, Hungary, Greece and Italy have been especially vulnerable to Mother Nature of late.
A heatwave, wildfires and even a volcanic eruption are threatening to make things difficult for residents and to cause chaos for tourists.
These are unprecedented conditions that even forced the brief closure of the Parthenon earlier this year.
At times, the temperature across Europe has risen to 104 degrees. Austria and Hungary have been especially hard-hit, with residents and tourists alike being advised to stay indoors between noon and 4 p.m. Cities such as Vienna and Budapest have set up outdoor cooling stations.
The situation has been compounded by wildfires in some places in Greece and Italy. The heat and dry conditions have forced evacuations in southern Greece, including some tourist spots in the popular Greek islands. Some attractions and lodgings have already closed, making it advisable for travelers to check ahead. People have already been warned to use masks for the smoke and ash from the fires.
And there’s nothing anybody can do about Europe’s most active volcano.
Mount Etna in Italy erupted on August 14 and forced the closure of Catania International Airport in Sicily. It has since reopened, but tourists are urged to check with their airlines about any further disruptions. Tourists are also advised to invest in travel insurance.
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