Brits flee the heat as wildfires force holiday rethink

More than a third of British holidaymakers have changed their August getaway plans as wildfires and extreme heat sweep across some of Europe’s favourite summer destinations

British holidaymakers are switching destinations and changing travel dates as wildfires and extreme heat disrupt summer breaks across Europe.

More than a third have changed their August travel plans, with Spain, France, Turkey, Italy, Portugal and Greece among the destinations most affected.

New research found 35 per cent of UK holidaymakers had altered their plans after fires hit parts of mainland Europe.

But rather than giving up their summer holidays altogether, most are simply going somewhere else.

Thirteen per cent have switched to another European destination, while the same proportion have decided to travel outside Europe.

Another 10 per cent have changed when they are going away.

Just six per cent have cancelled an overseas holiday altogether, suggesting Britons remain determined to get away despite the disruption.

Spain has taken the biggest hit, with 20 per cent of those changing their plans saying the country had been affected.

France followed on 18 per cent, with Turkey and Italy both on 10 per cent, Portugal on nine per cent and Greece on eight per cent.

And some travellers are now swapping traditional Mediterranean sunshine for cooler destinations.

Iceland was considered among the safest overseas choices by 22 per cent of holidaymakers, with Switzerland and Sweden each named by 20 per cent.

Others are looking further afield, with Canada cited by 19 per cent and New Zealand by 17 per cent.

However, millions of holidaymakers appear unwilling to let the fires derail their summer break.

Almost two-thirds, 65 per cent, said they would not change their plans, while more than a quarter still intend to travel as arranged to countries currently affected by regional wildfires.

Garry Nelson, head of corporate affairs at InsureandGo, which commissioned the research, said: “The preliminary findings from our new research paints a picture of both concern but also resilience. 

“The scale of these changes to travel plans follows from our spring research which revealed that the majority of UK holidaymakers had booked summer holidays in Europe – with Spain, Italy and France among the most popular destinations.

“Set against that, very few people are cancelling holidays. Many are pivoting to new destinations or changing their dates, whilst the majority to keeping to their original plans. This does stress the importance of people taking practical steps to ensure their safety abroad for the month ahead.”

InsureandGo said natural disaster cover may provide protection if a wildfire delays a departure, causes a traveller to miss their departure or prevents them from reaching or staying in booked accommodation.

However, the insurer warned that the cover must have been purchased before a wildfire occurred in the affected area.

Nelson added: “We recommend everyone going abroad follows the latest travel advice from the FCDO and it’s also important that people review their travel insurance policy to fully understand what it does and doesn’t cover.”

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