Almost two thirds of Londoners are considering changing their future summer holiday plans because of fears about extreme heatwaves and life threatening hazards such as wildfires.
A new survey reveals increasing concern among London holidaymakers over the risks of having to cope with unbearable scorching temperatures in southern Europe in July and August.
The findings come during the capital’s first major heatwave of the year with thermometers exceeding 30C over the weekend.
The Met Office has said that Monday may even pass the UK’s all-time high reading for May of 32.8C set in Camden Square and Greenwich in 1922 and again in Tunbridge Wells and Horsham in 1944.
But this weekend’s UK heatwave is still relatively benign compared with sizzling temperatures smashing the 40C barrier for weeks on end in some Mediterranean “hotspots” over recent years.
The new research, commissioned by specialist travel insurers InsureandGo finds that 83% of London holidaymakers fear many popular southern European holiday destinations will soon be too hot to visit within five years.
More than 60% are considering travelling to cooler countries or regions further north or, for those that can, taking their two weeks in the sun away from the peak summer months.
The countries cited as too hot by the 2030s by most respondents were Greece and Spain, both being mentioned by 25% of those polled.
In July last year Greece was ravaged by months of wildfires forcing the evacuation of 32,000 people, including 5,000 tourists on Crete, as temperatures reached 45C.
Spain suffered its worst wildfire season in more than 30 years with almost 1 million of acres of land burned.
Other “too hot” countries mentioned included Turkey – and also the UK – both with 19%, followed by Cyprus with 15% and Portugal on 14%.
Asked what steps they were taking in response to the threat of dangerous heatwaves 30% said they would stick to the summer months but consider other cooler countries; 22% said they would switch to the “shoulder” seasons of late Spring or early summer and 11% said they would take a winter holiday instead.
Only 37%, little more than a third, said they would stick to the Med in peak summer - but many said they would take steps to be prepared for the hotter weather.
Garry Nelson, head of corporate affairs at InsureandGo, said: “Europe has been hit by extreme heat for a number of years now during the summer months – and climate change could see different travel trends in the future, as more people consider countries that have cooler climates.
“Whilst many people are considering changing their usual holiday plans, it is noteworthy that people’s determination to have a family holiday abroad endures unchanged.
“What may change is a rise in the percentage of Londoners that move dates to early or late summer – and those that are considering countries with more temperate climates.
“For those Londoners sticking to their summer holiday plans and visiting hot countries, it is important they take the right steps to keep themselves safe abroad. Comprehensive travel insurance is a vital part of the equation here.”
