Extreme Weather and Natural Events Disrupt Travel Around Southern Europe

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 attractions 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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