Heatwaves in Europe don’t halt Bahrain residents' travel plans

TDT | Manama              

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Reported by Julia Cassano

Despite sizzling heatwaves wreaking havoc in most European countries, Bahrain residents are not cancelling their holiday plans or opting for other countries at the last minute, travel agents and residents confirmed.

Familiarity with soaring temperatures and reuniting with family are among the primary reasons. Heatwaves scorching Southern Europe are expected to send temperatures close to record highs in some areas, and authorities are issuing extreme heat-related warnings as the consequences of climate change become more frequent, severe, and deadly, according to meteorology experts.

Experts say that this summer is forecast to be worse than last year’s due to El Nino, a natural weather pattern forming for the first time in four years that has fostered conditions for rising temperatures.

According to travel agent Haris PT, his agency already has multiple bookings for families travelling to the UK and Italy this summer, and there have not been any cancellations so far.

For Bahrain resident Joanne, the heat has not deterred her from her summer holiday plans. "I am planning on travelling to Spain next month to reunite with my family and have a relaxing holiday," she told The Daily Tribune.

"I’ve been told by family and friends that temperatures in Spain are abnormally hot, but I have lived in Bahrain for over eight years, so I am used to these types of temperatures."

Bahraini Aeshah was also of the same opinion. "My family and I plan annual trips to France, and though we wish the heatwaves would subside, it will not stop us from this vacation," she explained.

"Combining our hectic schedules and desire to join our relatives living in France, it is not easy to cancel our flights, reschedule, or change the travel destination. It is already difficult enough to plan the dates accordingly, making sure all family members can take time off from work, so rescheduling is not an option for us," she voiced.

Bahraini residents said that though the weather is abnormally hot in Southern European countries, the heat in Bahrain differs. "In Bahrain, the humidity makes the sizzling temperatures feel even hotter," Joanne said.

"It’s like a sticky heat in Bahrain, and it’s impossible to cool down, even at the beach, as the temperature of the water is boiling. In Spain, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the West and parts of the North and South, water temperature is cold and refreshing, sure to cool you down in extreme temperatures."