SmartTraveller warns Aussies to rethink northern hemisphere trips

Aussies are being warned to rethink their travel plans as extreme weather conditions continue across the northern hemisphere.

Australians preparing for an overseas holiday are being warned about severe weather events across the northern hemisphere.

SmartTraveller, an Australian government travel service, has issued a warning to anybody travelling or planning to travel in the coming weeks to the northern hemisphere to “know how to stay safe”.

Aussies are being warned to rethink their travel plans as extreme weather conditions continue across the northern hemisphere. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Seb Haggett

It comes as wildfires continue to tear through Greece and severe flooding and landslides have been recorded across South and Southeast Asia, claiming lives and forcing mass evacuations.

Meanwhile, flooding is also expected in China and typhoon Egay is approaching the Philippines and Taiwan.

SmartTraveller is also warning people to be aware of ongoing dangerous and extreme heat in Europe, North America and Asia.

“Local authorities in some destinations are advising locals and tourists to stay inside due to the extreme heat,” it warned.

“This includes advising people to avoid popular tourist attractions, particularly in Europe.”

Wildfires have been raging in Greece amid scorching temperatures, forcing mass evacuations in tourist spots including on the islands of Rhodes and Corfu. Picture: Spyros Bakalis / AFP

The government service added that although “it may be disappointing to miss out”, it was important to “always follow the advice of local authorities”.

“Heat exhaustion can be life-threatening if not taken seriously,” it added.

The tourist islands of Rhodes and Corfu and many other areas of regions in Greece have been listed at extreme risk of dangerous forest fires exacerbated by strong winds.

Thousands of locals and tourists have been forced to flee the Greek islands of Rhodes and Corfu, as 64 new blazes were recorded on Sunday in the regions.

Temperatures continue to sit in the low to mid 40s in parts of the Greek mainland.

Travellers are being urged to be cautious when travelling to the northern hemisphere. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Seb Haggett

Warnings

SmartTraveller has issued the warnings for the following regions and its severe weather events:

• Europe, North America and Asia experiences dangerous extreme heat.
• Wildfires are burning across Europe, including Greece, Spain and Italy, prompting evacuations.
• Floods and landslides have claimed lives and forced evacuations across South and Southeast Asia, including India, Bhutan and Nepal.
• Severe flooding is expected in China.
• Typhoon Egay (Doksuri) is approaching the Philippines and Taiwan.

Before you go

Travellers are urged to do the following before their trip in order to remain safe:

• Read the travel advice for your destination and subscribe for updates. Understand what natural disasters can affect where you’re travelling.
• Keep across current events in your destination and decide whether it’s still safe for you to go.
• Contact your travel providers. Flights to and within your destination may be affected.
• Know what to do if something happens while you’re away. Read SmartTraveller advice on severe weather and natural disasters.
• Check your travel insurance. Make sure it covers you for extreme weather events that you might face.
• Check for updates on any travel warnings and advice on the SmartTraveller website.