Travelling to Europe in the summer is an exciting experience. From historic cities and beaches to amazing food and culture, summer is one of the most popular times for Canadians to visit Europe. However, summer travel also comes with hot weather, busy cities, long travel days, and a lot of walking, so it’s important to prepare in advance to stay healthy and enjoy your trip.

Here are some important things to know before travelling to Europe this summer.

Prepare for Heat and Sun Exposure

Many parts of Europe can be very hot in the summer, especially Southern Europe, including Italy, Spain, Greece, and Portugal. Travellers often spend long days outside walking and sightseeing.

Dehydration and sunburn are two of the most common travel health issues during summer travel.

To stay safe in the heat:

• Drink water regularly throughout the day
• Wear sunscreen SPF 30 or higher
• Wear a hat and sunglasses
• Wear light, breathable clothing
• Take breaks in the shade
• Avoid peak sun hours between 11 am and 3 pm
• Use electrolyte drinks on very hot days

If you feel dizzy, very tired, or have a headache in hot weather, you may be dehydrated and should drink water and rest in the shade.

You Will Walk More Than You Expect

One thing that surprises many travellers is how much walking they do in Europe. Many cities are very walkable, and travellers often walk all day exploring museums, restaurants, landmarks, and neighbourhoods.

Many travellers walk 10–20 km per day while visiting European cities.

To prepare for all the walking:

• Bring comfortable walking shoes

• Bring blister bandages

• Stretch in the morning and evening

• Stay hydrated

• Take breaks during the day

• Pack light so your bag is easier to carry

Food, Water, and Staying Healthy While Travelling

In most of Western Europe, food and water are generally safe, and tap water is safe to drink in many countries. However, travel days, heat, new foods, and busy schedules can still leave travellers feeling run-down or sick.

To stay healthy while travelling:

• Wash or sanitize your hands before eating
• Eat food that is freshly prepared

• Stay hydrated

• Bring anti-diarrhea medication

• Bring electrolyte packets

• Carry snacks for long travel days

Prepare for Long Travel Days Between Cities

Travelling between European cities often involves trains, flights, buses, and lots of walking with luggage, which can make travel days long and tiring.

Travel day tips:

• Bring snacks and water

• Keep medications in your carry-on
• Wear comfortable clothing

• Bring a portable charger

• Bring hand sanitizer

• Bring a small travel health kit

• Stay hydrated

Pack a Small Travel Health Kit

It’s always a good idea to bring a small travel health kit when travelling internationally. Finding specific medications in another country can sometimes be difficult, and it’s easier to have what you need with you.

Your travel health kit may include:

• Pain relievers

• Anti-diarrhea medication

• Motion sickness medication

• Electrolyte packets

• Bandages and blister care

• Hand sanitizer

• Sunscreen

• Insect repellent

• Cold and flu medication

• Any prescription medications

Travel Health Consultation Before Your Trip

Even when travelling to Europe, travellers may need routine vaccine updates, travel health advice, or medication recommendations depending on their itinerary and activities.

A travel health consultation helps travellers understand health risks at their destination and how to prevent illness while travelling.

During a travel health consultation, travellers can receive advice about:

• Recommended or routine vaccines
• Food and water safety

• Traveller’s diarrhea prevention

• Mosquito bite prevention
• Travel health kits

• Medications to bring while travelling

• Staying healthy during long flights and travel days

Preparing for travel health before your trip helps reduce the risk of illness while travelling and helps travellers feel more prepared and confident.

How to Book

Travellers across Canada can connect with a travel health professional online before their trip. During a travel health consultation, your destination, itinerary, vaccination history, and medical history are reviewed to provide personalized travel health recommendations.

If vaccines or medications are recommended, prescriptions can be picked up at your local pharmacy before departure.

Travel consultations are ideally booked 2-4 weeks before travel, though appointments are also available for last-minute trips.

To learn more or book a consultation, visit: www.virtualtravelclinic.ca

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