Why would anyone disturb the holiday? Somewhere it burns, elsewhere heat is bothering local and tourists. However, it is not always possible to easily cancel the holiday.
Fire! Back, we’re going home!
Burns, my doll! Certainly, the fires are not commonplace in the southern regions, but every year there are enough to be worried about the fire not only tourists but also travel agencies.
The fire alarmed local and visitors in 2023 at Rhodes, when the flames were engulfed in large areas and hundreds of Czechs had to be hastily evacuated from the island. A similar scenario took place last year in Italy and Portugal. And this year? Again the same thing, just sooner and more often.
Since June 2025, travel agencies report an increased number of queries, interference and reservation changes. People are nervous. And no wonder, pictures from a fire at Croatian Split, where they had to evacuate tourists directly from the hotel complexes, the Internet and television circled. Extreme temperatures and drought are also troubled by other destinations.
Turkey, Greece, Spain, Sicily. Cities in flames, closed beaches, streets full of smoke. Over 50,000 people were evacuated from Izmir, Turkey. It also burned on Crete and Island Chios in Greece or near the Croatian Split. Fires in Britain are a little more surprising. And it’s not just about fires. Czech tourists also discourage high temperatures.
Simply concerns about cancellation is not enough
Travel agencies are trying to keep calm. Exim Tours, Fischer and Čedok usually offer clients the possibility of moving or replacing the destination if the situation is really critical. But the difference is whether the destination closed the office or just afraid to go. In the latter case, the entitlement to a change without a cancellation fee may no longer be.
This situation was also commented by Jan Pope, a spokesman for the Association of Travel Agents of the Czech Republic, which stressed that If the MFA or local authorities have not issued official warnings, the travel agency cannot be requested cancellation. Concerns are simply not enough.
Many people rely on travel insurance. Basic packages often do not include natural disasters, and that’s a problem. However, there are exceptions. Some insurance companies offer extended protection that includes a fire or early return.
We also choose holidays by risks
Temperature concerns are not just about. It was the fires that mixed the IS by selecting destinations. Travel clients target safer destinationsmore information in advance, more often ask about crisis scenarios. There is more interest in information about healthcare facilities, the forestry of the landscape, or where there is the closest evacuation route. It’s no longer just a sea and a full pension.
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Travels talk about the “new era of travel”. It is no longer enough to save tourists on holiday or eat cheaply. Not only swimwear and sunscreen play a role, but also a map of escape routes and a phone on the consulate.
What to watch out for before?
- In the contract: Find out whether the tour can be canceled free of charge in a natural disaster.
- Insurance: Do you have natural disasters and evacuation? Check the closures.
- Custom Transport: What options do you have if they interrupt the flight due to smoke or wind?
- Crisis contacts: Find out the number for the embassy and the local emergency service.
- Flexibility: Buy tours with the possibility of moving a deadline or location.
