Latest news with #Fodors
Daily Mirror
10 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Tourist warning to 10 million as Europe's hottest capital on alert
The Mediterranean as a whole is warming up faster than the global average, while many cities and islands in Greece record numerous days each summer where the mercury tips over the 40C mark The hottest capital in Europe is on high alert as 10 million holidaymakers look to descend on a city that has become stifling in recent years. Visitors to Athens may want to gird their loins and pack a portable fan ahead of their holidays this summer. Athens has always been scorching in the summer, but never as much as it is now. Europe's hottest mainland capital roasted in record highs last summer, with a Greece -wide heatwave from July 8 to 23 the longest in the country's history. While last year saw records topple, it wasn't a total outlier. The Mediterranean as a whole is warming up faster than the global average, while many cities and islands in Greece record numerous days each summer where the mercury tips over the 40C mark. The heat is a particular problem in Athens, where a lack of green space and shelter from the unrelenting midday sun can leave visitors from less sunny climes feeling roasted and fatigued. Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@ In fact, the Acropolis of Athens was shut several times last summer because of the relentless heat, which was deemed to be a danger to visitors. Each day close to 17,000 people visit the site, which is home to the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, the Propylaea entrance and white marble columns that radiate heat at tourists. In the high season as many as 23,000 people a day trample over these hallowed rocks, eroding the foundations of what many consider to be the birthplace of democracy. It's become so crowded that a new visitor cap was put in place last year. This has helped to control the crowds a little, bringing a touch of calm to a bustling spot. To add to the heat issues, overtourism is rearing its head in Athens. Foders, an American outlet, has argued that the Greek city is one of the many great historical settlements which is being eroded and damaged thanks to out of control tourism. Having bounced back in terms of visitor numbers post-financial melt-down and coronavirus lockdowns, "there's fear that if the surge of visitors continues unchecked, the most Athenian boroughs will culturally erode and physically disappear," Fodors writes. The publication placed Athens on its 'No travel' list. In a bid to dampen the impact of Greece's raging hot summers, an early-warning systems for heatwaves and real-time monitoring of temperature data, along with fountains, air-conditioned cooling centers and shady pocket parks have been put in place, CNN reports. Emergency services have been put at the ready ahead of this summer, including around the foothills of the Acropolis. In 2021, the city became Europe's first to appoint a dedicated 'chief heat officer', who has been working on nature based solutions such as tree planting to lessen the perceived heat in Athens. Iris Plaitakis, a tour guide who regularly visits the Acropolis, told CNN: 'Tourists often underestimate the heat, especially those from colder climates. They don't think to wear hats or bring enough water. You're much more exposed to the sun and heat up there because of the higher elevation and lack of trees and other shade.'
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
American Airlines Announces Change to Boarding Times
American Airlines is making some changes to its boarding process. The changes go into place on May 1, 2025, American Airlines wrote in an April 16, 2025, press release. "Starting May 1, American will refine the boarding process by updating boarding groups and adding an additional five minutes of boarding time," the press release says. Among the changes, according to American Airlines, are "updated groups for easier preboarding." "American will preboard First and Business customers, along with those who need additional time before beginning to board by group, including families with children ages 2 and under. AAdvantage status members keep the same group they use today when traveling in Main Cabin," the airline wrote. "Slightly more time coupled with updated boarding groups will allow for a better paced boarding process and better management of overhead bin space, which means three key wins for the airline's customers," American Airlines wrote, citing the following: "Fewer carry-on bags will need to be checked at the departure gate. Customers will have more time to get settled and find their seats, and receive support from flight attendants when needed. Those in the premium cabin will experience the personalized service that they know and expect." How much time will people have to board? American wrote: "Airbus A319, A320 aircraft: 35 minutes Boeing 737, Airbus A321 and all widebody aircraft: 40 minutes." The airline "will add a few minutes to the time allotted for boarding, and will also shake up some of the boarding groups," Fodors reported. Specifically, American Airlines will move "some premium cabin passengers further to the front of the line alongside its most frequent fliers," according to Fodors. Sign in to access your portfolio
