Why Are So Many Tourists Dying on the Greek Islands?

Many tourists have been dying or going missing on the Greek islands this summer due to the extreme heat. In this video I discuss the issue and offer some tips to stay safe when hiking and exploring.
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[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

Here's one of my videos about getting lost on a Greek island: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKbKcnd-i7V7aK8

[@RobertCretanhero]

I've lived on the wonderful island of Crete for eighteen years. I have never heard of a Cretan citizen wandering away and being found dead. No! Holidaymakers arrive for a sun filled vacation and misjudge the effects of heat exhaustion. Hiking through the rugged Cretan landscape in temperatures of 40C+ is an act of stupidity that has serious consequences for the individual and the local rescue services. Please don't overestimate your physical abilities and don't underestimate the effects of heat exhaustion. 😎🇬🇷

[@thedave5748]

Do you know Takis Shelter? Its in Irapetra

[@liljanasufaj4130]

People, I come from Albania, a Mediterranean country that tends to get very hot. We finish all the cooking, all the shopping mostly before 9 am in summer and after 10.30-11.00 we don't usually venture out as it is too hot. If we are on the beach, we will try to escape at 12.00 am. and not be on the beach at all around 1pm- 4pm as it's not good for your health. Many people escape from the sea at midday into the rivers between the mountains, spending the hot hours under the shade of trees and the freshness of the rivers..... I don't get the tourists doing " city breaks" around Mediterranean during summertime. This is the time to be either on the beach or around the mountains. Run the hell out of the cities! Choose Spring or Autumn for that!

[@PaulaBean]

The Spanish do 'siesta' for a good reason!

[@liljanasufaj4130]

@PaulaBean Exactly. Not only in Spain. In Albania, you're not allowed to call someone or make noise outside between 1-4 pm. as it is supposed to be time to either rest or sleep. Our schools shut at 12.30 -13.00 every day and children get a rest, sleep and after 5 pm, everybody is out as if a new day is beginning......

[@kostantismp3704]

dudes, greek here, honestly i can say than in greece the sun kills. this week we expect heat of 44 degrees. tourists stay safe and in cool places... conditions here arent like uk, france and other places of europe... i believe you understand what im saying.. stay safe and no walks hiking in the very hot hours of the day my love to all. R.I.P to all these that passed over.. this is so sad....

[@ZacharyZorbas]

that's the most important thing that wasn't mentioned in the video. the sun is different here. it doesn't matter how much root beer, sandals, hats, and water you bring. if you go out for hikes in a heat wave in greece you're risking it.

[@XP1-hn9tq]

Really makes you wonder though, how people of the past built all the amazing sites across Greece in that heat.

[@ZacharyZorbas]

@@XP1-hn9tq You can work early mornings and evenings. Also, the heat waves are only about 2-3 months here. There are plenty of other cooler opportunities to build things. Native people are more used to the hotter climate too.

[@XP1-hn9tq]

@@ZacharyZorbas Either way, it's an amazing feat no matter what and will forever blow my mind every time I visit those sites. Been once during the off-season and had an amazing time.

[@ZacharyZorbas]

@@XP1-hn9tq Yes it is unbelievable. How many structures today would still be standing so many thousands of years later. It's wonderful to have them available to visit still. Too bad so much was damaged by war and stolen pieces.

[@user-oi4cn7rt8t]

I am Greek and I would like to give an advice to our foreigner tourists, with love.. Be careful especially during July between 12.00 and 18.00 and have always cool water with you trying to consume small amounts every 10 mins. Summer in Mediterranean kills. May June and September or October are better months for trips to Greece. July is the worst even for us. With love from Greece.

[@DG1965]

Yes, July usually is he hottest. But this year the heat wave hit earlier in June. This can happen but it is not very usual. So maybe the victims underestimated the danger because "such things happen later" or because "we always go hiking in June" and "now that we 've come to Greece we 'll go hiking because we don't want to waste our days sitting around doing nothing" 😮

[@DaltonMirklestein]

​@@DG1965these people are overweight and quite foolish

[@stianh6164]

When its that hot i barely go outside.

[@user-sn6dz2ie4k]

It is not the Greek islands, the heat, the rocks or whatever. It is how much prepared you are and unfortunately these people were not prepared at all

[@helenstratigos4862]

Why not follow what the locals do and wait until evening to hike/stroll around? Why the urgency of these tourists to venture out into such insane heat?! Edited to add - My apologies - I didn't mean to cause any arguments! There are plenty of relaxing non-dangerous things to do when the sun is at its scorching hottest, like enjoying cold beverages and reading up on Greek history in the shade, having a siesta, taking in a museum or gallery, swimming in the sea... :)

[@ageoflove1980]

Because you spend thousands of euros and you only have a couple of weeks. Not saying its smart but that's why to awnser your question.

[@eleniasimop]

They supposed to be on vacation. What's the rush?

[@ageoflove1980]

@@eleniasimop The rush is that you've payed a lot of money for a limited time.

[@eleniasimop]

So, you have to spend your time wisely...​@@ageoflove1980

[@martinc.720]

@@ageoflove1980 Maybe do your research, realize that your "thousands of euros" should be spent elsewhere, or in Greece, but during another month?

[@stellamarina4123]

It is sad that Dr Mosley's last lesson to us was to not go hiking in such heat. I think one of the problems is that us old folk cannot accept that our bodies are getting old and cannot do what they used to. Old bodies are not so good with internal water balance.

[@Nicholas.Tsagkos]

Exactly, we get older but we think we're still young and we can do the same things as before, we can't, it's just nature.

[@Resmith18SR]

​@@Nicholas.TsagkosIt's been over 110 degrees in Las Vegas for over a week and many elderly have died as a result.

[@chriszavos]

I am Greek and I never go on vacation in July and August. Prices are double or triple, extreme heat makes me suffer, and there are significant delays on everything due to the hoards of tourists visiting Greece. September is my favorite month to travel after schools start.

[@VolkerHelmich]

September is your favorite month for travel, and what is your favorite desert?

[@chriszavos]

@@VolkerHelmich I wouldn't want to go to any desert 🏜️, sorry

[@VolkerHelmich]

@@chriszavos sorry, I meant dessert 🍪 😂

[@thrivingnow7843]

When I was on the grecian island of Rhodes 3 years ago, I walked from my campground to Butterfly Valley along the road which was almost 3 miles one way. It was a warm day, and I started to feel a little overheated so I rested under the shade of a tree which luckily was close to my destination. When I arrived to the nice shaded valley, I rested by a cool creek until I cooled down. After a couple of hours, I trekked back down the road. I felt okay and wanted to walk all the way back, when a local driving by offered me a ride back when I almost said no, but I thought what if get overheated again so I accepted. I was not afraid of taking a ride from a local. He didn't speak English and was a very nice older man.

[@robotubetwob]

People really don't realize how hot it gets in Greece. They think that bc it's surrounded by water, it remains cool. Just not so. And tourists who attempt to hike when they didn't do it before aren't properly prepared.

[@sofiamoysidou]

Stay cool by the water or in a shade...so simple, follow instructions by locals!

[@XP1-hn9tq]

I'll never understand people that try to hike while on vacation but don't even bother to do some basic walking while at home.

[@Steve-xl1en]

I remember the first time I went to Spain in the summer and noticed that they had awnings attached between buildings, to create shade for those walking below. Growing up in Australia I thought I could deal with the heat. But just taking a few steps out in the day, it was unbearable. You realise why locals dont come out til sunset.

[@marieta.s]

As a Greek watching tourists go out for a run or hike in the middle of the day, under the scorching sun and intense heat I think they are out of their freaking minds. First of all we avoid being out in the sun if we don’t have to. The country this year has been under intense heatwaves since June and many weather records have been broken. Tourists who don’t live in the Mediterranean are not used to conditions like these. I don’t care how fit you are, you will get dehydrated and heat exhaustion or even heat stroke if you are out doing activities anytime after 10:00 in the morning. Finally if you are stupid enough to get yourself in this situation don’t criticise to country in public for your stupidity. There is a lack of infrastructure especially in the Greek islands.

[@IzzyHaye]

I think that these crazy Americans and Brits should be escorted by the Greek police so that they don't perish.

[@PsS77_]

I live in northern Greece Macedonia region since late May the temperature was 31+ . The last 2 weeks the temperature is from 38c to 45c! You got to drink at least 5 litres of water to stay hydrated, not going outside a lot from 13:00 till 20:00 . It amazes me foreigners from countries with cooler climates dare to go hiking at such weather conditions. You should always got to have a little fear inside you, it will keep you alive.

[@neoellinas]

Temperature has definitely not been 45 mate...

[@user-qy4ov8dp5y]

И в България е така. Горещина с амплитуда 35-38 градуса вече месец и половина. Тези дни вече е около 40 и за следващите две седмици продължава. Ужас без край. Не си спомням такава ситуация на моите 60 години.

[@neoellinas]

@@user-qy4ov8dp5y People in Greece are saying the same thing because that's what the media is reporting, even though those temperatures ***are frequent*** for Greece in the summertime now and have been for a very long time. Every summer in Greece that I can remember has had many such days and worse.

[@user-qy4ov8dp5y]

@@neoellinas Да сте видели нормален грък да ходи по обед на слънце? Само многото диви кози, които видях на остров Самотраки, се разхождат през целия ден, но те явно имат друг метаболизъм. И са много сладки.

[@neoellinas]

@@user-qy4ov8dp5y You are conflating two different issues. People should not be hiking unprotected and unprepared in midday under the summer sun in Greece now, just as they shouldn't have a year ago or five years ago or 10 or 50 or 100 years ago. Nothing's changed in that regard except the media hype.

[@tyxeri48]

Mosley and his group made the worst choice possible. Even if he didn't feel well, they should call a taxi. He shouldn't have left without water at the hottest time of the day. The American police officer in Amorgos overestimated his experience. The last person he met was an old lady in a shop who warned him because he was shirtless, had no hat, and had very little water.

[@conorg2876]

Im a UPS driver in Arizona and tourists sometimes visit here and try to hike in the summer(it happens albeit infrequently). Anyways my point is I resonate with these people, heat can sneak up on you and then you’re confused. And then you’re in big trouble. Every summer seasoned drivers here go to the hospital.

[@Resmith18SR]

People especially when traveling to unfamiliar places tend to overestimate their physical capacities. Altitude, extreme heat, humidity, lack of adequate hydration,and not knowing how far a certain location is while hiking.

[@bigwideworld387]

As a British person I see a lot of niaviety among British people about high heat. I'm on a few weather enthusiast Facebook groups and a few weeks back there was about Turkey or Egypt reaching 50.c and it was ridiculous how many people were posting about how they were going on holiday to that part of the world in the coming weeks and they were so excited at the prospect of having 50.c heat to sunbathe in! They have no concept of that kind of heat! They aren't used to it either because here in the UK it rarely goes over 25.c. Ive experienced 40.c in Cyprus in recent years and some years back experienced a 43.c heatwave in Budapest ansd that was far feom enjoyable! Direct sunlight felt excruciating to me, the jeat bounding off the pavements were burning my legs and if you dont have powerful AC in your accommodation you dont sleep and start to become exhausted. I watched a KZbin vlog today of a British couple in Cyorus currently and they were shocked that it was 46.c there. I think a lot of Brits arw going to get a shock this year and change their perception of the middle of summer being the optimal time to go on their Mediterranean holidays.

[@sorinb6107]

you are absolutely right sir. I am 45 years old, I am from Romania and I love hiking in the mountains. in recent years the temperatures are getting higher and higher. in the last three days, temperatures have exceeded 35 C throughout the country.2 hours of walking in the direct sunlight completely exhausts you. let's not talk about cities where the temperature is even higher.

[@bigwideworld387]

@@sorinb6107 my partner and I love the Balkan countries and in 2022 we did a two week trip around Transylvania and it was beautiful. I'm 44 and like you I like walking, hiking and exploring so it's getting more challenging to pick the right time to go to places. We were in Belgrade last September and I think it was around the second week of September and the first couple of days were 33.c even then!!

[@user-kc7je5lx1g]

Και για εμάς τους Έλληνες είναι πρωτοφανείς συνθήκες.Η κλιματική αλλαγή είναι εδώ.ακολουθουμε τις οδηγίες των ειδικών,όταν δεν γνωριζουμε

[@bigwideworld387]

@@user-kc7je5lx1g we can't read your post as this is an English speaking comments board.

[@martinc.720]

@@bigwideworld387 There is a "Translate to English" button right below the comment.

[@johnbruce2868]

As a young man I worked as an archaeologist in Jordan, Syria and Oman during the Summer in temperatures +40C. We started at dawn and worked to mid-day and stopped. Rarely I worked throughout the day. I'm very used to extreme desert conditions. Now I'm nearly 70 years old. I still travel to Greece and was on another island when Dr.Moseley died. No way would I do what he attempted, a difficult 'off-piste' hike up a shadeless, rugged and thorn covered hillside in +40C. I used to wear a Arab keffiyeh but, sadly, that's now become misused as a radical political statement rather than a practical means of surviving extreme temperatures.

[@eleniasimop]

They don't understand that hiking is something they may do early in the morning or in the evening especially if they are over fifty. During the hottest hours they have to stay under shade in a tavern, on a beach, in a museum (there are a lot of options). After all, it's "siesta time"! Also, most of them go hiking without having any water with them.

[@makeamericagreenagain8511]

💚 Let's get together with people who realize the Original Vegetation was a thick green Forest canopy 🏕 with great Shade before our ancestors got busy cutting all the firewood down, roots dug up too - to do the important fires & for smelting metals at many bronze age locations. Our grazing/browsing herbivore animals haven't allowed the Original forest canopy to re-appear for centuries. Recent DEER FENCE perimeters do NOW allow us to re-plant the native species and see them get tall enough in just a few short years to have shade & leaves taller than the sheep and goats can reach to eat. Our efforts to make 'pocket forests' and Miyawaki community projects provide shade for biodiversity - and for people too - as they approach that 1/2 Century mark. Let's think ahead and start making more cool environmental niche sanctuary zones. We've gotten to the point where our civilization needs shade for more billions of people. We depend upon our compassion and foresight... 💚

[@eleniasimop]

@@makeamericagreenagain8511The Aegean islands where those people got lost never had thick green forest canopy.

[@Resmith18SR]

"A deer ate my sarong." I'm pretty sure that's the first and last time I'll ever hear those words in a statement in my entire life.😂😂😂

[@pavlos8844]

I'm here at a Greek island and wanted to hike to some ancient ruins. It was in the evening hours and I still had a hard time reaching them. If I did that at noon I would have been in serious trouble. The temperature and the terrain is no joke.

[@bangkok_as_is]

stay hydrated, man. can't wait to see your new int'l travel series on youtube, cheers

[@ryanpatrickpreston]

I did a bit of research on Michael Mosley's unfortunate death. Seems it was not only quite hot on that day but that part of Symi is hilly and rocky with little cover of trees etc. to boot. That would make for a dangerous combination. Weirdly tragic that he expired just outside the walls of a private resort.

[@helgaioannidis9365]

Yes it's a very dry island with hardly any vegetation that would provide shade. I live on a neighbouring island and was shocked he decided to walk at that time of the day.

[@ryanpatrickpreston]

@@helgaioannidis9365 He might well have made it if he had borne hard left toward Symi town rather than following the curve of the sea down the opposite side of the peninsula.

[@turtletalk4905]

Come to the Netherlands, its raining like 10 months or so

[@larsstougaard7097]

Ha ha lots of rain here in Denmark too 🌧

[@madeleinearsenis8449]

​@larsstougaard7097 Ill stick with Greece even if its dangerous!

[@larsstougaard7097]

@madeleinearsenis8449 as long as you have water, power and no wild fires and 45 degrees hot 🔥 weather I would choose Greece too. Or sailing ⛵️ between the different 🏝 islands would be cool.

[@kalaharibuck6433]

No true, it rain 11.5 months a year in The Netherlands 😂

[@turtletalk4905]

@@larsstougaard7097 😆

[@kouxoumou]

A big disadvantage of the Greek islands is the covering of the land with trees which is very small and especially in Amorgos. For whole kilometers you will not find trees over 50 cm tall. This certainly does not apply to all the Greek islands.

[@Deadfoot-Dan]

It's hot everywhere, I heard Vegas was over 110 degrees F /43.3 C for 10 straight days, that is nuts. I saw a picture a guy posted of his window blinds melted and fell apart in Arizona.

[@neoellinas]

Yes, which is normal for Las Vegas just as temperatures in Greece this summer, contrary to media claims, have also been normal. It was a wet winter (yet suddenly they are saying it hasn't rained a lot in a while) and it hasn't even cracked 40 yet in Athens. We usually get a few days like that each summer... in 2017 it was 45-46 for several days but there was no agenda to sell then so no one made a big fuss about it.

[@Deadfoot-Dan]

@@neoellinas No that is not normal for Vegas, it broke an all time record for most consecutive days over 110 degrees.

[@mn7486]

@@neoellinasWow, there is a worldwide conspiracy😂😂

[@neoellinas]

​@@mn7486​ I stand corrected. It's never been hot in Greece before and climate change will kill us all any day now, any moment, any second.

[@sunnybeachwalks4k2022]

Same in Spain it’s too hot to even go outside right now 😂

[@lioneldemun6033]

Depends where in Spain I think the Basque country remains temperate in summer

[@martinc.720]

@@lioneldemun6033 Completely irrelevant. The video is about Spain, and yes climate is different across a country. You'll always find someone to argue with anything these days... wow

[@lioneldemun6033]

@@martinc.720 where are you in Spain if I may ask ?

[@dodgersv3]

This is one of your most informative videos. Nice video.

[@EamonnSheehy]

In Bulgaria now and its very hot, 36-40degrees. Busy in the morning and people disappear from noon onwards. Just too hot. Perfect way to do it is just sit back in the air-conditioning and eat ice cream , drink water. Relax and watch telly. Go hiking in the early morning and bring water. Keep in shade as best can.

[@VolkerHelmich]

Bulgarian women are very nice

[@thomasj3421]

Exactly

[@estelsaradop492]

THAT'S EXTREMELY SAD AND WHEN NEWS OF A FOREIGNER DYING OR GOING MISSING COMES TO LIGHT, IT'S HEART WRENCHING FOR US NATIVES TOO! I MEAN, THESE PEOPLE CAME TO RELAX AND ENJOY THEMSELVES! BUT I CAN'T UNDERSTAND WHY PEOPLE ARE NOT AWARE OF POSSIBLE DANGERS. YOUR VIDEO WAS AN EXCELLENT IDEA.

[@nextwave1314]

There is no shade in many rocky Greek islands when you leave the populated areas. Going for a walk in 40 plus degree heat and no shade, especially when one is of a certain age, is suicidal. If you don't see locals doing it, don't do it yourself.

[@Savvas1640]

The heat or the sun strength is just the same as in many other parts of the world, including US, but there is a trap in Greece. Greece is beautiful and has a nice climate at the same time, which means everyone who comes here wants instantly to hike around, but the nature in any country can turn to a very harsh environment. For any hike should be taken in consideration the weather, which means, (1) temperature, (2) wind speed, (3) time of the day and (4) the season. Another thing in Greece is the terrain, distances are relatively short but the ground is complex no matter if someone hikes in the streets of a small town or along a rocky beach or at the side of a hill. Be prepared and equipped, seasonal clothes (never sleeveless), water, shade (hats from natural straw or umbrellas with the bottom side to be black are good ideas), sun screen, proper shoes, detailed maps, do not hesitate to ask locals for help or info, mobile phones, and do not forget to use number 112 (for free, you can call from any phone even if it has call barred) for any dangerous situation you are in. All of these regardless if your hike is just about for half an hour and back.

[@TheHuski]

The problem has always been Gabriel that people go bushwalking over rough terrain and have no idea where they're going and worse of all they don't carry the essentials with them. This includes sufficient amounts of water. Why would you go on a hike in such heat in the first place. Comes down to the lack of common sense.

[@justinwakeling8669]

Yeah some swedish girl died doing a bushwalk in Australia a couple of months ago. They couldn't locate the body. They say she probably got lost then froze to death. Grim AF

[@TheHuski]

@@justinwakeling8669yeah it doesn’t matter if it’s hot or cold, if you get lost and don’t have the essential clothing and water or food you can get into trouble.

[@Fido-vm9zi]

They will just rely on others to give them their water. That's a comment I read.

[@TheHuski]

@@Fido-vm9ziif there is someone around to help..

[@Tonyshandle]

Some hikers in Spain gave me a bottle of water when I ran out, water never tasted that good 😄☀️

[@stevo728822]

They rely too much upon their phones in locations where there is no signal.

[@torotaxi1]

I was in crete in early June and it was pretty damn hot. Best to stay by the beach for the sea breeze (in the shade) when it's hot. Or if you have air con, stay indoors when its super hot.

[@nebojsaborkovich9196]

Yes,whistles,flash lights,compass and paper maps.Most people today are clueless.It's all a video game for them.

[@KMakrozahopoulos]

Because they go running with 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit)

[@neoellinas]

It hasn't been 45 at any point this summer. It was for several days in 2017 and no one made a big fuss of it.

[@KMakrozahopoulos]

@@neoellinas εντάξει νεοέλληνα, εγώ που ζω στην Ελλάδα έχω μάλλον χαλασμένα θερμόμετρα.

[@neoellinas]

​@@KMakrozahopoulos​@KMakrozahopoulos Μίας και ζω και εγώ στην Ελλάδα, ναι, έχεις χαλασμένο θερμόμετρο, μίας και το "θερμόμετρό" σου είναι ό,τι σου πουν τα ΜΜΕ και οι "ειδικοί". Να υποθέσω πως φορούσες και μασκούλα μέρα-νύχτα και ενδεχομένως φοράς ακόμα;

[@KMakrozahopoulos]

@@neoellinas γιατί προσβάλλεις κατευθείαν τον συνομιλητή σου; Ξέρεις, είμαι μετεωρολόγος. Αυτό πώς σε κάνει να νιώθεις τώρα; Άσε, μην απαντήσεις.

[@neoellinas]

​@@KMakrozahopoulosΌ,τι δηλώσεις είσαι.

[@thrivingnow7843]

I was in Boquillas Canyon in Big Bend in late June 8 years ago. A local who worked in park store told my friend and me that we were there in the off season and it would be hot on trail around 106, which for me was doable because it was a short trail. But worker failed to tell me that when you're in canyon it would be even hotter like 115 or more. The trail roundtrip from start to the canyon and back was about 1.5 miles . I had a hat and water and felt okay until 15 min or so in the very hot canyon. I started to feel lightheaded and from past experience of heat exhaustion, I got out of there as fast I could, and my friend and I turned on air conditioner and drove to cooler ground. It doesn't take long for your brains to get fried. There were other tourists in Big Bend during the off season, too. At that time when I was a teacher, I could only travel in the summer.

[@annawhiteley3128]

I just moved away from Big Bend because of the heat. At my job I would always tell people who asked to absolutely be off the trails by noon. Last year's high was 120f. 2 park fatalities last year. The problem is people's ignorance/arrogance about the heat. They think they're stronger than nature. No one is stronger than nature.

[@Adiadni]

As you prepare for really cold weather when you go skiing or something, you should also get prepared for hot weather unless you decide to stay by the beach or in a restaurant/bar/cafe or by the pool or in a museum etc between 1-5 p.m. at least. Just programm your stay in Greece during the very hot months from June - September in a wiser manner. Get in an A/C bus or rent a car. There are other options to hiking under 40o C.

[@P.B...]

The moisture or smudge on the lens gives this video an otherwoldly ethereal dream like quality

[@desertbluesplaylist7550]

Tourists but not locals. It's simple. You don't go out walking in the heat. Stay in the shade, eat salads & watermelon, don't drink alcohol...not rocket science...mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun. It's hot in a lot of places not just Greece.

[@sammuis01]

We're heading to Greece in two weeks. It's already really hot there. Before having kids, I always went there in September. Lovely temperature and the sea is at is best. But now were bound by schoolholiday. It will be the first time my daughter will travel to such a warm climate. I'll be super carefull!! Perhaps next year Schotland is a better option. :-)

[@bigwideworld387]

I think the schools are going to have to rethink these things because I was thinking it's becoming dangerously hot for families to go to these places in July & August!

[@jeanii_d]

Kids in Australia are taught to 'Slip, Slop, Slap, Slurp' from a very young age. Slip on a shirt (covering the shoulders at least), slop on some sunscreen cream, slap on a hat, slurp on some water. Something that people who aren't used to warm conditions don't realise is the risk of skin cancer. It's something that is one of the most prevalent killers in Australia and is taken very seriously. Often, people don't show symptoms for years. Kids who spend lots of time in the sun often find themselves with skin cancer later on in life. People should ALWAYS be covered in the sun. It kills in more ways than one.

[@user-uh8hg9db6f]

Oh, it's really too much. I got a serious skin issue after a few weeks in Crete last year. That was just from about a 1 hour a day exposure to sun ( without protection)

[@ryanpatrickpreston]

Another good thing about sandals if you're walking a lot is that they make you less tired over time. Just be mindful of buying good product abroad if you must. I once purchased some cheap sneakers in Athens which were made in Albania. Although they appeared to be decently well made they literally fell to pieces and became utterly useless while I was on a mountain hike. Fortunately, I was relatively close to the bottom. It was pretty cartoonish.

[@kostasg7109]

The initial issue is not the heat but the poor health systems around the world. These health systems are inefficient, and unaffordable in many cases; some even lack knowledgable/capable physicians. There are those who may even argue that the COVID vaccine has a part in all of this. How many who have died have had a physical with the year of their passing? If they were aware they had coronary stenosis, COPD, high blood pressure, cholesterol or diabetes would they had ventured off? Greece has always had hot temperatures during the summer months. 40 degrees Celsius in the summer months in Greece is not uncommon and yet in the past year or two are we hearing of deaths. Why? Behaviors need to change so people can adapt to our dynamic environment. Buy that cold bottle of water, stay hydrated, hire a car/taxi and take breaks to cool down. Saving a few bucks here and there is not a wise choice if you endanger yourself… otherwise don’t go on vacation.

[@bigwideworld387]

I'm in the UK and there isn't the facilitation for things like physicals, it takes 3 weeks plus to get a doctor's appointment when you actually have something wrong. I recently had my over 40's health check which is a new thing to invite us for in the UK but it took them 4 years to invite me!

[@martinc.720]

You won't need the a "health system" to save your behind if you don't do something as stupid as go hiking in that heat. People have to stop blaming "others" for everything and take responsibility for their decisions.

[@bigwideworld387]

There's a lot of different issues certainly in the UK, we don't really have heath screening and many Brits are that stereotype where they go on a summer holiday to an all inclusive resort, get up at 5am, put a towel on a sunbed to sit there all day. I don't! I'm an explorer and choose May and September to go wandering overseas but a lot of Brits aren't like me. A workmate of mine went to a friend's wedding in Greece recently with her partner, her partner was posting on Facebook how hot it was and that he was up early to put a towel on the sunbed and a few days later my friend had to fly home with an empty seat on the plane next to her and her partners body in the hold below! I only know it was something to do with his heart but it was unexpected and I would wager that the high heat had something to do with it.

[@apmoy70]

Ψέκας είσαι; Ποιο εμβόλιο, τι μπούρδες τσαμπουνάς; 2 χρόνια μετά από το εμβόλιο που κάποιος έκανε, του επηρεάζει τον οργανισμό του; Και το γράφεις και στα αγγλικά για να θαυμάσει ο κόσμος πόσο "επιστήμονας" είσαι;

[@valuetraveler2026]

irony of a doctor not understanding the risks of heat to the human body

[@dreammfyre]

The North American wilderness still(I’m pushing 40!) feels so awe inspiring to me. It’s familiar yet exotic at the same time somehow

[@jackiepark4673]

Its not just heat at play as its happening all over the world in cooler weather as well.its being called SADS ,its sudden adult syndrome and it been mainly since 2021 on. The date gives you a clue.!!?????

[@Ojstra]

Well, it is always a cure - going to more fresh corners of the planet in Summer, either north (Norway, Sweden, Finland and Estonia have beautiful wilderness on the north), Oceanic (Belgium, Netherlands, Ireland, Scotland), mountains or Southern hemisphere.

[@bigwideworld387]

Having been to all those places I agree, however the only issue with Scandinavian countries is that they are very price prohibitive for a lot of people! Depending on where people are from everything can be twice or many more times the price of the cost in their own countries.

[@Ojstra]

@@bigwideworld387, sure. That's why many people explore these countries with tents and vans, with food and drink bought in a country like Germany or Baltic countries.

[@bigwideworld387]

@@Ojstra I do think about doing a some van life when I retire. We went to Bergen in Norway last year and fell so in love with it and luckily there was an awesome kebab shop to keep food costs down. We are looking to do a Christmassy December trip to Iceland this year, my partner is usually very reluctant to travel when it's cold but he's up for this one and few pubs have good happy hours in Reykjavik 😁

[@samantha1877]

We went in October and it was so hot...not a lot of a shade to hide from .

[@DaltonMirklestein]

Many of these British tourists eat too much pudding, and the Americans eat too many pies. 🥧

[@ariacane8421]

In the summer in Greece, between 11 a.m and 6 p.m. you just don't walk in the sun for more than 15 mins especially if you don't know the path, and are alone! All sorts of things can go wrong!

[@missj.4760]

You forgot food on your list. When I go hiking (like once every 2 years), I take protein bars and/or nuts with me.

[@user-mx1gh3mn3w]

Gabriel I am really happy to have returned from Dunsmuir California U.S.A. this afternoon. It was 99 and in the 100s the temperature. It is so much cooler, and was raining today In the U.K . I am really grateful for the Cooler temp and rain in the U.K. .

[@paulkeenan2691]

David Palides - retired detective and author of " Missing 411" has uncovered many insights of the thousands of people whom go missing- if hiking is your thing- hus analysis has potential to save you from disappearance-

[@DMUSA536]

Always good to see your videos. 😊

[@natashascott5685]

Thank you for the walking in heat tips Gabriel. I’d like to go on walks but it’s been very hot here (South Western Ontario, Canada) and I avoid going on walks if it’s above 75° outside. Unfortunately, I’m prone to heat sickness.

[@georgiossarantitis3208]

Although was 35 years old, I traveled to Egypt to have a tour around, and I went there in October in purpose. Next time I will travel again there but in December. Well, wrong time of the year, wrong time of the day, extreme heat days, wrong sport, 30 million tourists, yes, someone might be in trouble.

[@ThomasGazis]

Hiking in the middle of summer at midday on an arid Greek island when you're over fifty, not a smart idea at all...

[@billchristianson3451]

Sitting at home on your pc not a smart idea either

[@artair70]

@@billchristianson3451 Sitting at your PC isn't going to make you past tense.

[@martinc.720]

@@billchristianson3451 Who told you they will spend the whole afternoon, or the whole day, doing this? There is absolutely no harm in spending some time on KZbin. I mean, you watched the video too, didn't you?

[@vask3863]

@@billchristianson3451 During the midday it's actually smarter to have a siesta, playing on a PC, etc. than hiking on extremly hot rocks alone at remote locations. Do what the locals do...

[@ThomasGazis]

@@billchristianson3451 it's a lot smarter though than hiking at midday under a scorching Sun, trust me...

[@justinbarnhouse4940]

1) Don’t wear sleeveless shirts in the heat!!! 2) Don’t hike in the heat if you are not very accustomed to said heat. 3) Wear shoes and not sandals if you go for a hike. There I fixed a few of your statements.

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

1) That's the point of the sarong, you can cover your arms without wearing a long sleeved shirt that warms you up. But a very thin long sleeved shirt can work as well. 2) I agree. 3) To each his or her own, as they say. I've been hiking in sandals in hot places for decades and prefer it to shoes, but whatever works best for someone is fine. But don't wear flip-flops on a hike, they are very different from a good pair of sport sandals.

[@samewalt6486]

@@GabrielTravelerVideos The traditional dress in very hot climates is always baggy long sleeves and robes or loose pants that cover the legs.Your sarong idea is a good one. Yes, always wear a hat in the sun. Stay in the shade, only mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the noonday sun.

[@sunnyperka5791]

@@GabrielTravelerVideos In addition some people get drowned because they swim on a full stomach. Although there are lifeguards on all main beaches in Greece it is better to avoid swimming after you have eaten especially if you are in a remote area

[@susannal100]

When Ive hiked ive carried plenty of water but would advise bringing insulated bottles because warm or even hot water heated by the sun is awful to drink. Fresh orange juice good to bring too.

[@bj-th7ul]

Here in the American Pacific Northwest... never turn your back on the ocean is a popular warning and something to consider when there are ocean waves. thanks for sharing, enjoy

[@robaire.b]

If local people are not disappearing and succumbing to heatstroke but visitors are, the reasons are explained by the differences in behaviour especially the times at which they decide to walk. It seems basic common sense precautions are not being taken such as accounting for day time temperatures and if unfamiliar with the area, using a phone or gps for navigation and carrying water and dressing appropriately

[@eleniasimop]

You described the situation perfectly. Only visitors are getting lost who were making fun of us because of siesta time.

[@wendyross7206]

People don't get how differently our bodies react to intense heat like there is on the Greek Islands nobody should be out waking about during the day in the height of summer unless you're fit, knowledgeable and used to the climate 😮

[@VolkerHelmich]

This is a problem with foolish foreigners from UK and US

[@user-fz7zt6cw6f]

When going to countries like Spain, Turkey or Greece you need good walking shoes,loads of water, a hat with a brim and sunscreen. Why Michael wasn't carrying a phone I don't know. I would. I certainly wouldn't think being left alone when feeling unwell is a good idea, 8:36

[@paganpoet3]

tourists who attempt to hike aren't properly prepared you always need at least 1-2 liters of water and a cell phone. Than you are covered like 99% in case of something goes wrong. Alone anywhere is always a risk.

[@mckinley5]

Great mural on the water tank! Sad that people get lost and die. When I first started hiking I always had a trail map.

[@travelingkakabsat]

All good tips, Gabriel

[@dianegarcia6562]

Excellent advice Gabriel! 👍

[@AparatorulPoporului]

They were vaccinated?

[@RexHimmer]

No, they were unvaccinated

[@marcsteppi2192]

No, they were Not vaccinated

[@bigwideworld387]

You don't know or understand what heatstroke is?

[@oregonziggy2391]

People have been dying of heat strokes and making bad decisions in the heat long before Covid.

[@martinc.720]

Don't start, you fool.

[@ClydeTyme]

Ayyyeee vid time

[@martinc.720]

Thanks for telling us, now that we are here.

[@MVAT1000]

Im on vacation in Bosnia i Herzegovina and the temperatures here are crazy hot that much so i only go out in the mornings and 1hr before sunset anything in between you must be crazy. My health and safety is more important then sight seeing.

[@thomasj3421]

Exactly 💯

[@alex182618]

I always pre-download google maps of the large area I travel to. So my GPS function on google maps always works everywhere. Really helped me drive in national parks. GPS signal comes from a satellite, and it always present everywhere in the world.

[@dadisphat6426]

All good advice 👍🏼

[@bearschmidt3180]

I'm really glad you are back to making videos Gabe.

[@aokiaoki4238]

Greek weather is not what it used to be, it get very hot nowdays

[@lauramazerolle9859]

So valuable. Great post!

[@marycooney2194]

Gabe, have you visited Lemnos Island yet? If not, do you plan to? Be safe.

[@vivekra]

if you are at risk of heat stroke, wear a white / reflective cap not a black cap

[@Susietravels]

Great advice and things that I have done. I wish I could hike alone but I’ve been lost and scared

[@vitalitihomirov5781]

Americans are too obsessed with dehydration. Once I disputed with the swimming instructor who called children to drink after an hour of swimming in the cold ocean. In the late 90's I regularly went from Pasadena to Wilson mountain. Eight hours without water. Easily. Just tea at 6 and dinner at 2.

[@martinc.720]

30 years ago. Things change, people know better and now realize this was a stupid thing to do.

[@vitalitihomirov5781]

​@@martinc.720 Let's make America great again!

[@ermioniburgess8720]

Stay out of sun until 4 o'clock to go out for a walk.thats what locals do.have a rest stay in the hotel or by the swimming pool.

[@TRICK-OR-TREAT236]

THEY SET A RECORD TEMP. IN VEGAS THE OTHER DAY OF 120F. NASTY STUFF !

[@iammaxhammer]

Sorry to hear about the people. On a lighter NOTE: *Ancient Greece, a man walk into a tailor shop and sets his Toga on the desk.* *Tailor: Euripedes?* *Man: Yes. Eumenides?* *Follow for more lame jokes.*

[@lioneldemun6033]

Sorry I didn't understand your joke

[@user-mj5bl5dy1b]

Enough on the media about what you should do in the heat.people .they just don't listen

[@ericdiekmann2308]

Love the videoes. Ever been to Nicaragua?

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

Glad to hear it. Haven't been there yet.

[@IzzyHaye]

Why would two old women decide to rendezvous on a hot, deserted, and isolated hiking trail? Sounds very peculiar.🤔

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

Seriously.

[@angelinalasko9767]

I'm here and haven't heard of any. It's been cooler on Crete than in California.

[@pvdppvdp6638]

Every year I see more and more and even more people without common sense.

[@trueloveingod2691]

You be careful out there too, so many perils, bears, crazy guys, venomous snakes and insects, the elements, etc…

[@cameraadventure5026]

C'mon Gab, go back to Europe, last summer Sicily, Spain,Sardinia,Corsica etc... And so many of Greece... Lefkada, Castellorizo ( I rememeber you vist Turkey and talk about you wish to see Castelorizzo) Thassos etc still waiting for you...Dont miss the summer 2024 only one summer 2024 in our lifes

[@martinc.720]

Exactly. He's not going to let strangers tell him how to enjoy it.

[@martinc.720]

Maybe that people who do not know what to do when it's too hot should not travel in the first place.

[@bigwideworld387]

I'm on a few Facebook weather groups in the UK and a few weeks back there was a post that Egypt was 50.c and there were too many foolish Brits posting that they had upcoming trips there and they desperately wanted it to stay 50.c to sunbathe in! They don't realise that you will struggle to even walk outside anywhere in that heat! They have no concept of it because we rarely go over 25.c in the UK

[@martinc.720]

@@bigwideworld387 I watch a channel run by someone in Scotland, and I kinda laugh when he says he struggles because it's "very hot today" (23 C or something like that) haha The fact that temp. rarely goes over 25 should give people an idea how bad it will be when temperatures reach double the hottest day they have ever experienced. Some people never learn.

[@bigwideworld387]

@@martinc.720 absolutely! Many of them think 50.c would just be a nice hot day!! I experienced 43.c in Budapest once and the afternoons were gruelling and not for walking around in! 35.c still at night in a hotel room with awful AC! Not fun!

[@user-wl4un4iq6w]

it gets dark quickly in autumn. my buddy once had to sled down mt. olymp on his cheeks

[@travel_and_explore_with_BIP]

Thank you very much indeed Sir! 🍺🍺

[@mennoboon8037]

Too hot have to take water and wear a hat if you dare hiking alone in the mountain area

[@thorbampougias311]

Tourist or not if you start to walk with 43 c for hours and you don't know the terrain no matter if you are 20, 40,60 ☀ ☀ 🔥 🔥 ☠ ☠ stay away from the sun don't walk for hours 🇬🇷