Travel expert Simon Calder has issued guidance amid “absolute devastation”.
Mia O’Hare Senior Spare Time Journalist
13:38, 06 Aug 2026Updated 20:45, 06 Aug 2026
Holidaymakers must be prepared(Image: SHansche via Getty Images)
Simon Calder has delivered a stark warning to anyone intending to visit France, Italy and Spain this summer. The travel expert has advised holidaymakers that preparing in advance “could make all the difference”.
The European nations are popular destinations for Britons, particularly during this period. Thousands of families are travelling to France, Italy and Spain to enjoy the summer sunshine, relax and immerse themselves in culture.
However, Europe has been ravaged by wildfires as temperatures have climbed across the continent. Extensive wildfires have been witnessed in France, Spain, Portugal, and Turkey.
Firefighters have been tackling a wildfire in south-west France that spans an area four times the size of Paris, as temperatures are predicted to hit 40°C.
Wildfires have swept Europe(Image: ROMAIN PERROCHEAU, AFP via Getty Images)
Thousands of residents and tourists have been forced to evacuate the region, with some prevented from returning home for days as the threat remains. While the wildfires persist, many people will have holidays arranged in the affected regions.
Travel specialist Simon has provided guidance on what steps to take if you have a holiday reserved and are travelling to parts of Europe impacted by wildfires.
He said on his Travel Expert with Simon Calder podcast: “Wildfires raging across Europe, they have been all week. Italy, Spain and most profoundly in France, where in south-west France there has been absolute devastation.”
Simon clarified that Bordeaux airport has been functioning normally despite the wildfires in the region. Regarding whether to proceed with your journey, Simon’s co-presenter, Greg Dickinson, stated that if flights are operating, you’re unlikely to receive a refund.
Package holidays provide greater protection for cancellations, though some operators allow flexibility for independent reservations. This means you may be able to switch your flight or ferry crossing to an alternative date rather than receive a refund.
Should you travel to parts of Europe that could be impacted by wildfires, Simon has an essential piece of guidance. He revealed that he had consulted with the British Red Cross to learn how individuals should prepare.
Large fires have been taking place in France(Image: Getty)
He urged: “Plan your evacuation in advance. The vast majority of people, this isn’t going to happen to you, but work out where you are going to go.
“If you are going to be travelling with a family and doing different things during the day, work out how you are going to coordinate. Have a grab bag with your money, water, medication and passport by your bed.
“Make sure you have plans for a swift getaway, which means you have robust shoes by the bed so you can get out. Make sure your car is pointing towards the direction you want to go. If you have to reverse it, you can lose valuable seconds. Plan ahead.”
Simon added: “It could make all the difference but in the vast majority of cases, you will be fine.”
Latest UK government advice for holidaymakersIf you are going to France:
The risk is highest in the south of the country, particularly along the Mediterranean coast, in Corsica, and in areas of the south-west during periods of hot, dry weather.
Check the French weather service’s fire alert map before travelling and monitor local authority advice during your stay. Conditions can change quickly and access to forests, countryside areas and tourist sites may be restricted at short notice.
If you are going to Spain:
Remain conscious of your surroundings when visiting or driving through woodland areas. For information on wildfire risk visit the Spanish Meteorological Office (AEMET).
If you are going to Italy:
Review the latest alerts and weather forecast and heed guidance of local authorities if you’re considering travelling to affected areas. Exercise caution when visiting or driving through woodland areas and report fires to the emergency services.
For information on what to do in the event of a wildfire, visit the Civil Protection Department.