Travelers have had plenty of weather surprises this summer, from wildfires in Europe to knee-deep mud at Burning Man. It was indeed the hottest summer on record worldwide, according to the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service.

"The dog days of summer are not just about barking, but also about biting," United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said in a prepared statement released on September 6.

“Our planet has just experienced a period of suffocation – the hottest summer on record. The climate disturbance has begun.'

Changing weather patterns raise questions about where, when, how and if tourists will travel.

For example, does it still make sense to visit Italy in July, despite the high temperatures, heavy crowds and minimal air conditioning? Or should the "peak" of the travel season be moved to the more hospitable autumn or spring months?

Tourism destinations are beginning to notice – and fear – the toll that climate change could take on this huge industry. (More on borneobulletin.com)