According to long-term monitoring data from European and international public health agencies, the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) has steadily expanded its range northward, with regions from Southern to Central Europe now under surveillance. In East Asia, a similar trend has been observed. The mosquito activity season has lengthened, with some cities in Japan and South Korea reporting activity extending beyond the traditional summer months into spring and late autumn. This means that even spring cherry blossom trips or autumn foliage tours are no longer only about sun protection or staying warm.

Several major international events in 2026, including the FIFA World Cup and the Youth Olympic Games, are scheduled during warmer periods or times of climate variability. Travel medicine experts caution that large outdoor gatherings and crowded venues may increase exposure risk, particularly during dusk and nighttime hours. In some regions, this may also heighten public health pressure related to West Nile virus or dengue fever.

Against this backdrop, a “prevention-first” approach has become the core principle of travel health. Experts recommend that travelers prepare low-irritation, lightweight natural essential oil-based mosquito repellents, wear protective clothing as a physical barrier, and carry post-bite care products to relieve itching and prevent scratching. Together, these measures form a comprehensive protection strategy.

Climate change does not mean travel has become unsafe; rather, it calls for a shift in preparation mindset. Mosquito prevention should now be considered a standard part of travel planning. From admiring flowers in Paris to attending sporting events in the United States, the key to travel in 2026 lies not only in the destination, but in proactive health risk management.