Coolcations: how to beat the heat without skipping summer

With high temperatures that are warm but never oppressive, coolcation destinations allow you to enjoy all of the iconic sites and hidden gems without the scorching summertime temps you might be escaping back home. “From start to finish, everything was just wonderful,” said traveler Morris after joining our Canadian Rockies by Train: Banff, Lake Louise & Vancouver tour. “Weather was exceptional as well. It was in the 90s at home so the mountain air was very much welcomed. Would recommend this tour to everyone.”

The hottest months back home are often a great time to get away. Not only will you be met with milder temperatures, but you may also even find fewer crowds in many of these cool-weather destinations. “Local tourism is generally lower in the late summer as it’s the end of vacation time for most locals and school breaks are over,” said staffer Alicja after a summer trip to Norway. Coolcations may be trending, but they’re still flying a bit under the radar, which means fewer travelers and more authentic experiences on your trip.

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While the Canadian Rockies are a glittering, frosty wonderland for much of the year, they burst into color in the summer. Everything comes alive with the summer’s mild, warm temperatures, and when you join our Canadian Rockies by Train: Banff, Lake Louise & Vancouver tour, you’ll be met with turquoise glacial lakes, soaring emerald peaks, and fragrant, wildflower-filled meadows. The air stays crisp and fresh, perfect for afternoons spent strolling through storybook mountain towns or rafting down glacier-fed rivers. “We left Texas when it was 105 degrees, looking forward to cooler temperatures in Calgary,” said traveler Shirley after joining the tour. “The first day we visited the Rodeo and Olympic grounds and began to enjoy the beautiful scenery that continued the entire trip. The tour guide and bus driver kept us on [the] lookout for wildlife, snowcapped mountains, aqua lakes, and waterfalls on the way to the national parks and glaciers. The ride on the Ice Cat and short walk on the glacier was a great experience. We were treated with more great views, history, and great food and drink on the sightseeing train. It [was] a memorable trip.”

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With its cool, dew-flecked mornings, lush, rolling hills, and pubs that invite you to stay awhile no matter how sunny the weather is beyond their historic walls, Ireland is the ultimate coolcation destination. “During the summer in Ireland, all the greenery and landscapes are at their finest and prettiest,” said traveler Kathy after visiting the Emerald Isle on our Grand Tour of Ireland. “The temperature is still relatively cool, but comfortable, as opposed to where I live in Texas. It’s just a great time of year to get away. Most of us live hectic lives and I don’t know anywhere better to decompress.” The weather is just one of the many reasons not to miss summer in Ireland. When you join our A Week in Ireland: Dublin, Cork & Galway tour, you’ll visit iconic sites like the Cliffs of Moher and St. Patrick’s Cathedral, pass through flourishing countryside, and explore the cobbled streets of colorful villages.

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If you’ve ever wished you could press pause on a perfect travel day to make it linger just a little longer, you’re in luck. In the summer months, Iceland gets 18 to 24 hours of daylight, which means extra time to marvel at waterfalls, explore volcanic landscapes, and soak in geothermal lagoons—without the blazing heat that has many of us seeking shade and air-conditioning back home. The midnight sun makes summer one of the best times to visit Iceland, and when you join our Landscapes of Wild Iceland tour, you’ll have clear views and plenty of daylight to explore Thingvellir National Park, snap photos of Eyjafjallajökull volcano, and float in the Blue Lagoon.

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When everyone else flocks to packed coastlines and crowded beaches this summer, why not head somewhere with soul-stirring scenery and plenty of room to stretch out. “Everything about Alaska is big,” said traveler Lou Ann, who visited on our Alaska’s National Parks: Denali & the Kenai Fjords tour in July. “Big skies, open land, big mountains, many open waterways, the animals, and some of the loveliest wildflowers ever. We were blessed with beautiful, sunny skies almost the entire trip. The clear skies granted us an unusual opportunity to see the main peak of Denali for several hours! What a rare treat! The itinerary was perfect! My group and I learned so much each day of our tour.” For many travelers, a trip like this isn’t just a vacation—it’s a reset. Whether you’re into wildlife watching, scenic train rides, or just breathing in the clean mountain air, there’s no shortage of ways to feel refreshed and inspired. Join us on our Alaska’s National Parks: Denali & the Kenai Fjords tour to discover all of our favorite things about Denali National Park.

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If you like the idea of a summer getaway by the water but don’t want to deal with sand sticking to your legs or waiting in long lines for air-conditioned museums, consider a trip to Scandinavia. With its crisp, coastal breezes, sparkling fjords, and charming waterfront towns, it offers all the beauty of a seaside escape—without the crowds or the heat associated with Southern Europe’s beach towns. Think scenic boat rides, long daylight hours, and cool, walkable cities where you can breathe easy and explore at your own pace. “Scandinavia has everything you’d want in a summer adventure, like cosmopolitan cities with world-class restaurants and otherworldly landscapes like the fjords in Norway,” said staffer Jeff, who considers the region one of the best places to visit in August. “And to top it off, you can do it all without breaking a sweat thanks to the region’s comfortable temps.” When you join our Scandinavia: The Capitals & the Fjords tour, you’ll experience the best of the summer in Scandinavia.

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Who needs a heat wave when you can have a Highland breeze instead? While Scotland and Ireland’s untamed and often exhilaratingly unpredictable weather just adds to the countries’ charm, the climate in the summer is softer and more consistent. Milder temperatures, fewer rainy days, and clear, sunny skies set the perfect backdrop for exploring castles and countryside. Join our Landscapes of Scotland & Ireland tour to breathe in sea spray-flecked air and warm, wildflower breezes as you discover why summer is one of the best times to visit Ireland and Scotland. Then, pop into a neighborhood pub for a pint of Guinness or a glass of whisky. The air may be cool, but the locals are always warm and welcoming.