10 Travel Destinations to Beat The Summer Heat
Remember the long, cold winter days you spent cooped up inside wishing for sunnier, warmer weather? Those days are now a distant memory as the summer heat starts to take hold.
Sure, you could sit in the air conditioning, but who wants to spend all summer inside? And sometimes, fighting the crowds for a spot at the local pool, beach, or lake can be a headache.
If the rising temperatures have you searching for “cold places in July,” this list could be just what you’re looking for. Summer vacations don’t have to be all beaches and hot, humid days. Here are some cool weather summer vacations that could help you beat the heat this summer.
Taking an International Adventure
Jet-setting and summer go hand in hand. If you have kids, they might be on summer vacation, and it’s possible that even things at the office have slowed down slightly.
Summer travel can get expensive, so you might want to plan thoughtfully to keep your trip in line with your travel budget. If you’re looking for a far-off location to visit this summer, here are some fun locations you might enjoy as a solo traveler, with a few friends, or with the family.
1. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Peak travel season in Rio de Janeiro typically runs from December to March , but visitors who arrive from June through September will likely find moderate weather. Enjoy Rio de Janeiro’s vibrant city life, spend time lounging on the beach, or ride the cable car to the peak of Pão de Açúcar and take in the stunning views of Rio.
2. Nova Scotia, Canada
When you imagine a seaside escape, Canada may not be your thought. But a trip to Nova Scotia might change your mind. Nova Scotia has nearly 4,300 miles of remarkable coastline , and if you visit, you can expect adventure in the great outdoors, a thriving music scene, and some of the freshest seafood around.
Temperatures are in the 70s and 80s in the summer, and when you do find yourself getting warm, a refreshing ocean breeze isn’t too far away.
3. Norway
With its rugged landscape and seemingly endless opportunities for outdoor adventure, summertime in Norway is pretty unbelievable. Summer in nordic countries means long days and short nights.
If you’re north of the Arctic Circle, where they experience midnight sun , night is nonexistent. The weather is mild, usually ranging from the mid 70s to the mid 80s , with minimal humidity.
Between Oslo and Bergen there is a lot of city life to explore in Norway. You can walk across the roof of the Oslo Opera House or ride the funicular up Mount Fløyen in Bergen.
While you’re there, you could get outside and explore one of the many majestic fjords the country has to offer. There’s also a variety of hiking options , where you’ll be treated to stunning vistas.
4. Patagonia, Argentina
Patagonia is a popular hiking destination for most of the year. While much of America is experiencing sweltering heat, it’s Patagonia’s winter. In July the average temperature drops to the mid 30s , and it’s the perfect time to ski.
5. Australia
Winter in Australia is also during the Northern Hemisphere’s summer, making it a good time to plan a trip down under. While it does get cold in Australia, and there is snow (and skiing) in the mountains, the average temperature during Australian winter hovers around 60°F .
It’s off-season, so you may be able to enjoy some of the most popular tourist destinations, like the Great Barrier Reef, with fewer crowds. It’s also Australia’s peak whale-watching season .
Humpback whales migrate from Antarctica to mate and give birth along the eastern coast of Australia. You could book whale-watching tours or, if your budget is tight, there are a few places where whales are frequently sighted, including the Great Australian Bight .
Domestic Trips to Beat the Summer Heat
Sometimes, packing up the family and heading to the airport for a two-week trip through Europe or South America isn’t an option. But you don’t have to let that stop you from enjoying your summer vacation. There are plenty of cool weather summer vacations in the U.S. that offer adventure, relaxation, and, most important, moderate temperatures.
1. Portland, Maine
Portland, Maine, is having a moment. With a lively downtown and its picturesque coastline, it’s a wonderful town to explore. The seafood is immaculate—think fresh oysters and sumptuous lobster rolls. Portland was Bon Appetit’s 2018 Restaurant City of the Year , so you know the food won’t disappoint.
If you’re into craft beer, Portland’s craft beer scene might be worth touring. There’s something for everyone—you could spend the day lounging by the beach, touring historic lighthouses, or strolling through the shops and boutiques downtown.
2. San Francisco, California
The City by the Bay is an eclectic mix of history and culture. Famous for its steep hills and cable cars, San Francisco has a ton to offer visitors. You can tour Alcatraz, bike or walk across the Golden Gate Bridge, or take a ride on the iconic cable cars.
If you’re outdoorsy, you can take a drive up to Muir Woods National Monument for a hike through Northern California’s redwoods. Plus, San Francisco is known for having one of the coolest summers around—the average July temperature is just 68°F .
3. Glacier National Park, Montana
Glacier National Park in northwestern Montana is home to towering mountains, stunning vistas, and seemingly infinite possibilities for outdoor activities. Summer and fall are great times for visiting, but it’s worth noting that the higher elevations of Going-to-the-Sun-Road might become blocked by snow.
There are nearly 734 miles of hiking trails to be explored, and you can fish, bike, or even boat through the park. You can also book guided tours of the park by boat, bus, raft, or horseback.
4. Seattle, Washington
The weather in Seattle is fairly temperate, and the average daily high during the summer is in the 70s . Seattle is a bustling city that offers something for everyone.
You could spend time exploring some of Seattle’s world-class museums and unique attractions, like the Space Needle or the Chihuly Garden and Glass . You could consider a stop at the lively Pike’s Place Market for good eats and classic Seattle culture.
5. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Most often thought of as a skiing destination, Jackson Hole has a lot to offer to visitors who make the journey in the warmer summer months. Jackson Hole is just a short drive from Grand Teton National Park , and not too far from Yellowstone National Park . With fantastic hiking, biking, fly fishing, white water rafting, and zip lining, Jackson Hole is an outdoor adventure paradise.
Financing Your Adventure
Travel can offer you the opportunity to expand your horizons and get out of your comfort zone. But when you factor in the cost of lodging, food, and any activities you want to do, a trip can get expensive quickly.
And if you’re flying, you’ll have to add in the cost of airfare as well (unless you’re traveling on credit card rewards). When you plan your own trip, you’re completely in control. This means you have the ability to set your budget and determine how you’ll pay for the expenses.
If you are planning in advance for travel, you may be able to start a dedicated savings fund for your travel plans.
If that’s not an option but you’re itching with wanderlust, a personal loan could allow you to book you trip without putting it all on a high-interest credit card. Of course, this is only an idea to consider if you’re in a good place financially to pay back a personal loan on time.
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