Seeking refuge from the searing summer heat? Sweltering temperatures across the globe have brought upon the rise of “coolcations”— the trend of traveling to destinations that offer a reprieve from stifling weather. From the far reaches of the Arctic to the peaks of the Andes, these off-the-beaten-path destinations offer a delightful late-summer escape, promising moderate temperatures, skies kissed with clouds, and invigorating cool breezes to ward off the dog days.
Alaska Northern Lights: On Gondwana Ecotours' Alaska Northern Lights Adventure, guests will get a dose of local culture by day and photograph the Aurora Borealis at night. Highlights of the tour include dogsledding through snowy forests, taking curling lessons from locals, enjoying a meal with homesteaders, soaking in a geothermal hot spring, learning how to photograph the Aurora Borealis, snowshoeing on private land, having tea with a family of reindeer herders and more.
Arctic Express Canada: Book an expedition cruise into the heart of the legendary Northwest Passage with Adventure Life and let nature and wildlife be the guides. Aboard the Ultramarine, navigate among remote islands and icy inlets, channels and bays of Canada's high Arctic, watching for wildlife like polar bears, muskoxen and several bird species on excursions by Zodiac and helicopter. Big Sky Adventures: In Big Sky, Montana, The Wilson Hotel serves as a basecamp for adventure near the northwest corner of Yellowstone. Guests can hike to stunning Ousel Falls or glacially carved Beehive Basin, raft or fly fish the clear waters of the Gallatin River, and experience the adrenaline rush of lift-served mountain biking on 11,166-foot Lone Peak – all just a short distance from Town Center. Jackson Hole Glamping Adventure: Fireside Resort offers luxuriously outfitted tiny house rental units designed by Wheelhaus a short distance from Grand Teton National Park, making it the perfect basecamp for summer adventures. Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting, enjoy beautiful scenery and wildlife while hiking through the Tetons or revel in the wonder of Yellowstone National Park's geothermal features.
Croatia Boat and E-bike: Hop from island to island by boat and bike in Croatia's South Dalmatia region on Boat Bike Tours' Split to Dubrovnik trip. See the UNESCO-listed town centers of Split and Dubrovnik, and experience the culture and nature of more sparsely populated islands like Brač, Hvar, Korčula, Lastovo, Mljet and Šipan. A motor yacht provides elegant accommodations that cruise along with you and e-bikes help with hilly and mountainous terrain.
Montana Whitewater Rafting: Experience thrilling whitewater rafting adventures on the Yellowstone River with Flying Pig Adventures, conveniently located in Gardiner, Montana, near Yellowstone National Park's North Entrance. Choose from a variety of trips, including popular half-day excursions tackling Class II and III rapids, extended full-day adventures with riverside lunch, serene scenic floats perfect for wildlife viewing or immersive overnight trips under the stars with comfortable camping and meals. There's a perfect rafting experience for every skill level.
Napa Valley Wine Adventure: Just north of San Francisco, the winding Russian River meets the dramatic Pacific coastline, shaping a world all of its own. Escape Adventure's 6-day Napa Valley cycling tour embraces this romantic landscape, quilted with a colorful patchwork of old growth redwoods, fruitful vineyards, historic towns, and beautiful gardens.
Ecuadorian Andes Retreat: Stunning Hacienda Piman is a historic retreat located in Ecuador's northern Andes. A former colonial and Republic country manor, Hacienda Piman has recently been restored to its original beauty by the Zaldumbide family. The hotel's green valley location makes it an oasis of Ecuadorian history nestled among the mountains. The chef serves a vast array of home-style dishes, using Ecuador's variety of ingredients to create traditional cuisine of the Ecuadorian Andes.
AI Powered Road Trip: AdventureGenie is your ultimate co-pilot for planning the perfect cool-weather escape. As the world's first AI-powered, end-to-end road trip planner, we make it easier and more exciting than ever to discover destinations where moderate temperatures and stunning scenery are the norm, even in the height of summer. Whether you choose a curated GenieTrip designed for cooler climates or customize your own adventure to places like the Pacific Northwest, the Rockies, or the North East, AdventureGenie has you covered. Get ready to hit the open road with confidence and experience America's cooler side like never before.
E-Bike Hut-to-Hut Adventure: Discover the Aquarius Trail Hut System, an unparalleled e-bike adventure in Utah's stunning Color Country. This unique trail stretches from Brian Head Peak through picturesque locations like Panguitch, Bryce and Escalante. Along the way, modern huts provide essential amenities, including solar-powered kitchens, comfortable sleeping arrangements and bike repair tools, ensuring a perfect blend of rugged exploration and convenient comfort. https://aquariustrail.com/
Sicily Culinary Adventure: Explore culinary traditions, ancient history and the volcanic landscape of Mount Etna on Peter Sommer Travels' Gastronomic Tour of Sicily. Shop in a street market, visit olive and herb farms, sample vintages at an award-winning winery, roll up your sleeves in a pasta-making class, walk among ancient wonders at the Syracuse archaeological park and hike up the slopes of the island's volcano, through verdant woods to views of its ash-filled craters. https://www.petersommer.com/tours/gastronomic-sicily-tour
