10 'coolest' vacation spots to escape the heat this summer
Editor's Note
After last summer's record-breaking heat, many travelers are turning to cooler climates for this coming summer travel season. There's no doubt that climate change is affecting seasonal weather patterns around the world, and the way we travel reflects that.
While beach getaways and European sojourns tend to be the favorites from June through August, travelers who opt for temperate-weather destinations will likely be rewarded with fewer crowds and one-of-a-kind experiences.
Which destinations have our attention for a cooler summer season? Read on to discover the top "coolcations" for 2026.
South Island, New Zealand
Not sure where to find a cool-weather summer vacation? Head to where it's winter, of course: the Southern Hemisphere.
New Zealand's South Island, for example, combines breathtaking beauty and adventure during the winter. And with an average high temperature of 42 degrees Fahrenheit, it's definitely a coolcation.
Skiers can enjoy a year-round ski season on the slopes of the Southern Alps. For travelers who like to keep things more relaxed, Queenstown, Wanaka and Arrowtown are known for their cozy vibes, with plenty of hearth-warmed taverns and restaurants, hot springs and cute boutiques.
TPG tip: Check into the Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. You can find winter rates as low as $128 or 40,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
Related: I flew 14 hours on a 'couch' — here's whether Air New Zealand's Skycouch was worth it
White Mountains, New Hampshire
New Hampshire's White Mountains offer an East Coast alpine experience, where rugged peaks, lush forests and crystal clear lakes set the scene for a relaxed, cooler summer.
Summer is the perfect time to head to the charming mountain towns of North Conway and Lincoln, two anchor villages from which to explore the mountain trails. Experienced hikers can make the trek up Mount Washington, which rewards visitors with gorgeous views over New England's rolling hills and valleys, while adventure seekers can flex their skills via rock climbing or mountain biking excursions.
TPG tip: World of Hyatt's newest glamping property, Under Canvas White Mountains, is set to open in early June. Nightly rates start at $279 or 22,125 World of Hyatt points.
Related: Breeze expands New England footprint with 3 routes from New Hampshire
Newfoundland and Labrador
Our neighbor to the north is always a stunner, no matter the season, but summer in Newfoundland and Labrador is particularly beautiful. The easternmost province of Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador, wows with rugged beauty, from cliffs that plunge into the churning Atlantic to delightful villages steeped in centuries of history and tradition.
Coastal villages are a highlight of visiting this part of Canada, especially during summer when festivities are in full swing and more hours of daylight mean more time for exploring. Soak in St. John's colorful houses or Bonavista's sleepy, laid-back living. Trace the region's rich history as you explore the remnants of an ancient Viking settlement at L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site, then stop at a local pub for live music and fresh seafood.
The province also has several national parks, including Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
TPG tip: Stay at the Alt Hotel St. John's (from $270 per night), available on the Chase Travel℠ portal, for harbor views and a top-notch restaurant.
Related: 5 small Canadian cities you can use points and miles to visit
Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park, Australia
Australia is known for soaring temperatures in its harsh desert interior and tropical rainforests along the northern coast. But the southern part of the country does cool down throughout the winter months of June, July and August — especially if you go up in elevation.
That's why Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park in Victoria, about a three-hour drive from Melbourne, is an ideal coolcation spot. The average winter high is 52 degrees Fahrenheit.
With hiking trails along mountain ridges dotted with waterfalls, cool-climate wines and art ranging from ancient Indigenous Australian rock art to contemporary galleries, there's plenty to do, taste and see here. Winter is also the offseason, so there will be fewer crowds to contend with.
TPG tip: Accommodations vary from campgrounds to private rentals to hotels. For the last, we recommend the Royal Mail Hotel (from $144 per night), best known for its two restaurants. You can book it through Expedia and earn rewards with the One Key program.
Alaska
Alaska's interior can get fairly warm in the summer, but if you stick to the coast, you'll likely find temperatures ranging from the 40s to the 60s Fahrenheit.
Anchorage offers cultural sites, museums, state parks and over 280 miles of maintained hiking trails.
Or, you can opt for a cruise in Southeast Alaska to explore small towns like Ketchikan and Skagway, see wildlife like bald eagles and brown bears, and perhaps even catch an iceberg calving off a glacier. Bring a raincoat, though, as this region is notoriously wet, particularly in late summer.
TPG tip: The recently opened Wildbirch Hotel, a JdV by Hyatt property, is one of the first upscale boutique hotels in Anchorage. Summer rates start at $416 or 15,000 World of Hyatt points per night. (Keep in mind that Hyatt plans to update its award chart in May, so those prices may increase.)
Related: Snowy peaks and hot springs: A Fairbanks-Denali-Anchorage road trip
Cape Town
Cape Town is one of the world's greatest destinations, but its winter season means far fewer crowds, lower hotel rates and milder temperatures.
You'll be awestruck by the sheer beauty of Table Mountain, which will be blanketed in green this time of year thanks to the rainy season. The Cape Peninsula is one of the most ecologically diverse destinations on the planet, so visitors can watch the area come alive with brilliant flora as they hike Table Mountain or navigate the scenic Chapman's Peak Drive.
Cape Town is also a hot spot for foodies and culture hounds, with bustling restaurants and markets, a vibrant wine scene, museums, galleries and historical sites.
TPG tip: Stay at the new Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof, one of TPG's most exciting hotel openings of 2025. Rates start around $177 or 50,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
Amsterdam
Of course, you don't have to steer clear of Europe entirely to have a cooler trip this summer. Amsterdam's average summer temperatures peak around 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Visiting Amsterdam in the summer is an enchanting experience; the city comes alive with colorful flowers, and the canals hum with activity. The city's culinary scene is legendary, from local markets to international fare. Visitors can sample stroopwafels, herring and bitterballen around the city or sip cocktails on rooftop terraces before cruising the canals beneath the stars.
Even better, this year's World Pride will be hosted in Amsterdam from July 25 to Aug. 8.
TPG tip: The historic Rosewood Amsterdam (from $995 per night), set in a 17th-century orphanage, offers luxurious accommodations in the city's UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal district. Book through American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts to enjoy perks like free breakfast for two, guaranteed 4 p.m. checkout and a $100 property credit to use during your stay.
Related: 9 European summer destinations to beat the heat
Bariloche, Argentina
Craving a summer ski getaway? Make your way to San Carlos de Bariloche, more typically called Bariloche, in Argentine Patagonia. The ski season in this Andean alpine town runs from July to September, with temperatures hovering around freezing.
Bariloche is a great dupe for the Swiss Alps, just in opposite seasons. Germans who had originally immigrated to Chile founded the town at the end of the 19th century, with immigrants from various Alpine countries following in subsequent decades. In the 1930s, the town redesigned its center to emulate Swiss Alpine architecture to boost tourism. (Bariloche is also particularly known for its chocolatiers.)
TPG tip: For a points-friendly city-center stay, book the Sheraton Bariloche Hotel. Nightly rates this summer start at $142 or 19,500 Marriott Bonvoy points.
Greenland
One of the planet's last great uncharted tourist territories is Greenland, where towering icebergs, majestic fjords and vast expanses of tundra welcome adventurous travelers with open arms. And with United Airlines' new direct flights from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Nuuk Airport (GOH), you can now get to the world's largest island in just over four hours from the East Coast.
One of the highlights of visiting Greenland in the summer is experiencing the midnight sun, casting a soft glow over the landscape well into the night. Wildlife is at its peak in Greenland during this season, too. Visitors can spot seals, Arctic foxes, polar bears and more on kayaking expeditions and guided hikes. Plus, you can take in Greenland's Indigenous culture, sample local cuisine and participate in festivals like the huge National Day celebration on June 21.
TPG tip: Thanks to the new airport, several expedition cruise lines have launched new routes directly from Nuuk instead of starting in Iceland and wasting days at sea. For example, Viking's 13-day sailing in June starts at $14,995 per person.
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
It might be hard to believe that a destination on the equator can be cool, but the northern summer months start the Galapagos' cool season. Thanks to the Humboldt Current that ferries frigid water from Antarctica up to the archipelago, July and August usually experience temperatures in the 60s or 70s Fahrenheit. This makes hiking across the islands during this time a much more pleasant experience compared to the hot season, when temperatures are regularly in the 90s.
Plus, the current brings up vital nutrients for sea life, meaning the waters are teeming with fish, sharks, turtles, rays — the list goes on.
TPG tip: While most visitors to the Galapagos cruise around the islands, land-based options are available. You can even use points; stay at the Royal Palm Galapagos, Curio Collection Hotel by Hilton (rates start at $285 or 80,000 Honors points per night) or IHG's Hotel Indigo Galapagos (rates start at $470 or 83,000 IHG One Rewards points per night).
Related: Best Galapagos cruises for an epic wildlife adventure of a lifetime
Bottom line
The summer coolcation trend is gaining steam — and for good reason. Whether you want to partake in adrenaline-fueled sports or simply stroll through a historic city, milder weather can make outdoor pursuits far more enjoyable. Plus, you can probably avoid doing laundry on your trip.
But summer is still the peak travel season, so be prepared with this checklist and check out these tips to beat rising airfare costs.
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