Best Summer Vacation Destinations to "Cool Down"

Glacier Hiking in Alaska

Summer is here, and the heat is on!

You deserve a great summer vacation with cooler weather, free from scorching heat waves and record temperatures.

From beach vacations, mountain vacations and city vacations, we are sharing our best summer destinations for "cool and refreshing family fun" to beat the heat and chill.   

Featuring hiking, water sports, fishing, national parks, beaches, and cruising these summer destinations are perfect for family and couple vacations and will not disappoint.  

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Alaska Glacier Cruising

Alaska: 
Our 49th state is an outstanding summer vacation destination to explore and keep cool in the summer.  Outdoor scenery is amazing with mountains, glaciers, wildlife without fences. 

Alaska offers all kinds of experiences from mild to wild.   The Alaska cruise season runs from May to September is a great way to explore the famous Inner Passage of fjords, glaciers and charming towns.   

Combine a land and sea vacation or "Alaska Cruisetour" to see even more of this vast and rugged territory.   ​Summer temperatures range from 50's - low 70's. 

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Lake Tahoe Emerald Bay

​Lake Tahoe, California:
This freshwater lake is surrounded by the Sierra Nevada Mountains, making it a perfect place to escape the heat. There are plenty of activities to enjoy in Lake Tahoe, including swimming, boating, hiking, and biking. And if you're looking for a little luxury, there are also plenty of resorts and spas to choose from.
Summer temperatures can be as high as the mid 80's but will cool at night into the 50's or 60's. 

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Cape Cod Beach

Cape Cod, Massachusetts: 
​Full of great beaches, outdoor activities, charming towns, villages and great American history, Cape Cod is a "Cool" summer destination offering something for everyone.   The weather is temperate thanks to being on a small peninsula between Nantucket Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. 

Summer temperatures are pleasant with the high in the 70's and cooling into the 60's at night.  ​

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Ireland - A Cool Summer Vacation Destination

 Ireland: 
​Dublin is the closest European capitol to the USA and Ireland is known as the emerald isle thanks to much rainfall and cooler temperatures in the 60's in the summer.  Many hotels and venues don't even have air conditioning as it is not needed thanks to cool summer nights. 

Ireland features stunning scenery, great culture, food, history and of course Irish dancing, music, and world-famous Guinness Stout. 

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City view of San Francisco

San Francisco, California:
"The coldest winter I ever spent was the summer in San Francisco" - Mark Twain
If this sounds pretty good to you then add San Francisco to your summer vacation destination list. 

​The city by the bay is known for its mild climate, even in the summer. There are plenty of things to see and do in San Francisco, from exploring the Golden Gate Bridge to visiting Alcatraz Island. And if you're looking for a break from the heat, you can always cool off in one of the city's many parks or gardens.    Summer temperatures range from the 50's to 70's.

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Scottish Castle

Scotland: 
Scotland is located on the northern part of the United Kingdom and is noted for beautiful mountains and lakes in the highlands area, outstanding golf, hiking and legendary castles. 

Edinburgh, the capitol of Scotland is a cosmopolitan city and hosts some of Europe's largest festivals every August which are a great addition to your family summer vacation. 

​July temperatures average in the 60's with nights a little cooler...perfect for a nice ale. 

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Gulfoss Falls in Iceland

 
Iceland:
​​This Nordic island is known for its glaciers, volcanoes, and stunning scenery. But did you know that Iceland is also a great place to visit in the summer?
The average temperature in July is only 50 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a refreshing escape from the heat. And there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy in Iceland, such as hiking, camping, and glacier hiking.

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Fiordland National Park, New Zealand

New Zealand:
The South Island of New Zealand is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, and it's also a great place to visit in the summer.

​The average temperature in July is 53 degrees Fahrenheit, and there are plenty of activities to enjoy, such as hiking, skiing, and whitewater rafting.

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Here are some additional tips for staying cool and beating the heat on your summer vacation:
 
--Avoid the hottest parts of the day. If you can, try to plan your activities for the early morning or evening, when it's cooler outside.
--Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, especially water.
--Wear lightweight, breathable clothing. Avoid wearing heavy, synthetic fabrics, which can trap heat.
--Find shade. If you're outside, find a shady spot to relax in.
--Take a dip in the pool or ocean. Swimming is a great way to cool off on a hot day.
--Use a fan or air conditioner. If you're staying in a hotel or other accommodation, make sure to use the fan or air conditioner to keep cool.

With these tips in mind, you'll be sure to stay cool and beat the heat on your summer vacation. So, enjoy the warm weather, and have fun!