Swap Soaring Heat for the Chill of a ‘Coolcation’

I'll always choose cozy sweater weather over stifling heat and humidity—especially in the summer, when my Midwestern hometown feels like a sauna. While my friends flock to sun-soaked beaches or Caribbean cruises, I seek out cold-weather destinations where I can zip up a fleece and enjoy cool, crisp air.

Could I have been an accidental trendsetter? What’s been my go-to for years—escaping the heat to find cooler spots—has now caught fire as the “coolcation.” The trend is exactly what it sounds like: a vacation to a cooler climate. Not only does it offer relief from soaring summer temperatures, but it also places you in stunning locales, far from the sweaty chaos of crowded tourist hotspots.

Here are four of my favorite coolcation destinations.

Iceland

Average summer high: 50–55°F

“Ice” is woven into this country’s very name. Yet Iceland’s diverse landscapes stretch far beyond its frosty moniker: volcanic black-sand beaches, snow-covered mountain peaks, fjords, glacier lakes, thundering waterfalls, vast lava fields, and geothermal springs.

Visiting Iceland in June, when daylight lasts until nearly 10 pm, remains one of my most unforgettable journeys. I began in Reykjavík, a quirky capital city pulsing with artistic energy, before driving the Ring Road, an 825-mile loop encircling the island. Each day brought new adventures, from the sharp crunch of my crampons on Vatnajökull Glacier’s ancient ice, to the thrill of spotting puffins on the windswept cliffs of the Westman Islands.

My favorite spot is the Westfjords, a secluded setting that’s home to Iceland’s crown jewel: Dynjandi, its largest and most awe-inspiring waterfall, cascading some 328 feet.

AAA tip: Want someone else to handle the driving? Traflagar and Tauck offer guided tours of Iceland.

Scotland

Average summer high: 52–64°F

Scotland is a land where legends come alive. From ancient castles steeped in history to the enchanting Jacobite Steam Train—straight out of a Harry Potter fantasy—it offers a world of wonder set within dramatic landscapes.

My family spent a few weeks exploring in summer, beginning and ending in Edinburgh, where highlights included attending The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and Edinburgh Festival Fringe, annual spectacles that showcase the rich history and creative spirit of Scotland. Yet, the heart of this nation lies in the Scottish Highlands—a region many consider the “real” Scotland. Rugged mountains, misty glens, and remote lochs created a captivating playground, where we met the shaggy Highland cows, Scotland’s iconic ambassadors, and witnessed incredible feats of strength at a local Highland Games. On the Isle of Skye, we spent four nights in a private cottage on the grounds of Dunvegan Castle—a fairy tale come to life. 

While movies and shows such as Braveheart, Outlander, and the Harry Potter franchise have increased Scotland’s allure, escaping the crowds in the Highlands lets you experience its raw beauty.

AAA tip: CIE Tours offers guided vacations that bundle the best of Scotland.

The Canadian Rockies

Average summer high: 66–73°F

The vivid, otherworldly blue of Banff's glacial lakes is permanently etched into my memory—a striking vision no photo can fully capture. 

My husband and I spent a week exploring Canada’s Banff National Park, just 80 miles from Calgary. We began by escaping the Instagram crowds, hiking six miles to the remote Shadow Lake Lodge, tucked deep within the park. With spotty cell service and nature all around, we had this serene, forested retreat nearly to ourselves.

For the remainder or our trip, we indulged in luxury at the AAA Four Diamond Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, located directly on Banff’s most famous glacial lake. Highlights included a sunrise kayak on the lake, local hikes, fine dining, and a daytrip drive along the Icefields Parkway—one of the world’s most breathtaking routes, winding through the Canadian Rockies and past more than 100 glaciers, including the Athabasca Glacier.

AAA tip: Tour the Canadian Rockies aboard the luxurious, glass-dome Rocky Mountaineer.

Norway

Average summer high: 54–64°F

If you’ve seen the Disney film Frozen, the fictional fjord setting of Arendelle might feel strikingly familiar to Norway’s real-life landscapes. It certainly did for me.

My mother and I traced our Norwegian roots with a late summer trip, basing ourselves in the charming seaport city of Bergen. Famous for its vibrant wooden buildings lining the historic Bryggen Wharf and nestled between seven mountains, Bergen was our gateway to Norway’s majestic fjords.

We joined organized excursions to the fjords of Sognefjorden, Hardangerfjorden, and Osterfjorden, where towering cliffs and glassy waters left us in awe. We also spent a night in Flåm, a quaint village said to have inspired Arendelle, and rode the famous Flåm Railway, ranked by National Geographic Traveler as one of Europe’s top 10 train journeys. Along the way, we indulged in the freshest seafood, savored reindeer burgers, and picked up thick-knit Norwegian sweaters and scarves—now staples on chilly days back home.

AAA tip: Explore Norway aboard a Hurtigruten cruise, with its fleet of smaller expedition-style ships. You’ll access charming towns off the beaten path that larger vessels can’t reach.

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My coolcation bucket list doesn’t end there, of course. Other coolcation destinations on my list: Alaska, New Zealand, Chile, and Antarctica. The world offers endless cool destinations—perfect for travelers like me who want to leave their vacation feeling refreshed, not roasted.