This Summer Calls for a ‘Coolcation’ – Check Out These Chill Destinations

Sick of the heat but don’t want to be left out of the summer and fall travel boom? 

It’s time to consider a “coolcation”, meaning travel to a destination that isn’t affected by the increased temperatures that have been popping up in the more well-traveled destinations. Going off the beaten path to seek out less crowds and a break from the heat is the exact trend we’re excited to see.

Reykjavík, Iceland
The city of Reykjavík is proud to offer its vibrancy, creativity and connection with nature to any and all visitors. There’s no shortage of natural indulgences to take part in. Firstly, this is a lovely place to view the northern lights and many tour companies offer guided viewing experiences. Of course, we absolutely must also mention the Blue Lagoon, just an hour outside of the city. This geothermal attraction has been named one of the 25 Wonders of the World by National Geographic. Wellness and spa enthusiasts, as well as anyone seeking relaxation, visit for the skin-nourishing powers made possible by a rich concentration of minerals. With a sauna, steam room, steam cave, mask bar, massage waterfall, and an in-water beverage bar, the lagoon is rich with possibilities for a uniquely unforgettable adventure. Day passes with varying inclusions are available for pre-booking via your travel advisor.

Once you feel rejuvenated from the lagoon, head out on a whale watching tour of Faxaflói Bay for a chance to spot humpback whales and dolphins. In addition, a variety of tours are available to help you explore nature in harmony, from horseback riding to ATVing. 
Hotel Recommendation:The Retreat at Blue Lagoon

Edinburgh, Scotland
The capital of Scotland brings plenty of excitement and charm. Start your day by walking the Royal Mile, a ‘Scots mile’ long street connecting Edinburgh Castle to the palace of Holyrood House. Endless winding streets sprawled out beneath the famous, awe-inspiring Castle are just the beginning. By day you can admire artworks in galleries and treasured wonders in museums, and by night you can enjoy the local pubs or catch a theater performance.
Multiple festivals take place in August including The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and The Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The Fringe is open to everyone – anyone can put on a show here. You can expect to encounter a vast, sprawling cornucopia of delights, oddities and comedy by strolling around the city during The Fringe. Meanwhile, the prestigious Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo celebrates the skills and talents of military bands, precision drill teams and cultural performers from around the world. The live audience alone is over 200,000 people, and they will attest the cheers, the roar of military jets flying overhead and the fireworks create quite a memorable moment. 
Hotel Recommendation:InterContinental Edinburgh the George

Oslo, Norway
Oslo is a vibrant city with easy access to nature, making it a perfect destination for a variety of travelers including families and nature-seekers. The city boasts world-class museums and a walkable environment, so art, history, and architecture enthusiasts will have plenty to explore. Those looking for notable art should head over to The MUNCH Museum to view Norwegian painter Edvard Munch’s The Scream. Fun Fact: the MUNCH Museum is also one of the world’s largest museums dedicated to a single artist. 
 

Nature and art collide at a variety of sculpture parks across the city. The Vigeland sculpture park at Frogner is home to more than 200 sculptures by the artist Gustav Vigeland, which makes it the world’s largest sculpture park made by a single artist. Just west of the city lies Ekebergparken sculpture park. This is a great stop for panoramic viewsof the city and the Oslofjord. Some of the works here were created by art icons like Renoir, Rodin and Dali. Trams, busses and metros make travel to and from these parks – and other locations across the city – a breeze.
Hotel Recommendation:Radisson Blu Plaza Oslo

Ketchikan, Alaska
Ketchikan is best known for three things: salmon fishing, idyllic scenery, and an incredibly rich Alaska Native culture. It is often referred to as “the beginning of the last frontier” due to its location at the southernmost entrance to Alaska's famed Inside Passage—a network of waterways known for their beauty. Speaking of water, a visit to Ketchikan is not complete without checking out the Misty Fjords National Monument. Flightseeing trips depart from Ketchikan to give passengers aerial views of the stunning landscape. Some flightseeing trips include a lake landing so passengers can get up-close views on a short hike through the forest. If you prefer to see the wonders from ground level, day cruises are available that will let you view Misty Fjords’ stunning waterfalls, sheer cliffs, and wildlife from the comfort of a heated vessel.