If your ideal July/August vacation does not involve overly-crowded attractions, struggling to find dinner reservations, and sweat dripping down your back, congratulations: you’re my people.
Skip the usual heavy-hitting destinations next year and head somewhere you can actually enjoy exploring without feeling like you’re on the brink of a heat stroke.
Oslo, Norway
If your ideal European vacation involves museums, historic architecture, and a rising culinary scene, you don’t have to roast in Athens.
July and August bring mild temperatures, long daylight hours, and plenty of opportunities to get outside in Oslo. Go for lengthy days, museums, waterfront walks, and summer that feels like summer minus relentless heat.
Reykjavik, Iceland
July and August are prime time for exploring Iceland’s waterfalls, volcanoes, glaciers, black-sand beaches, and geothermal pools. Summer may not deliver the Northern Lights, but it does offer something adorable: peak puffin season.
Stockholm, Sweden
Milan has fashion and design. Stockholm has fashion, design, and fourteen islands connected by bridges and ferries. Spend your summer island-hopping, visiting museums, and lingering over fika without melting into the pavement.
Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn packs plenty of old-world charm into a walkable city. Its medieval Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with cobblestone streets, historic walls, and colorful buildings. Check out Tallinn’s many different viewpoints, parks, and botanical gardens without breaking much of a sweat.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
If your ideal city trip involves grand architecture, incredible food, and vibrant nightlife, skip Madrid and head to Buenos Aires. Winter in Argentina brings ideal temperatures for exploring neighborhoods like Palermo, Recoleta, and San Telmo.
La Paz, Bolivia
Sitting roughly 12,000 feet above sea level, La Paz brings cool, dry winter weather in July and August. Enjoy sunny days, local markets, Andes mountain views, and crisp, chilly nights. Explore the city’s markets and ride the famous cable car in your favorite sweater.
Cusco, Peru
Does your dream destination involve ancient history, mountains, and adventure? July and August are perfect for wandering the city’s Incan and colonial streets, venturing into the Sacred Valley, or checking Machu Picchu off your bucket list. Just make sure you pack a jacket.
Tasmania, Australia
Want to avoid heat altogether? Flip the script and head to Tasmania next summer for rainy days, rugged scenery, wildlife, and wine. Base yourself in Hobart and embrace the cozy in your best rain boots.
The Bottom Line
You don’t have to give up your summer vacation and you definitely don’t have to spend it sweating through your linen clothes. If you’re tired of spending July and August slowly roasting alongside thousands of other tourists, consider this your permission slip to go somewhere cooler next year.