7 cool destinations to beat the heat
Forget the beach—chasing cooler climates is the hottest trend in travel. Think Paris’s river cruises, London’s famous parks, and Tokyo’s rooftop bars for fresh takes on summer getaways
Thanks to heat waves and high-season price hikes, more and more savvy travelers are eschewing the traditional beach break this summer and instead seeking out a “coolcation” to beat the heat. Whether it’s taking a dip in urban outdoor pools, hopping from one fascinating air-conditioned museum to the next, or chasing the snow to Andean ski towns, here’s where to swerve the hot spots and discover a fresh approach to the classic summer vacation.
Airy art galleries and sunrise sights in Paris
When Paris sizzles, there are plenty of places to escape the heat, from fountain-filled parks and air-conditioned art museums to the delicious cool of stepping inside the city’s beautiful churches and cathedrals (the most famous of which, Notre-Dame, reopened in December). A sunrise sightseeing running tour is another way to beat the heat, but more relaxing are the Paris Plages, which are mini man-made “beaches” that pop up along the banks of the Seine complete with deck chairs, sand-filled pétanque courts, and even urban swimming areas. Still sweltering? Check in at the pretty, botanical-themed hotel La Fantaisie, whose basement spa includes a bathing circuit with a cold-plunge pool and crushed ice.
A double scoop of New England summertime
Boston is a dreamy summer city: lobster feasts on restaurant patios, cruises on the harbor, paddling on the Charles River, admiring art at the Venetian-style Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. But nothing says the sun’s out like ice cream, and Boston’s temple to the frozen sweet stuff opened in the Seaport District in December. Here, the Museum of Ice Cream is a sugar rush of games and fun facts, with a hall of freezers and a giant sprinkle pool—plus there’s unlimited ice cream to scoff while you’re at it. Defrost at the nearby Boston Harbor Hotel, which hosts its “Summer in the City” series of live music and alfresco dining right on the waterfront June through August.
Skip the crowds and see a cooler side to Sydney
Sydney’s mild winters make for an unexpectedly great time to visit, with fewer crowds and cheaper prices. July marks Australia’s winter school break, too, when outdoor ice rinks and family-friendly festivals pop up around the city—don’t miss Darling Harbour’s Winterfest. May through November is also whale-watching season off Sydney’s shores, so grab some binoculars and head to Barrenjoey Lighthouse or hop on a guided cruise to see humpbacks migrating along the New South Wales coast. Back on shore, the recently opened Ace Hotel Sydney in Surry Hills is a different kind of cool, with its rooftop restaurant Kiln and inclusive “Artist in Residence” program providing space for a diverse range of artists to create and exhibit their work.
Wine and winter sports in Argentina
The beautiful valleys of Mendoza might be best known for smooth, juicy Malbecs, but when winter hits the Southern Hemisphere in July and August, skiing trumps vineyard tours as the prime attraction. Powder hounds can chase the snow to Las Leñas, which has slopes for beginners to pros, from wide-open runs to acres of legendary backcountry terrain. To warm up, head north to the hot springs at Cacheuta. The affordable Termas Cacheuta water park has a host of pools, while the smarter thermal spa adds mud baths and massages to the mix. Continue the relaxing experience at vineyard hotel Casa de Uco where sleek suites offer Andes views, and book a wine-infused treatment in the spa.
Festival fun on Ireland’s West Coast
Sure, balmy temperatures might not be guaranteed—but there’ll always be a warm welcome in the Irish city of Galway. Summer is festival time, and July kicks off with movie premieres at the Galway Film Fleadh (July 8–13) followed by the Galway International Arts Festival (July 14–27) with big-name concerts, thought-provoking theater, street acrobatics and stand-up comedy. After a night having the craic in the city’s pubs, shake off the morning fog and follow the locals plunging off the Blackrock Diving Tower into the chilly Atlantic water, or funky hotel The Dean Galway has a balmier hydrotherapy pool. This good-time city is also at the heart of the Wild Atlantic Way, a bucket-list road trip route weaving 1,600 miles along Ireland’s beautifully rugged West Coast.
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Make a splash in the British capital
The secret to a dreamy summer’s day in London lies in its many outdoor swimming spots dotted in parks around the city. Dive in at the Serpentine Lido, a manmade lake in Hyde Park, and clock up the lengths with ducks bobbing alongside; its changing facilities, sun terrace and café make cooling off a breeze. From there, it’s a short walk to the Design Museum to continue the watery theme with the exhibition “Splash! A Century of Swimming and Style” (until August 17). Even more iconic are the wild-swimming ponds at Hampstead Heath, segregated into ladies’, men’s and mixed—and chilly year-round. If you prefer your breaststroke heated, head east to London Fields Lido, or stay over at The Berkeley in Knightsbridge, where the rooftop pool is surrounded by chic striped loungers.
After-dark delights in Tokyo
Summer days in Tokyo are hot and humid, but that doesn’t mean this is a time of year to swerve. Some of the biggest matsuri (festivals) take place in July and August, giving a unique insight into Japanese culture. Stay cool by snacking on kakigōri (shaved ice flavored with syrup) or joining a fan-painting workshop. After dark, the city comes back to life—the perfect time to head to a rooftop terrace. The most dazzling panoramic views are to be had 750 feet above the streets at the Shibuya Sky observation deck. And over at The Tokyo Edition, Ginza, the plant-filled rooftop houses the hotel’s natural wine bar serving biodynamic champagne with views of Tokyo Tower.
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Fiona Kerr is a food-loving travel journalist and former features director at Condé Nast Traveller. Her writing has appeared in The Guardian, The Telegraph, Elle Decoration and the The New York Times. When she gets to a new country, her first stop is usually the local supermarket.
