Get away in the summer without the heat

Collaborative post by another author.

Sometimes, it feels like the only way to survive summer is by hugging the air conditioner or aimlessly wandering the freezer aisle at the supermarket.

If the thought of sunscreen sliding off your face makes you wince, it might be time to consider a cooler kind of getaway. From glacier hikes to breezy coastal strolls, these destinations offer the kind of summer you’ll actually enjoy. And whether you’re dreaming of Icelandic breezes or crisp mornings in southern Australia, Ontrailvisa.co.uk makes it easy to get your travel plans in motion.

Iceland

Let’s start with Iceland, a country where summer means chilly breezes, jaw dropping views and light jumpers. Yes, you read that right; a jumper in summer!

Daytime temperatures rarely go above 15 to 20°C and the coastal breeze keeps everything feeling crisp and refreshing (Iceland is, after all, an island). You can expect dramatic fjords, wildflower-covered meadows and even glaciers.

It’s an ideal destination for anyone up for a bit of hiking and open to being properly awestruck by nature. If you time it right, you might even catch the famous northern lights towards the end of the season.

Poland

If you’re after somewhere closer to home and also want to escape the heat, Poland should be on your radar.

In the north of the country, cities like Gdansk and Sopot benefit from the cool Baltic Sea breezes and rarely go above 25°C. Even better, you can pair your sandy beach trip with a stroll around the historic town centre, a visit to the local art gallery or a nice pint of beer at a local pub.

Not a beach person? Head inland to the Masurian Lake District, a region with over 2,000 lakes formed by glacial melt. It’s perfect for boating, wild swimming or just sitting by the water doing very little at all. An idyllic summer vacation for those who avoid heat.

Further south and partially on the border with Slovakia, Zakopane offers cooler air and Alpine-style views (without the Swiss price tag!). Walk the forest trails, take the funicular up Mount Gubałówka, and finish the day with a hearty bowl of zurek and some pierogi in a rustic tavern.

Chile

If you're looking to flip the seasons entirely, Chile is one of the most dramatic and diverse places to cool down. After all, the southern hemisphere experiences their ‘winter’ during our summer.

The southern part of Chile, especially Patagonia, stays blissfully mild, with temperatures rarely climbing above 20°C, even in July and August.

In Torres del Paine National Park, you’ll find landscapes full of jagged peaks, turquoise lakes and wildflower dotted plains, while from Puerto Natales, you can head out on glacier treks or boat trips to see Serrano Glacier. On Magdalena Island, local penguins waddle around like they own the place (and to be fair, they kind of do).

South Africa

While Africa might conjure images of blazing heat and endless deserts, South Africa is a different story. Tucked away at the very bottom of the continent, it enjoys a much milder and cooler climate than many of it's neighbours, especially in our Summer months.

There’s loads to do in ‘The Rainbow Nation’, like strolling the V&A Waterfront, hiking up Table Mountain, or heading to the Cape of Good Hope for coastal views that make you feel like you’ve reached the edge of the world.

You can mix in a safari, sample some of the world’s best wines and actually enjoy the outdoors without constantly searching for shade. We’d call that a win.

Australia

It’s no secret that Brits love Australia, over 620,000 of us visited in 2024. But instead of heading for the heat, try going south, where the summers are cooler and the landscapes just as striking.

While the northern half of the country sees temps soar into the 40s, places like Victoria and Tasmania stay refreshingly cool, with daytime temperatures in Melbourne and Hobart sitting around a very manageable 10 to 15°C in June to August.

Melbourne consistently ranks as one of the world’s most liveable cities (seven times in a row, in fact). It’s packed with character, from it's famous laneways filled with murals to its cafe culture that takes coffee seriously. Melbourne once had more cafes per person than any other city in the world.

Just outside the city, the Dandenong Ranges offer forest walks and waterfalls with barely another person in sight. For wildlife lovers, Phillip Island is a must, with its colonies of penguins and sea lions dotted along the coast.

Further along, the Great Ocean Road offers one of the most spectacular coastal drives you’ll find anywhere. You’ll pass the towering limestone stacks of the Twelve Apostles, spot kangaroos in open fields, and if you’re lucky, even see snow in the hills near the New South Wales border.


Wherever you wander, don’t sweat it; the world’s coolest adventures are only a flight (or two) away.