Many people think of vacations as a chance to go somewhere sunny – but if you already live somewhere hot, it makes more sense to head to a cooler destination to beat the heat. This is especially true for seniors, who often find it extra difficult to cope with high temperatures. The good news is there are plenty of options if you’re looking for mild weather, even in the height of summer.
1. Iceland
One of the first places that likely comes to mind when you think of cold destinations is Iceland – due to its name. Whereas you will encounter plenty of snow and ice in the winter, summer temperatures are comfortable, averaging around 50 F and only reaching a maximum of around 68 F. This is definitely a place to consider if you enjoy hiking or you want to see natural wonders like lava fields, geysers, and volcanoes. Plus, visiting Iceland in the summer gives you the unique experience of almost 24 hours of sunlight.
2. Norway
For more midnight sun, visit Norway. The top activity for a summer vacation has to be a trip to the fjords, which are ideal for hiking or (for the less active) a cruise. You may even spot whales and dolphins. You should also consider taking the Flåm Railway, which is 12.4 miles of spectacular views. Train enthusiasts will be excited by the engineering, as the route features one of the steepest ascents of any railway. Alternatively, you may like to take a road trip (summer is ideal for the favorable conditions), which will give you the chance to explore the many small villages.
3. Canada
Some parts of Canada never heat up, no matter the time of year. A couple examples include Banff National Park (ideal if you want mountains and wildlife) and St. John’s in Newfoundland, where you can enjoy a city break as well as walking trails. You may also like to venture out to Yukon, which has many things in common with Alaska, including glaciers, hot springs, and beautiful lakes.
4. Scotland
Since it’s never particularly warm in Scotland, summer is the best time to visit. The long days are perfect for enjoying the scenery until late — perhaps from a pub where you can enjoy a beer or whisky. If you rent a car, you’ll be able to explore castles, lochs, and isles. Alternatively, you may like to spend all your time in one of the cities. For instance, Edinburgh holds the largest arts festival in the world in the summer and is packed with places of cultural interest.
5. Latvia
The Baltic countries are all good options for beating the summer heat, but Latvia stands out due to its stunning scenery, including its coastline. It’s also a great destination for anyone interested in architecture due to the numerous buildings in art nouveau style, particularly in Riga. You should also visit Kuldīga, which has a completely different vibe: the town features cobbled streets and timber houses dating back to the 17th century.
6. Denmark
One more possible option for a European getaway is Denmark. For instance, the mild temperatures are ideal for exploring everything Copenhagen has to offer — from parks and gardens to colorful townhouses and the Little Mermaid statue. Denmark is also a great beach destination, especially if you want to enjoy the sands without baking in the sun.
7. New Zealand
An alternative strategy is to head to the southern hemisphere, where it’s winter rather than summer. One possibility is New Zealand — a great option for its numerous tour operators, including some specifically aimed at seniors. The country is one of the best destinations for stargazing in the world due to the lack of light pollution, with the skies being particularly clear in the winter. Other activities to consider include whale watching, hot pools, and numerous museums.
8. Argentina
Another good option in the southern hemisphere is Argentina. If you want mild temperatures, consider the wine region of Mendoza or the capital of Buenos Aires, with its fascinating architecture. If you’re looking for colder temperatures, head all the way down to Patagonia to hike in the snow-covered mountains.
9. South Africa
Winter in South Africa is the perfect time to take a safari. Whereas the summer is uncomfortably hot, winter temperatures only reach around 70 F. Plus, the weather is dry, which means the animals are concentrated around water holes, which makes sighting them easier. Make sure you also leave enough time to visit Cape Town, including a trip up Table Mountain for panoramic views and Boulders Beach to see the penguins.
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