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12 best ”coolcation“ destinations – Lonely Planet

Small girl with a life jacket on jumps off a diving board into a remote lake while a boy watches from the water. Dense pine trees are visible along the shore.

Who hasn’t dreamed of using up every hour of their PTO to take a fabulous tropical getaway in the summer?

Plenty of us, it turns out. 

If you’re petrified by the idea of sweating in the sun, and prefer a refreshing breeze to humid air, a “coolcation” may be for you. This new trend in travel swaps traditional frolicking in the summer heat for a trip to climates where temperatures stay mild – and even a bit chilly – even at their heights.

Here are our favorite destinations around the world that will delight with their balmy year-round temperatures, no matter which hemisphere you’re in. Just remember to pack a lightweight jacket. 

Coolcation ideas in the northern hemisphere

If you’re based north of the equator and are looking to travel in the same hemisphere, you’ll need to take stock of where summers are less oppressive. Here are some of our favorite spots.

Filled with freshwater swimming spots and natural wonders, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula has a temperate climate even in the peak of summer. Tim Bieber/Getty Images

1. Upper Peninsula, Michigan, USA

The scarf floating above Michigan’s mainland mitten, the Upper Peninsula is surrounded by the Great Lakes, whose immense size keeps things temperate year round, with summer days hovering in the mid-70°s F (mid-20°s C). A well-loved outdoor haven, the UP is home to Isle Royale National Park (one of the least-visited reserves in the National Park Service’s portfolio) and Pictured Rocks National Seashore, both of which beckon with their cool, clear waters. Mackinac (pronounced MACK-in-awe) Island also makes for a great coolcation destination: 80% of the island is a protected state park and cars aren’t allowed anywhere. Opt for a bike or horse taxi instead. 

Dappled light hits a wide passageway on a tree-lined street in Condesa, Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico City’s high altitude means an evenly delightful climate all year long. Dan McKenzie-Cossou/Shutterstock

2. Mexico City, Mexico 

Mexico’s sprawling capital sits along the country’s high-elevation spine at 7349ft (2240m) above sea level, making it a perfect summer-getaway destination – without the heat. (Temperatures hover around the mid-70°s / mid-20°s C during the warmest part of the year.) You may have to dodge a summer rain shower or two, yet CDMX rewards you with world-class museums and culinary treats. Delve into pre-Columbian history at the Museo Nacional de Antropología, peruse exquisite Mexican folk at Museo de Arte Popular and top it all off with a food tour or a dinner splurge at an iconic CDMX restaurant like

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