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Escaping the Summer Heat: 5 Cold Countries for Your Next Vacation

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Summer Heat

Are you tired of sweltering summer temperatures? Imagine trading that sticky heat for crisp mountain air or refreshing sea breezes.

If you're looking to beat the heat this summer, we've got just the ticket. Let's explore five cold countries that offer the perfect escape from those scorching days.

Table of Contents

  1. Iceland
  2. Norway
  3. Greenland
  4. Chile
  5. New Zealand
  6. Travel Tips for Cold Country Vacations

Cold Country 1: Iceland

Iceland 1

Iceland's otherworldly landscapes make it a top pick for summer travelers seeking cooler climes.

Even in July and August, temperatures rarely climb above 15°C (59°F), offering a refreshing break from the heat.

Southern Coast

Iceland Cold Country to Vacation to Beat Summer Heat 2

Start your Icelandic adventure along the stunning southern coast.

Visit Vik, a charming seaside village known for its black sand beaches and towering sea stacks.

Skogafoss waterfall

Don't miss Skogafoss, one of Iceland's most impressive waterfalls. The mist from its thundering cascade provides instant relief on warmer days.

Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Iceland Cold Country to Vacation to Beat Summer Heat 3

Often called "Iceland in miniature," this western peninsula packs diverse attractions into a compact area.

Marvel at Kirkjufell, perhaps the most photographed mountain in Iceland.

Djúpalónssandur

Stroll along Djúpalónssandur, a hauntingly beautiful black pebble beach framed by towering cliffs.

Cold Country 2: Norway

Norway

Norway's summer offers a unique combination of cool temperatures and endless daylight, thanks to the midnight sun phenomenon.

Lofoten Islands

Norway Cold Country to Vacation to Beat Summer Heat 1

These stunning islands boast jagged peaks rising dramatically from the sea.

Explore picturesque fishing villages like Reine, where colorful houses reflect in crystal-clear waters.

Hike to secluded beaches or try your hand at surfing in the Arctic waters – with a thick wetsuit, of course!

Svalbard

Norway Cold Country to Vacation to Beat Summer Heat 3

For the ultimate Arctic experience, head to this remote archipelago.

Polar bears, midnight sun in Svalbard

Summer temperatures hover around 5°C (41°F), perfect for spotting polar bears on ice floes or kayaking past massive glaciers.

The eerie glow of the midnight sun adds a magical touch to your adventures.

Cold Country 3: Greenland

Greenland

Greenland offers an escape to a world dominated by ice, where summer temperatures rarely exceed 10°C (50°F).

Ilulissat Icefjord

Ilulissat Icefjord Cold Country to Vacation to Beat Summer Heat

This UNESCO World Heritage site is a must-see.

Watch in awe as house-sized chunks of ice calve from the glacier and drift out to sea.

Take a midnight cruise among the icebergs, their shapes glowing surreally in the endless Arctic daylight.

Disko Bay

Humpback Whale in Disko Bay, Greenland

 

Explore this vast bay by kayak, weaving between towering icebergs.

Keep your eyes peeled for whales – humpbacks and fin whales are common summer visitors.

Greenland Cold Country to Vacation to Beat Summer Heat 2

Visit the colorful town of Ilulissat, where sled dogs outnumber people and Inuit culture thrives.

Cold Country 4: Chile

Chile

While parts of Chile sizzle in summer, its southern regions offer a cool reprieve amid breathtaking scenery.

Torres del Paine National Park

Chile Torres Del Paine National Park

Hike among the iconic granite towers that give this park its name.

Summer (which is winter in the Southern Hemisphere) brings crisp days perfect for trekking, with temperatures around 5°C (41°F).

Guanacos at Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

Spot Guanacos grazing on windswept plains and condors soaring overhead.

Chilean Fjords

Chilean Fjords

Cruise through a maze of islands, channels, and fjords in this pristine wilderness.

Wrap up warm as you sail past towering glaciers and mist-shrouded mountains.

Magellanic penguins and albatrosses at Chile

Keep an eye out for playful Magellanic penguins and graceful Albatrosses.

Cold Country 5: New Zealand

New Zealand

New Zealand's South Island transforms into a snow-covered paradise during the Northern Hemisphere's summer months.

Fiordland National Park

Fiordland National Park

Explore the dramatic landscapes of Milford Sound, where waterfalls cascade down sheer cliff faces into dark, mirror-like waters.

Take a scenic flight for a bird's-eye view of this magnificent wilderness dusted with winter snow.

Mount Cook National Park

Mount Cook National Park

Home to New Zealand's highest peak, this park offers world-class winter sports and stargazing.

Strap on snowshoes for a hike through silent, snow-covered valleys, or try your hand at ice climbing.

Mount Cook National Park midnight view

On clear nights, the lack of light pollution reveals a dazzling array of stars.

Travel Tips for Cold Country Vacations

Travel Tips for Cold Country Vacations

  1. Pack layers: Temperatures can vary widely, even in summer.
  2. Don't forget sun protection: The sun can be intense, especially reflected off snow and ice.
  3. Book in advance: Popular destinations can fill up quickly during peak summer months.
  4. Check daylight hours: In far northern destinations, nearly constant daylight can affect sleep patterns.
  5. Embrace the local culture: Each destination offers unique traditions and cuisines – dive in and explore!

Cold Country to Vacation to Beat Summer Heat

Whether you're seeking dramatic landscapes, unique wildlife encounters, or simply a break from the heat, these cold countries offer unforgettable summer experiences.

So swap your swimsuit for a sweater, and embark on a cool adventure you'll never forget.

Your perfect summer escape awaits in these chilly corners of the world!

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