Cool-cations are here to stay

Maybe it’s high global temperatures, maybe it’s overcrowding of tourists sites, but destinations with cooler temps & fewer crowds are on the rise again this year.

We’re sharing a few ideas for those who are open to cooler temperatures, and fewer crowds.

• Scandinavia: Consider Norway during the summer to visit the fjords or take an expedition cruise to the Arctic region of Svalbard region to see polar bears. Many families recently have opted for locations like Finland’s Lapland over the holidays instead of the Caribbean to enjoy cooler temps around 50’s and 60’s in the summer or for unique winter excursions like dogsledding, snowshoeing, traditional smoke saunas, ice fishing, and staying in ice hotels!
  

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• Switzerland: was one of our top family summer destinations last summer. With quieter city stays, natural landscapes and cooler summers; it’s a winner. Think: lakes, hikes, charming cities, savory food and good beer/wine! Families enjoyed a chocolate making class, a scenic train ride, and kayaking.   
• Greece: We’ve been chatting with our partners in Greece, and more and more they’re seeing travelers visit in the off-season: between November to March. They’re exploring year-round destinations like Corfu, Crete, Thessaloniki, Zakynthos, and the mainland cities and historical sites. It’s a chance to have a more authentic connection than during the busy summer / island season.
  

     

• Biking, wine tasting and castle visits in the Loire Valley, France in the spring or taking more time in Normandy to visit Mont St Michel, the beaches, and charming towns.
  

            

   

• Maine & Rhode Island: Hike in Acadia National Park, enjoy a lobster boat or sail boat ride around Kennebunkport, stroll through the charming towns like Ogunquit. Hidden Pond offers small cottages and the property feels like adult summer camp. Annie was just there in shoulder season (May) and while it did mist a bit, it was cool and not crowded! We also love Rhode Island for a shoulder-season visit. Clients recently returned to Ocean House for another anniversary trip.
  

        

• Canada: The past few years we’ve seen a big rise in summer visits to Banff and Lake Louise. We’re not saying those locations won’t be crowded but they will be cool. We’ve also planned a few fun roadtrips as well to Victoria Island and Tofino for the nature seekers who enjoy cooler weather. On our radar: we now have special access to luxury lake house rentals in the ‘Hamptons of Canada’.
  

   

   

• Italy: If you’re heart is still set on la Dolce Vita- then skip crowded Amalfi Coast and Lake Como, opt instead for Lake Garda and the Dolomites! Many clients are also using fall breaks and Thanksgiving to visit major Italian cities during less crowded times.
  

       

• Iceland: Chasing the Northern Lights has always been popular, but now summer in Iceland with cool temps and the sun staying out until midnight allows you to pack in even more activities.
  

       

   

• Ireland & Scotland are always lovely in the summers! We especially like May and September for shoulder-season visits and less crowds. Reach out to have your advisor plan an itinerary.
• Flip the season: During North American summers, you can enjoy South Africa’s winter, as well as Australia and New Zealand’s winters activities.