After last summer's record-breaking heat, many travelers are turning to cooler climates for this coming summer travel season. There's no doubt that climate change is affecting seasonal weather patterns around the world, and the way we travel reflects that.While beach getaways and European sojourns tend to be the favorites from June through August, travelers who opt for temperate-weather destinations will likely be rewarded with fewer crowds and one-of-a-kind experiences.Which destinations have our attention for a cooler summer season? Read on to discover the top "coolcations" for 2026.South Island, New ZealandRoys Peak near Wanaka, New Zealand.
MATT CHAMPLIN/GETTY IMAGESNot sure where to find a cool-weather summer vacation? Head to where it's winter, of course: the Southern Hemisphere.New Zealand's South Island, for example, combines breathtaking beauty and adventure during the winter. And with an average high temperature of 42 degrees Fahrenheit, it's definitely a coolcation.Skiers can enjoy a year-round ski season on the slopes of the Southern Alps.
For travelers who like to keep things more relaxed, Queenstown, Wanaka and Arrowtown are known for their cozy vibes, with plenty of hearth-warmed taverns and restaurants, hot springs and cute boutiques.TPG tip: Check into the Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. You can find winter rates as low as $128 or 40,000 Hilton Honors points per night.Related: I flew 14 hours on a 'couch' — here's whether Air New Zealand's Skycouch was worth itWhite Mountains, New HampshireHikers make their way up the Piper Trail on Mount Chocorua in New Hampshire. CHRISTOPHER R MAZZA/GETTY IMAGESNew Hampshire's White Mountains offer an East Coast alpine experience, where rugged peaks, lush forests and crystal clear lakes set the scene for a relaxed, cooler summer.Summer is the perfect time to head to the charming mountain towns of North Conway and Lincoln, two anchor villages from which to explore the mountain trails.
Experienced hikers can make the trek up Mount Washington, which rewards visitors with gorgeous views over New England's rolling hills and valleys, while adventure seekers can flex their skills via rock climbing or mountain biking excursions.TPG tip: World of Hyatt's newest glamping property, Under Canvas White Mountains, is set to open in early June. Nightly rates start at $279 or 22,125 World of Hyatt points.Related: Breeze expands New England footprint with 3 routes from New HampshireNewfoundland and LabradorSt. John’s, Newfoundland.
BENKRUT/GETTY IMAGESOur neighbor to the north is always a stunner, no matter the season, but summer in Newfoundland and Labrador is particularly beautiful. The easternmost province of Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador, wows with rugged beauty, from cliffs that plunge into the churning Atlantic to delightful villages steeped in centuries of history and tradition.Coastal villages are a highlight of visiting this part of Canada, especially during summer when festivities are in full swing and more hours of daylight mean more time for exploring. Soak in St.
John's colorful houses or Bonavista's sleepy, laid-back living. Trace the region's rich history as you explore the remnants of an ancient Viking settlement at L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site, then stop at a local pub for live music and fresh seafood.The province also has several national parks, including Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.TPG tip: Stay at the Alt Hotel St. John's (from $270 per night), available on the Chase Travel℠ portal, for harbor views and a top-notch restaurant.Related: 5 small Canadian cities you can use points and miles to visitGrampians (Gariwerd) National Park, AustraliaSunrise at Boroka Lookout in Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park in Australia.
JOHN CRUX PHOTOGRAPHY/GETTY IMAGESAustralia is known for soaring temperatures in its harsh desert interior and tropical rainforests along the northern coast. But the southern part of the country does cool down throughout the winter months of June, July and August — especially if you go up in elevation.That's why Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park in Victoria, about a three-hour drive from Melbourne, is an ideal coolcation spot. The average winter high is 52 degrees Fahrenheit.With hiking trails along mountain ridges dotted with waterfalls, cool-climate wines and art ranging from ancient Indigenous Australian rock art to contemporary galleries, there's plenty to do, taste and see here.
Winter is also the offseason, so there will be fewer crowds to contend with.TPG tip: Accommodations vary from campgrounds to private rentals to hotels. For the last, we recommend the Royal Mail Hotel (from $144 per night), best known for its two restaurants. You can book it through Expedia and earn rewards with the One Key program.AlaskaCreek Street in Ketchikan, Alaska. DORADALTON/GETTY IMAGESAlaska's interior can get fairly warm in the summer, but if you stick to the coast, you'll like
