Tired of the Tropical Heat? Consider These Top Destinations

Sipping on fresh coconut water under the heat of the sun is a dream for a lot of people. But if you’re an adventurer at heart, even the image of a tropical paradise will get old at some point.

Are you looking to escape the heat and go somewhere closer to a winter wonderland? Poseidon Expeditions has a lot of recommendations for you to choose from. With a large variety of activities and a professional service, you’re guaranteed to cool off and have the time of your life!

Here are a few places you can visit where the temperatures are low but fun levels are through the roof.

1. Reykjavik, Iceland

You don’t have to wait for winter to enjoy cooler temperatures! Iceland has temperate weather in the summer, with temperatures usually in the mid-70s. This is great because you’ll be able to enjoy cool temperatures while experiencing the gorgeous landscapes and majestic trees of the area.

If you’re planning to include this place as one of your stops, Iceland’s Strokkur Geyser is definitely worth checking out. You could also visit the Blue Lagoon with its healing waters. You’ll find black sands on the area’s beaches, something that you won’t see in the tropics.

Are you a big fan of architecture? You’ll surely appreciate Reykjavík’s impressive buildings, including the Hallgrimskirkja Cathedral.

2. Denali National Park, Alaska, the USA

You don’t have to leave the country just to escape the heat. If you want to go somewhere colder, Alaska deserves a spot on your go-to places.

Denali National Park, specifically, is a top choice for family and camping trips. It’s an amazing place where you can see a lot of wildlife like gray wolves and moose. The view itself makes the trip worth it. But if you truly want to be at one with nature, you can go hiking too!

3. Svalbard Islands, Norway

If you want to get away from the heat during summer, you can’t go wrong with Scandinavian countries. Their location allows them to still be relatively cool no matter the time of the year. And if you’re specifically looking for outdoor activities and adventures, the Svalbard Islands in Norway are worth looking into.

With the amazing views, who would ever want to stay inside? This part of the world is home to many polar bears and other wildlife, such as reindeer and walruses. There are also many great restaurants in the capital of Longyearbyen where you can enjoy authentic local food.

4. Patagonia, Argentina

Winter in July? If you think it’s impossible, think again.

So, if you want to jump straight to winter, Patagonia is the perfect place for you. That’s because right when we’re in the middle of the sweltering summer heat in the United States, it’s winter in Argentina. In July, the temperatures are usually at 35 degrees.

This winter wonderland is highly recommended if you’re a fan of the outdoors. There are countless activities for you to choose from! The mountains in the area are popular skiing destinations.

Patagonia is also home to endless glaciers, the most famous of which is the Perito Moreno Glacier. You’ll be in awe of what Argentina has to offer!

5. Heilongjiang, China

Most famed for its premier ski destination called Yabuli, Heilongjiang gives you as much winter as you can take. Along with experiencing winter eight months of the year, get ready for freezing temperatures of as low as -58 degrees.

Located at 500 meters above sea level in the Changbai mountain, its 35 km of ski runs can accommodate experienced and novice skiers alike. You’ll even have chairlifts and gondolas to help you with your first ski down the mountain.

There are a lot of activities to look out for all year round. But if we have to choose, the Ice and Snow Festival that runs from December to February is our favorite! Ice sculptures and even buildings are truly sights to behold.

6. Lapland, Finland

If you’re taking the whole family, why not visit Santa Claus’s official hometown? The kids will definitely enjoy the Christmas-y vibe (even during summer!) and the Northern Lights. The endless snow in the area will also give you a much-needed break from the heat.

All year-round, you can celebrate winter here by taking part in a plethora of tourist activities or relaxing in luxury accommodation unlike anything else in the world. You can choose between sleeping in a glass igloo and gazing at the Northern Lights or fulfilling your childhood dreams by sleeping in an Arctic treehouse.

Meanwhile, if you’re an avid winter sports enthusiast, you should visit nearby Levi for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or snow biking. You can even gear up in special suits and float around a near-frozen lake. And to complete the magical Christmas experience, you might want to treat the kids to a husky sleigh ride through the forests.

7. Bled, Slovenia

If Switzerland and France are out of your budget, Bled is a great alternative that doesn’t skimp on the beauty. Its medieval castles are sure to enchant you, whether from a distance or up close.

Although it’s best known for cross-country skiing across its enchanting forests and pastures, there’s also room to wind down through its thermal spring pools. You can also go walk or swim by the lake while taking in the view up the slopes or towards the charming island at the center.

No Matter Your Budget, Escaping the Heat Is Easy!

Although a lot of the places we featured on this list are out of the country, you don’t have to break the bank just to enjoy a heat-free summer. The farther you go from the equator, the cooler it will be. From there, simply select destinations fitting your budget.

We hope our list helped give you ideas on where to go next. But if you want a perfectly planned trip, Poseidon Expeditions can arrange polar cruise expeditions for you anytime you want.