As a redhead, the sun is not my friend, so I have been escaping it since childhood. However, with climate change, heat advisories, and severe summer storms, many clients also want to know where to avoid sun and sand. When Summer cranks up the heat like it’s trying to grill us all medium-well, the only sane response is escape. Flee the scorching sidewalks and overworked AC units. Say ciao to humidity hair and hello to crisp mountain air, coastal breezes, and sweater-worthy evenings. Whether you’re honeymooning, rekindling a spark, looking for a place the kiddos will love, or just craving an actual cool-down, these dreamy destinations are chill in all the best ways.
🇨🇦 Banff & Lake Louise, Canada
Mountains, turquoise lakes, and a breeze that whispers, “Don’t worry, I got you.” The Canadian Rockies are the definition of alpine romance. July highs rarely exceed 75°F, and the long summer days are perfect for hiking to hidden waterfalls, paddleboarding on mirror-still lakes, or cozying up by the fire at a luxe lodge.
Where to Stay: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise—because you deserve to wake up to a glacier view.
🇳🇴 Norway
You haven’t truly summered until you’ve cruised through the fjords, stood in awe beneath midnight sun skies, or wandered a postcard-perfect fishing village where the air is so clean it’s practically therapy. Norway’s coastal breezes, crisp mountain air, and highs in the low 70s°F (low 20s°C) make it a natural summer sanctuary. From scenic train rides and fairytale stave churches to dramatic waterfalls and Viking history—this is a destination where romance feels epic.
Where to Stay: Sommerro—where old-world charm meets fjordside fantasy.
🛳️🇺🇸 An Alaskan Cruise
We’ve been trying to do an Alaskan cruise for years now. We had a Disney Alaskan cruise scheduled for June 2020; you can probably guess how that plan ended. Now that my sons are older, they have zero interest in Alaska. Guess my hubby, and I will have to put Alaska on the back burner until Jonny goes to college.
Imagine sipping champagne on your private balcony as glaciers pass, bald eagles soar overhead, and the air is so fresh it could practically exfoliate your soul. Alaska’s summer highs rarely go above 65°F, making it the perfect floating refuge from the inferno back home. Think whale watching, midnight sun strolls, helicopter rides to ice fields, and toasty evenings in the spa while the wilderness rolls by.
Pro Tip: Choose a smaller, luxe cruise line like Seabourn, Silversea, or Explora Journeys for an intimate, romantic experience.
🇮🇸 Iceland
I adore Iceland and have been lucky to visit four times but haven’t been there for the Northern Lights. For couples who bond over glaciers and geysers, Iceland is pure magic. Summer temps hover around 50–60°F, and the midnight sun gives you hours to explore volcanoes, black sand beaches, and steaming hot springs. It’s Mother Nature’s version of a fantasy novel.
Where to Stay: The Retreat at Blue Lagoon—seriously, it’s a geothermal dream.
🇫🇮 Finnish Lapland
Snow in summer? Not quite—but how about crisp forest air, wildflower-covered meadows, and glass igloos built for watching the northern sky swirl with color? Lapland is serenity in its purest form, and yes, reindeer sightings are 100% a thing. Lapland is number two on my bucket list, right behind the Red Sea and before Egypt.
Where to Stay: Arctic TreeHouse Hotel—for that Scandi-chic, storybook vibe.
🇳🇿 New Zealand
When it’s summer up here, it’s winter down there. Swap your sweaty city blues for snowy mountains, hot chocolate, and fireside snuggles. Queenstown is your base for adventure and romance, whether skiing, wine tasting, or soaking in a hot tub under the stars.
Where to Stay: Rosewood Cape Kidnappers for breathtaking coastal views and cuddly winter luxe.
🇯🇵 Hokkaido, Japan
Skip Tokyo’s swelter and head north to Hokkaido, where summer days are pleasantly mild and the lavender fields bloom. Think steaming onsen baths, alpine flower gardens, and bowls of soul-warming miso ramen. Yes, please.
Where to Stay: Zaborin Ryokan—a hidden gem with private outdoor hot springs and serious honeymooner appeal.
🇺🇸 Pacific Northwest, USA
Portland, Seattle, the San Juan Islands… this corner of the U.S. stays delightful temperate all summer. Explore misty coastlines, sip your way through wine country, and take a road trip through old-growth forests. Think of cozy coastal cabins and moody, romantic vibes.
Where to Stay: The Allison Inn & Spa in Oregon’s Willamette Valley—wine and wellness, anyone?
🇨🇭 Zermatt, Switzerland
High-altitude elegance with a side of fondue. Zermatt gives you Matterhorn views, glacier skiing (even in summer!), and the kind of crisp mountain air that makes you feel alive. Whether hiking wildflower trails or sipping Aperol spritzes at altitude, Zermatt cools things down the chicest way. I went to school in Switzerland, and I promise you can never spend too much time in Zermatt!
Where to Stay: CERVO Mountain Resort—a cool mix of alpine tradition and modern design.
You don’t have to suffer through sweltering heat just because the calendar says summer. Your love story deserves a cool breeze, a shady hideaway, and maybe even a mountain-top kiss. Let’s plan the trip that refreshes your soul (and body temp). 😎💙
Ready to trade sweat for serenity? I’ve got just the place. Let’s escape together.
