Soaring temperatures are making headlines across the globe, with unprecedented heat leading to the rise of the “coolcation” trend – vacationing in places with cooler temperatures.
In Hokkaido, you can beat the heat among its sprawling lavender fields, while in northern Italy and the Swiss Alps, you will enjoy a refreshing breeze as you hike up the mountain ranges. Don’t forget the glacial wonders in New Zealand and mythical terrains in the Scottish Highlands.
Below are seven destinations that are a pleasure to visit even in the height of summer, with plenty of stunning landscapes and cultural experiences to immerse in.
1. Furano, Hokkaido
For lavender fields in full bloom
Furano, the northernmost island of Hokkaido, enjoys temperate weather throughout the year, unlike the rest of Japan which faces searing humidity in the summer. Hokkaido’s capital, Sapporo, and the popular ski destination of Niseko might receive more tourist traffic, but Furano is an equally exciting option between June to September. Fly less than two hours from Tokyo Haneda Airport to Asahikawa Airport where you can get a bus or taxi to Furano.
Experience Furano’s snow-laden landscape transformed into a paradise dotted with expansive flower fields in the summer. Lavender, poppies, irises and lupins come into full bloom in mid-July to August. The star of the show is undoubtedly lavender, which has been cultivated in Hokkaido from the 1940s. Walk through swathes of purple and take in its unmistakable scent at Farm Tomita, Lavender East, and Flower Land Kamifurano, then finish up with the island’s signature lavender soft serve.
2. Hobart, Tasmania
For stunning natural landscapes and cultural experiences
Being the last major land mass before Antarctica, the southernmost state of Tasmania approximately 615km from Melbourne and naturally cooler than other parts of Australia. Separated from the mainland by the Bass Strait, nature takes centre stage in what locals endearingly call “Tassie”, an outdoor lover’s idea of heaven.
Before heading to the mesmerising sea cliffs of the Tasman Peninsula or the stunning coves of Freycinet National Park, it’s wise to spend a few days in Hobart, just about an hour away from Melbourne by plane. The capital of Tasmania is a renowned arts and culture hub, best epitomised by the groundbreaking Museum of Old and New Art (MONA). Time your visit during two festivals: the culinary gathering Taste of Summer held at the Hobart waterfront in December and the intriguing art event Dark Mofo, which unfolds annually in June.
3. Tasman Glacier, New Zealand
For rugged mountains and glacial beauty
A four-hour drive from Christchurch leads you to the breathtaking Southern Alps, a mountain range that straddles New Zealand’s South Island. Marvel at the rugged beauty of this entire region, especially at Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. It’s home to Aoraki/Mount Cook, which at 3,724m high is New Zealand’s tallest peak, as well as the Haupapa/Tasman Glacier, the country’s largest glacier.
Measuring 27km long, the Tasman Glacier is a natural wonder that only began to form in 1974. Trek up to the Tasman Glacier Viewpoint for the best and most easily accessible panorama of this natural phenomenon. For the ultimate experience, book a scenic helicopter tour followed by a hike right on the actual glacier. And for hiking enthusiasts who enjoy their creature comforts, book the Hermitage Hotel, a collection of three types of hotels set in spectacular wilderness.
4. Jungfrau Region, Switzerland
For breathtakingly fresh air in an alpine paradise
When one thinks of Switzerland, luxury watches and snow-capped peaks come to mind. You’ll find both in spades at Interlaken, a 1.5-hour drive or 2-hour train ride from Zürich. This resort town in the Swiss Alps is a choice jumping point to discover the Jungfrau Region, the epitome of an alpine paradise, which boasts myriad natural wonders including a valley with 72 waterfalls and the largest glacier in the Alps. This sweeping landscape was the setting for James Bond and Star Wars movies alike, so it’s a place that deserves more than a cursory pit stop.
Most travellers come with one goal in mind: to reach the peak of Jungfraujoch, which rises 3,454m above sea level. Luckily, there are a multitude of scenic routes, starting with a 15-minute ride on the brand new Eiger Express cable car from Grindelwald to Eiger Glacier station. From here, you can board the Jungfrau Railway, a 100-year-old train that is also the highest in Europe. Once you reach the top, the scenery is sure to take your breath away. But don’t forget to fill your lungs with some of the freshest air on earth.
5. Dolomites, Italy
For an adventurous way to traverse the mountains (via Milan)
Italy is blessed with some of the most cinematic landscapes in the world –
from the living museum that is Rome to the breathtaking beauty of The Dolomites in the north.
The Dolomite Mountains were formed approximately 200 million years ago and is one of the most stunning landscapes in all of Europe. To get there, you can take a domestic flight from Milan to Venice Marco Polo Airport, then go on a two-hour drive or bus journey.
With 19 mountains over 3,048m, the jagged peaks and soaring cliffs in pale grey limestone are a sight to behold. A unique way to explore it in the summer is via ferrata climbing, an assisted route on fixed iron cables attached to the side of the mountain which were created for soldiers during the First World War.
Those looking for a gentler pace of exploration can enjoy endless hiking and cycling trips. An iconic spot to do so is at the Tre Cime di Lavaredo (also called Drei Zinnen), made of three distinctive peaks that many visit on a day hike. Another well-loved destination is Alpe di Siusi, the highest alpine meadow in Europe, and the location for the new COMO Alpina Dolomites. The luxury property allows you to access the UNESCO-protected valley in South Tyrol, including the charming town of Castelrotto at the foot of the mountain.
6. Scottish Highlands, United Kingdom
For luxury train rides across legendary landscapes (via Manchester)
Mountain passes don’t get more majestic than the Scottish Highlands in northwestern Scotland, the largest region of the country covering nearly 25,900km. From London, take a domestic flight to Edinburgh or Glasgow, then drive about three hours to Inverness, the main hub of the Scottish Highlands. From misty hairpin turns to ultra dramatic scenery, the Highlands has a multitude of peaks including Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK. It is also home to the world-famous Loch Ness – mythical ‘monster’ aside, the loch is remarkable for holding more freshwater than all the lakes in Wales and England combined. When visiting Loch Ness, book Foyers Lodge, a boutique hotel built in the 1800s that has been recently restored, offering a great introduction to the majestic vicinity.
It’s easy to craft a Highlands itinerary depending on your interest. If you’re a true-blue outdoors lover, look into exploring The Cairngorms National Park, the largest in the UK. Those passionate about whisky have 47 distilleries to plan their trip around, including Dalmore and Glenmorangie. If you’re looking for a relaxed way to get around, splurge on the Belmond Royal Scotsman, a luxury sleeper train that weaves through this mythical landscape with handsome grand suites and a Dior Spa on board.
7. The Catskills, New York
For rustic camping in a custom airstream
Sometimes you don’t have to travel a thousand miles to get away from it all. Just an hour away from the chaos of the Big Apple is The Catskills, a mountainous region in upstate New York with stunning natural surroundings and deep links to art.
There are no rigid borders when it comes to The Catskills as it’s generally accepted to include parts of Hudson Valley, but a trip there is understood to be an escape outdoors. The tranquil surroundings have long been a haven for artists, musicians and writers. Most notably, it’s the birthplace of the Hudson River School, a mid-19th-century American art movement embodied by landscape painters like Thomas Cole and Frederic Church. Today, you can trace their footsteps along the Hudson River Art Trail, which takes you to spots that inspired these painters.
The best times to visit this camping spot is from May to October, when the weather is cool, sunny but not scorching. A natural immersion by way of hiking, kayaking and fishing is par for the course, but visiting The Catskills today also means dipping into the thriving hotel and dining scene. Head to the vibrant town of Kingston and check into Hotel Kinsley, a boutique hotel set across four historic buildings. For something more quaint, Autocamp Catskills at the rustic campground in Saugertie allows you to sleep in custom airstreams and luxe tents. For a proper mountain experience, choose from the handsome Mohonk Mountain House, a Victorian castle that’s a National Historic Landmark or the distinctive cabins of Eastwind Hotels in the remote Oliverea Valley.
For more information on Singapore Airlines flights to the above destinations, visit the official website.
