Slay the Summer Heat in 2027 on These 5 Coolcation Trips

If your definition of a summer vacation includes getting misted by a waterfall, soaking in geothermal water, and walking on a black-sand beach, Iceland is calling. On the six-day Iceland Summer Escape, you’ll base yourself in Reykjavík and head out to some of the country’s most iconic landscapes without having to assemble a complicated road trip from scratch. Plusl, temps in Iceland rarely get above 70°F even in the summer.

The included Golden Circle tour brings together Þingvellir National Park, the Great Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss, the “Golden Waterfall.” Then you can unwind at the Secret Lagoon, a natural geothermal pool surrounded by the Icelandic countryside. The South Coast adds even more drama, with stops at Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, views of Eyjafjallajökull volcano, and the rugged Reynisfjara black-sand beach.

This is a strong coolcation pick for travelers who want nature to do the entertaining. There are no beach clubs required when the scenery includes geysers, glaciers, volcanic coastlines, and tiny horses. You’ll also have free time in Reykjavík for Icelandic food, colorful streets, museums, and a few more geothermal adventures if you’re not ready to stop soaking.

Best for: Nature lovers, waterfall chasers, and anyone who wants a short trip that still feels wildly far from home.

For a cooler European city break with a serious nature upgrade, look north. The 11-day Denmark, Sweden & Norway trip moves through Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Bergen, blending waterfront neighborhoods, design-forward cities, historic landmarks, and one very memorable fjord cruise.

Start in Copenhagen with a local walking tour, Christiansborg Palace, Nyhavn, and enough Danish pastries to last the rest of your life. In Stockholm, you’ll visit City Hall, the Vasa Museum, and Gamla Stan, the city’s medieval old town. You can also spend your free time trying fika, exploring the art-filled metro stations, or kayaking around the city’s sparkling waterways.

Then comes Bergen, the colorful gateway to Norway’s fjords (and considered one of the rainiest cities in Europe). After a local-guided city tour and a walk through the UNESCO-listed Bryggen wharf, you’ll cruise through the Mostraumen fjord for views of steep cliffs, waterfalls, green hills, and tiny, charming homes. Optional add-ons include a Danish food tour, guided kayaking in Stockholm, and a ride up Bergen’s Ulriken cable car.

Best for: Travelers who want cooler city weather, easy cultural immersion, and a big nature moment without giving up coffee, museums, or excellent pastries.

If you want to earn your summer views, Hike Ireland: Cliffs of Moher & Giant’s Causeway brings the fresh Atlantic air, dramatic landscapes, and rewarding trail days. This nine-day active group trip takes you through Ireland’s wildest scenery, from Killarney National Park and Torc Waterfall to the Cliffs of Moher, Connemara, Slieve League, and Giant’s Causeway.

You’ll hike through Ireland’s oldest national park, walk along cliffs towering more than 700 feet above the Atlantic, cycle the coastal Great Western Greenway, and explore the otherworldly basalt columns of Giant’s Causeway. Along the way, you’ll have time in Dublin, Galway, Sligo, and Belfast, plus plenty of opportunities to refuel with Irish food, live music, and a well-earned pint.

This is a true active trip, with six guided hikes ranging from moderate to difficult, including a four-and-a-half-hour hike along Slieve League. Comfortable hiking shoes, layers, rain gear, and some preparation are a must—especially since the itinerary recommends training at least two months ahead.

Best for: Outdoorsy travelers who want a physically demanding Ireland adventure, cooler summer weather, sea cliffs, cycling routes, and huge natural landscapes.

Want the cooler-weather feeling without giving up big cities, castles, or a packed cultural itinerary? England, Scotland & Ireland gives you 17 days and six cities to explore the UK and Ireland, with plenty of green landscapes and coastal air between the major stops.

You’ll begin in London, then travel to Liverpool via Stratford-upon-Avon and continue through Edinburgh, Belfast, Galway, and Dublin. Along the way, you’ll pass through Lake District National Park, visit Edinburgh Castle, see Giant’s Causeway, explore the Titanic Museum, and stop at the Cliffs of Moher. The route also includes city tours, local history, and the sort of pub nights that make you say you’ll only stay for one and then absolutely do not stay for one.

The built-in variety makes this a great option if your group cannot agree on one travel personality. The history person gets castles and museums. The outdoors person gets the Lake District, cliffs, and optional Scottish Highlands or Aran Islands excursions. The food person gets tea, Guinness, Irish coffee, fish and chips, and a very strong argument for a second breakfast. Summer weather is generally milder than classic hot-weather destinations, but the forecast may have opinions, so layers and a rain jacket are non-negotiable.

Best for: First-time Europe travelers, culture-and-nature people, and anyone who wants one long, story-filled trip instead of choosing between city energy and countryside views.

Coolcations are not about escaping summer altogether. They’re about changing what summer feels like. Instead of planning your day around the hottest hours, you can plan it around a waterfall, a fjord, a trail, a museum, or a cafe where the windows are open and the coffee is still hot.

With EF Ultimate Break, the trip framework is already handled: transportation while you’re on tour, handpicked accommodations, an expert Tour Director, and 24/7 support. You can also add flights and pay for them over time with an interest-free payment plan. That leaves you with the important decisions, like whether your Iceland day needs another hot dog, how much Swiss chocolate you can feasibly bring home, and how many layers are the perfect number of layers.