As record-breaking temperatures continue to blanket New York City this summer, many travelers are trading beach vacations for a different kind of getaway: the “coolcation.”
According to global travel platform Skyscanner, destinations known for cooler temperatures, mountain scenery, and fresh air are seeing growing interest from travelers looking to escape extreme summer heat. From the Rocky Mountains to Iceland’s dramatic landscapes, these destinations offer a refreshing alternative to traditional warm-weather vacations—and many can be enjoyed without breaking the bank.
For travelers looking to spend less than $500 on airfare and accommodations, Denver, Colorado, tops the list. Flights from New York start around $240, while hotel stays begin at approximately $249. The Mile High City offers cooler evenings, outdoor dining, nearby hiking trails, and easy access to Rocky Mountain National Park.
Another popular domestic option is Bozeman, Montana. Flights begin around $350, making it an ideal gateway to Yellowstone National Park and Big Sky Country. While hotel rates are higher, visitors are rewarded with breathtaking mountain views, rivers, and outdoor adventures.
Travelers with a budget under $1,000 have even more options. Nova Scotia offers a scenic coastal escape with flights starting at approximately $527 and hotel stays beginning around $243. Visitors can explore charming fishing villages, rugged coastlines, fresh seafood, and pleasant summer temperatures.
For those dreaming of Europe, Dublin provides an affordable international getaway. Flights from New York start at about $626, with hotel accommodations available from around $270. Beyond Ireland’s famously mild weather, travelers can enjoy historic landmarks, lively pubs, museums, and easy day trips into the countryside.
Those willing to spend up to $1,500 can venture even farther north. Anchorage, Alaska, offers spectacular glaciers, wildlife viewing, hiking, and extended daylight hours during the summer months. Flights start around $469, while accommodations begin at roughly $729.
Another standout destination is Reykjavik, Iceland, where airfare starts at approximately $590 and hotel stays begin around $564. Visitors can experience volcanic landscapes, geothermal hot springs, waterfalls, glaciers, and cool temperatures that provide a welcome break from sweltering city weather.
The pricing is based on four-day, three-night trips departing from New York during August, with airfare and hotel rates researched in late June. Hotel recommendations include properties rated three stars or higher.
As travelers increasingly prioritize comfort alongside adventure, “coolcations” have emerged as one of this summer’s hottest travel trends. Instead of chasing sunshine and soaring temperatures, many vacationers are discovering that cooler climates can offer equally memorable experiences—from mountain hikes and glacier tours to historic cities and rugged coastlines.
For New Yorkers seeking relief from the heat, these destinations prove that sometimes the coolest vacation is literally the coolest one.