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Avoid sunburn this year and head off on a coolcation
Not everyone wants to post pictures of hot dog legs on the beach. Not everyone wants to lie in the sun all day and tan, tan, tan. For some of us, it’s all about cooler locations with cooler temperatures, and some cool things to do.
So it’s no surprise that the holiday trend “coolcation” is having a moment right now. And we’re here for it. A coolcation is all about ignoring the usual holiday tropes and heading off to explore somewhere new without the stifling temperatures.
Fancy it this year? Here are four destinations to get you thinking.
Explore Nordic fjords and Viking history
Make the short hop to Scandinavia and explore the best of nature with a trip to Norway. The country is home to over 1,000 fjords all promising dramatic expanses of water, towering cliffs and rugged waterfalls. And the best way to explore them? Get out on the water of course.
Some of the most famous fjords in Norway to discover include the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord, as well as the iconic Sognefjord and the scenic Hardangerfjord. You can jump on a guided tour boat to take in the majesty of these places or test yourself against the elements on a kayak.
And to get a little history lesson on your trip to Norway too, it’s time to delve into the time of the Vikings. Options to learn about the Vikings include Viking Planet and the Historical Museum in Oslo, a road trip to Vestfold, and the chance to ride a Viking ship in Tønsberg harbour.
Sample food and French culture in Quebec
Fly from Heathrow to Quebec, with a short stop in Montreal, to experience the beauty and culture of this French Canadian city.
Overlooked by the beautiful Chateau Frontenac, historic Quebec feels like something that’s straight out of a fairytale. Head straight to Old Quebec (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) to experience the boutiques and bistros in Quartier Petit-Champlain. If you hop on the funicular you can travel up to Chateau Frontenac to take in the sweeping views across the city. Head out onto the water to try and spot whales, take a stroll around Montmorency Park, and don’t miss the epic Montmorency Falls.
No trip to Quebec would be complete without sampling the iconic dish, poutine, in a microbrewery. Enjoy!
Enjoy a cool summer city break in Stockholm
Ignore the stereotypical beach holiday this summer and instead make the trip to Stockholm. The Swedish capital is brimming with things to do and is the perfect summer city break destination. You can expect temperatures between 13°C and 21°C in August, ideal for stretching your legs and exploring the city.
Take your time discovering the delights of Gamla Stan – the historic Old Town, with its cobbled streets and medieval architecture – before delving into the city’s many museums. Some of our favourites include the Vasa Museum with its 17th-century warship, The Nationalmuseum and the ABBA Museum. Don’t miss the Royal Palace and the street art across the city’s many subway stations including T-Centralen, Solna Centrum, Kungsträdgården, and Rådhuset stations.
And once you’re done with the city, head to the Stockholm archipelago to relax by the water and explore the area on a kayak.
Experience another side of South America with a trip to Patagonia
When you think of South America a few things spring to mind. We’re talking about football on the beach in Brazil, hiking the Inca Trail and exploring beneath the ocean on a scuba diving adventure. But you can go on a coolcation too.
Patagonia spans across both Argentina and Chile and encompasses the vast southernmost tip of South America. It’s a land of glaciers, lakes, mountains, fjords and indigenous wildlife – there are even pumas in the wild here. The best way to explore the region is by booking a tour with an experienced guide, whether you want to go trekking or just see the sights.
Some of the top places to experience here include hiking in Torres del Paine National Park, discovering the wildlife on Península Valdés, spotting penguins at Punta Tombo, and trekking around El Chaltén – the trekking and rock climbing capital of Argentina.
Where ever you holiday this year. Make your way to the Heathrow with Heathrow Express
This year, it’s time to step away from the bog-standard holiday destinations and experience something new with a coolcation.
And as we’re keeping things cool, calm and collected, that goes for your transport to Heathrow too. For your flight from Heathrow, simply hop on the Heathrow Express for a smooth journey to the airport, with no stress and no chance of overheating.