Beat the Heat with These 5 Alternative Destinations

Summer is upon us and with the season comes additional trips to the ice cream store and higher air conditioning bills, all in an effort to stay cool. As you plan your summer vacation this year, take advantage of the opportunity to beat the heat and escape to somewhere with cooler temperatures, adventure and beautiful scenery. Here are 5 alternative summer destinations to get your family out of the hot temperatures and into some weather that will allow you to enjoy the great outdoors, instead of being stuck inside. 1. Denali National Park, Alaska

In the winter, this famous national park is covered with ice and snow. But during the summer months, the wildlife reappears and the park booms with guests. Opportunities open up and visitors are able explore nature in a pure and breathtaking setting. Guests can find plenty to do with plenty of hiking trails, wildlife treks and bicycle tours of the park. If hiking doesn’t suit your fancy, take a bus trip through the rolling hills to observe this unique wilderness. Cabins are available for visitors to stay comfortably outdoors without having to give up many creature comforts. 2. Breckenridge, Colorado Once ski season ends, resorts open up to a new type of outdoor vacation destination. For people who love an adventure, mountain biking trips are available at most of the trails on the ski courses. If you are looking for a more relaxed trip, ride a gondola up the scenic mountains and breathe in the fresh mountain air.

In the city, there are plenty of small shops to enjoy shopping in. While there, many visitors make it a point to check out the famous Breckenridge Brewery at the end of the Main Street and sample some local beer & have a hearty meal too. From hiking to kayaking, there are plenty of activities to keep guests entertained in this town. 3. Mount Rushmore, South Dakota Celebrate America’s Independence Day, on July 4th, with fireworks over the world renowned sculptures of George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Edison, and Theodore Roosevelt. Kids get a fun history lesson, while adults get to take in the scenery of the majestic Mount Rushmore National Park.

For the adventurous travelers, day trips below the ground, spelunking through the tiny crevices of caves are also available. Thus this unique destination combines education, adventure, relaxation and the great outdoors to combine into one perfect getaway. 4. Vancouver, British Columbia Another popular destination is the vibrant city of Vancouver. From beaches to a bustling downtown, this city has it all. Concerts and sun can be enjoyed all summer long in the cool Stanley Park. For those who love to hit the greens during the cool summer days, the city is filled with golf courses for every skill level. With year around activity at this recent Winter Olympic town, lucky visitors are certain to catch the filming of a movie or TV show, or the action of a sporting event no matter which time of year they visit.

One of the most popular parts of this city is the famous Whistler Blackcomb Mountain. This area draws locals and tourists alike and offers visitors a variety of activities including wine tasting, wildlife viewing and gondola rides. The extra adventurous can enjoy excursions such as Zip Lining and ATV rides through the mountainous terrain. 5. Copenhagen, Denmark

For an overseas getaway, take a trip to the historic capital city of Copenhagen. Start your trip with a tour of the Tivoli gardens, the amusement park which Disneyland was based on. Then, walk down the longest pedestrian-only street in the world. Here you will find unique shops, such as The Royal Copenhagen factory. Once in the city, visit the four palaces that are home to the oldest royal family in Europe and don’t miss the change of guards ceremony in the afternoon. Just a short walk from where the royalty lives, you will find a beautiful walkway along the canal exploring which you will see the well-known Little Mermaid statue. City bikes are available for free in many locations around the city, making it easier for one and all, to getting around this wonderful city. For visitors who want to take advantage of the close proximity to other European countries, an overnight cruise through the fjords up to Oslo is your answer. You can board the ship early in the evening, then sail through the light summer skies of the Northern part of the world. When the ship docks, you will have the opportunity to spend some time in Norway’s capital city before boarding the ship again for another beautiful trip back to Copenhagen. Escaping the summer heat has never been more relaxing or adventurous than in one of these locations. Where will you be heading this summer to escape the summer sun? Tess Pajaron is part of the team behind Open Colleges. She has traveled to many different countries and loves to discover new and exciting places.She can be also seen on her social media profile at Google+.