Where to Travel When You’ve Had Enough of the Heat
Where to Travel: Every summer, there comes a time when the sun no longer feels like a comforting embrace but rather like an unrelenting furnace. The kind of heat that drains your vitality, leaves you feeling sticky five minutes after taking a shower, and makes you long for clear skies and cool air. With windows open and fans running nonstop, I’ve been there and wondered if I would ever feel really cool again.
I know it’s time for a cold getaway at that point.
I’m not simply talking about swimming in a pool or turning up the air conditioning. I’m referring to packing up and traveling to a place where the weather is different—cool, windy, and possibly even a touch misty. I’ve compiled a brief list of my favorite cities over the years to retreat to when the summer heat becomes unbearable. And yes, I always bring my Irish Knit Poncho I bought from Gaelsong https://www.gaelsong.com/prod_detail_list/apparel-knitwear . It’s warm enough for cold mornings, lightweight enough for layering, and fashionable enough to wear anywhere from an old European street corner to a café atop a mountain.
Here are some locations that provide sweet respite and a refreshing change of pace if you’ve had enough of the heat.
Reykjavik, Iceland Travel
Summer in Reykjavik is very different from what you’re used to. Temperatures range from 50°F to 60°F (10°C to 15°C) even in July. A consistent breeze and a sky that frequently switches from blue to light gray are to be expected. It is the ideal location for hiking on glaciers, visiting hot springs, and exploring in wool.
During my most recent visit, I spent an afternoon at the port, watching puffins scuttle along the shoreline and sipping coffee from a comfortable café window while wrapped in my Irish poncho. In addition to being a pleasant diversion from the asphalt heatwaves back home, it felt like another world.
San Francisco, California
“The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco,” as Mark Twain famously remarked. That may sound a little dramatic, but it’s true. San Francisco has its unique microclimate because of the coastal fog, and summertime highs, particularly in the mornings and nights, sometimes fall into the 50s and 60s.
This is one of those cities where residents stay warm while visitors freeze in T-shirts. Pack layers, I promise. With a strong wind at my back, I wore my poncho over a simple dress and strolled easily from Golden Gate Park to Ocean Beach. The sweat won’t be missed.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Summertime in Scotland? Sure, please. Edinburgh rarely sees temperatures over the mid-60s, even in July and August. The pubs are always ready to serve a hearty meal and a shot of whisky, the castle looms in the mist, and the stone streets remain cool.
My knit poncho is also a perfect suit for this. Layers are your greatest friend in Scotland because of the unpredictable weather. A brief downpour? I am covered. A sudden cold? The poncho envelops the wearer like a cozy, woolen embrace. The cable knit design also fits in perfectly here, blending in perfectly with the city’s charm.
Vancouver, Canada
The balance of Vancouver is what makes it so charming. The cool but not frigid summertime weather is ideal for walking through the city, hiking in the forest, or dining on seafood by the waterfront. Additionally, this city is one where layering is crucial. Evenings can be cool again, afternoons lovely, and mornings cold.
Here, a poncho makes the perfect partner. I’ve worn it for a rooftop dinner that ended up running a touch behind schedule, bike rides around Stanley Park, and ferry excursions to Granville Island.