As the world gets warmer, travelers are looking to chill out. That is, find spots that offer a relief from the heat, an opportunity to wear layers in the summer months, and maybe sleep with the windows open instead of blasting the A/C.
Coolcations, that is, cool-weather destination vacations, are trending worldwide, offering escapes from heatwaves near and far. The paradox, however, is that many of the unsustainable weather conditions caused by climate change are only worsened by the massive impact and carbon output of travel, so making your coolcation as eco-friendly as possible—taking public transit, slow traveling, limiting food waste, etc.—may be the best way to ensure that coolcationing is sustainable for years to come.
And you don't have to leave the country for a coolcation any time of the year! Though Europe is indeed a hotspot for luxurious coolcations, North America has its own summer chilly zones.
Alaska, of course, is a popular destination in the summer months, when the sun rarely sets and average temperatures in Anchorage hover around 60 degrees.
Thrillist did a bit of research to find the best low-cost coolcation spots, based on low flight fares and average low temperatures during the summer. The findings are mostly on the coasts, with San Diego (average high summer temp of 75) and San Francisco (average high around 66) offering nice spots too cool down while the rest of the country swelters. The Bay Area also cools down significantly at night, so you can break out some sweaters and jackets for evening walks. On the East Coast, Nantucket is a high-exclusive island off Massachusetts accessible by ferry and flight, with summer highs only around 72—that's perfect to enjoy the public beaches and outdoor dining without sweating through your polo shirt and khaki shorts. Also on the list, Portland, Maine, where high temperatures hover around 74 for long summer days of swimming, lobster rolls and forest hikes.