My Top 5 Destinations for Escaping the Summer Heat

Summer isn’t quite over yet, and as temperatures continue to rise, a likely move would be to head to the beach to enjoy the cool water and relax on the sand. While that’s a perfectly logical solution, another option is to hop on a plane and visit a destination where extreme heat is not an issue.

Of course, keeping the trip affordable would also be a priority.

Here are some top travel destinations I enjoy visiting when temperatures climb at home. Each location can offer affordable summer airfare, the ability to use hotel loyalty points for lodging, and plenty of activities.

And, most importantly, I can depend on these destinations to offer an escape from the summer heat. Here are snapshots of my 5 favorite hot weather destinations, how I find flights, lodging, and things to do.

Bogota, Colombia

Bogota, Colombia, is my go-to destination for an eternal spring climate and endless activities. It’s also a gastronomical paradise. Plus, I like that it’s a little rough around the edges.

It’s the most affordable of my favorite destinations for escaping the heat that I’ll share with you today.

Summer Climate

While there can be a daily afternoon shower, summer weather in Bogota is quite nice. Since the city is near the equator, I can expect just 12 hours of daylight year-round no matter when I visit.

Summer Airfare

I don’t spend heavily in Bogota, so I splurge and fly business class. Northern South America is considered domestic from the airlines’ perspective, so I could wait for the complimentary upgrades.

Instead, I use Membership Rewards from The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express to book the business class flight I want to receive the 35% points rebate.

Where To Stay

Lodging in Bogota is usually inexpensive regardless of the time of year. I can always use hotel loyalty points for stays in Bogota, but the nightly rates can be so low that I may use a rewards-earning card for the cash rate.

Most recently I stayed at the Four Points by Sheraton for 5 nights using 58,000 Marriott Bonvoy points. The Fine Hotels + Resorts and the Hotel Collection up to $200 hotel credit benefit, included with The Platinum Card^® from American Express (enrollment required), also works well for select luxury stays in Bogota. Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, and Wyndham all have a presence in Bogota. The Grand Hyatt Bogota is very popular.

Uber is inexpensive and widely available, but there is considerable traffic. On Sunday, many streets are shut down and open to pedestrian traffic, making for a quieter, more relaxing vibe.

Things To Do

• Sanctuary of Monserrate — Walk the pedestrian path or take the funicular or cable car to the top of Bogota’s most visited mountain. Learn about the history and enjoy the spectacular views.
• Zapiqueria Salt Cathedrals — About an hour north of the city, these underground cathedrals can be reached via the narrow-gauge railroad from Bogota and should not be missed.
• Andre’s Carne de Res — An over-the-top explosion of chaos, color, and fun, this restaurant is a must. Visit the one in Chia, north of Bogota, for an authentic adventure.
• La Candelaria — The old city center is alive with energy. Enjoy its famous street art, restaurants, markets, and cultural connections. Don’t forget to stop and savor a cup of Colombian coffee.
• Play Tejo — Gunpowder, clay pigeons, and beer — what could go wrong?
• Museums — There are dozens of museums in Bogota. One of my favorites is the Botero Museum, and it’s free to enter. The Gold Museum is another favorite. It’s free on Sundays and for those 12 and under or 61 and over. Otherwise, it’s about $1.25. I’ve visited both several times.

Quito, Ecuador

Keeping within northern South America, Quito is another city I enjoy, with cooler temperatures and a wide variety of things to do.

Summer Climate

At 9,350 feet above sea level, I feel the altitude as soon as I step off the plane at Quito airport. Fortunately, this altitude, and the fact that Quito is on the equator, results in moderate and comfortable temperatures year-round.

Summer Airfare

Northern South America is easy to reach from the U.S., and I can frequently find reasonable fares. Once again, I’ll normally book a business class fare by redeeming American Express Membership Rewards points to earn toward elite status and receive the 35% points rebate on my Amex Business Platinum card.

Where To Stay

The city of Quito is huge, both with its population of over 2 million and its physical size. It sprawls across nearly 30 miles across the base of a volcano and is about 3 miles wide.

Neighborhoods to stay include the historic old town center, trendy La Foressta, La Mariscal for nightlife, La Carolina for family activities and great dining, and Bellavista for parks and recreation.

Most hotel brands (except Hyatt) are represented in Quito, so I have no problem using hotel loyalty points for free stays. One of my favorite luxury hotels is the J.W. Marriott, where I can stay for about 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy points for a 5-night stay.

If I’m in budget mode, the Holiday Inn Express across the street can be booked for as little as $60 per night or 14,000 IHG One Rewards points. It has modern architecture mixed with traditional. Both hotels are within walking distance of the botanical gardens, parks, shopping, and restaurants.

Things to Do

• El Teleferico — Take the gondola up 12,000 feet for a spectacular view of the city and surrounding valley.
• Intiñan Solar Museum — Stand with 1 foot in each hemisphere, balance an egg on the head of a nail, see a real shrunken head, and participate in fascinating demonstrations unique to the equator. This is one of my favorite things to do at zero degrees latitude.
• Middle of the World Monument — More than just a monument marking the equator, this is where to find a market, a beer museum, a replica of a traditional Amazon village, and more. You can do the Intiñan Solar Museum and Monument City in one day.
• Quito Old Town — The plazas and architecture are stunning in Quito Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll also be immersed in daily Ecuadorian life. Don’t miss the markets.
• Churches — Every city has its churches, but Quito’s are special. The Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús is the most ornate, the Iglesia de San Francisco the oldest, and the Basílica del Voto Nacional with its gargoyles and depictions of Galapagos Island creatures simply amazing.
• Virgin of El Panecillo — Don’t miss this iconic statue that watches over Quito and the stained glass structure surrounding its base.

Alaska

Alaska is a huge state with several summer destinations. Fairbanks, Anchorage, and Juneau are some of my favorites.

Summer Climate

While there may be unseasonably hot days, summer temperatures are generally mild in southeast Alaska. There’s also the daily possibility of a rain shower.

Summer Airfares

Each Fourth of July, I decide whether to head to Alaska or South America based on airfare and lodging prices. Alaska is a crap shoot. One summer, fares are low, other summers, fares are high.

I consider it a win when I can fly round-trip to Alaska for around 25,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points. I’ve also scored a Delta Air Lines one-way flight to Juneau for 12,500 SkyMiles.

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles are another effective way to get to Alaska.

Where To Stay

Lodging is generally expensive in Alaska, especially during the summer. Hotel loyalty points can help alleviate the sting if award nights are available.

I’ve found hotels using IHG One Rewards, Marriott Bonvoy points, Hilton Honors points, and World of Hyatt points. I have also used IHG One Rewards free night certificates. Wyndham, Choice, and Best Western also have properties in Alaska.

One trick I’ve used to save on lodging is to book a cabin on the Alaska Marine Highway. For around $185, a 4-bed cabin with full facilities can be booked for the 2-night journey from Juneau to Ketchikan. I paid about $120 for a 2-bed cabin. I flew into Juneau and home from Ketchikan. The ferry ticket was about $100, with a stop in Sitka long enough to explore the town.

I’ve also taken the Alaska Marine Highway from Juneau to Haines, Alaska.

Booking an open-jaw flight, I’ve flown into Fairbanks then taken the Alaskan Railroad to Anchorage, flying home from there. I planned the direction based on the airfare, hotel prices, and award night availability at each destination. Denali National Park is a stop on the route either way.

Things To Do

• Alaska Marine Highway — This is one of the best ways to visit parts of Alaska. The ferries allow camping on the upper deck, but cabins are available for most routes. You’ll see the same views you would see on a cruise ship for a fraction of the cost.
• Alaskan Railroad — Another superb way to travel through the Alaskan wilderness.
• Denali National Park — The park is fully accessible from mid-May to mid-September, and there are over 6 million acres to explore.
• Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau — Hike through the National Park to Nugget Falls and the glacier.
• Alaska Airlines Milk Run — Visit the cities along the coast that can’t be reached via car. This is an AvGeek dream.

Mexico City

Mexico City is a dense metropolis carved into explorable neighborhoods. It’s also a treasure of a city with historic significance and loads of unique activities.

Summer Climate

Due to Mexico City’s elevation, around 3,350 feet above sea level, the climate is quite moderate. The city has the perfect weather for exploring.

Summer Airfare

Mexico City can easily be accessed from the U.S. with nonstop flights from several major cities. I can fly there affordably, and in business class, from Chicago or my home airport, any time of the year.

The opportunity to fly on the Boeing 787 from JFK or LAX can make positioning to these cities desirable when the price is right.

As with many business class flights I book, I’ll use Membership Rewards points for the 35% rebate on the Amex Business Platinum card.

Where To Stay

Lodging in Mexico City is endless. If I wanted to spend $20 or $500 a night, there are several options for my budget.

Because options are endless, the ability to use hotel points is assured. Best of all, every major hotel chain has a luxury property here. I can use my up to $200 prepaid hotel credit on my Amex Platinum card or redeem Marriott Bonvoy points for several stays. Hyatt has several high-end properties that can be booked with World of Hyatt points, including the Andaz Mexico City Condesa or the Hyatt Regency Insurgentes.

I don’t usually splurge for luxury when traveling solo. I’m more likely to book the Sheraton Mexico City Maria Isabel Hotel in Zona Rosa, in the city center, for around 25,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Things To Do

• Anthropological Museum — The museum is free on Sundays or around $5 on other days. With over 600,000 artifacts, the museum holds insight into Mexico’s history. It’s a spectacular museum worth spending a few hours to experience.
• Xochimilco Canals — Take a brightly painted, flat-bottomed boat through the floating gardens of Xochimilco, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s best to visit during the week, as it’s a popular weekend spot for locals. Order a margarita from a boatside vendor and hire a passing mariachi band for a tune.
• The Zocalo — The Plaza de la Constitución is the central city plaza. It’s where all the government buildings stand and where festivals, gatherings, markets, and other events happen. It’s also where you can visit the Museo Mural Diego Rivera and view the incredible murals.
• Teotihuacan — Venture out of the city to visit the dynamic Pyramids of the Sun and Moon. The archeological site, also a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a must. You can book a tour for under $50 from the city or travel by local bus.
• Tacos — Don’t leave the city without consuming locally made tacos. Tres Galinones is one of my favorites for seafood tacos, in addition to its traditional varieties.

Iceland

I have a love affair with Iceland and return whenever I can make it happen. It’s known to be an expensive destination, but I find plenty of ways to reduce the price of visiting this magical place.

Summer Climate

Visiting Iceland in the summer is the ideal time from a weather perspective, but it can change quickly. I’ve visited in June when it was 70 degrees and sunny and when it’s been 37 degrees, near-freezing rain, and very windy.

2 things are for sure: There’s never oppressive heat in Iceland, and I always have a good time.

Summer Airfare

Even in peak season, there are always good airfares available to Iceland. These are nonstop economy (not basic economy) flights from Chicago in July. More than a dozen airlines fly to Iceland from the U.S., so finding an affordable fare is easy.

I check Google Flights to discover which airlines fly from my preferred airport. Since the nonstop flight can be relatively short, my last being 5 hours and 10 minutes, it’s possible to do it in economy class.

Where To Stay

Finding affordable lodging in the summer can be challenging but is entirely feasible. However, I’ve discovered booking well in advance may be necessary when using points from the major hotel chains.

I’ve successfully used Hilton Honors points earned on The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card and my Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card*. I’ve also secured rooms with Marriott Bonvoy points earned on my Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express^® Card.

*The information regarding the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

Things To Do

Instead of adding a list here of things to do in Iceland, I’ll refer to one of our articles. The article includes recommendations on what to do on a first-time visit and has links to our reviews of the Iceland hotels where we’ve stayed.

Final Thoughts

I love where I live and enjoy the summers here. There are just a couple of weeks each summer that I like to escape.

The destinations mentioned in this article have traditionally been my go-to spots, but I’m always looking for exciting new options.