Originally published in Drift Travel Magazine August 1, 2023
As most of the world bakes under blistering temperatures and the oceans heat to unprecedented levels, July was the planet’s hottest month on record. These off-the-beaten-path summer vacations, from Canada to Montana to Japan, are great options for those looking for moderate temperatures, cloudy skies, and cool breezes. Book your travels in one of these destinations to escape the dreaded dog days to come.
Alpine Heights and Ice: Head for the shaded forests, alpine meadows, dramatic peaks and scintillating glaciers of Best of the Alps destination Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. During the summer season, enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountaineering and paragliding, reaching the high country and Mer de Glace – “Sea of Ice” – by trail, cog railway, tram or cable car. https://www.bestofthealps.com/en/d/chamonix-mont-blanc/
North Cascades Traverse: On a new five-day trip from Wildland Trekking, combine iconic North Cascades National Park backpacking and a stay at a remote lodge with no road access on Washington’s Lake Chelan. Hike over high mountain passes and through pristine wilderness to the lodge, then to views of the Stehekin Valley before returning to civilization by boat. https://wildlandtrekking.com/trips/stehekin-lodge-backpacking-trip/
Arctic Express Canada: Book an expedition cruise into the heart of the legendary Northwest Passage with Adventure Life and let nature and wildlife be the guides. Aboard the Ultramarine, navigate among remote islands and icy inlets, channels and bays of Canada’s high Arctic, watching for wildlife like polar bears, muskoxen and several bird species on excursions by Zodiac and helicopter. https://www.adventure-life.com/arctic/cruises/14788/arctic-express-canada-the-heart-of-the-northwest-passage
Big Sky Adventures: In Big Sky, Montana, The Wilson Hotel serves as a basecamp for adventure near the northwest corner of Yellowstone. Guests can hike to stunning Ousel Falls or glacially carved Beehive Basin, raft or fly fish the clear waters of the Gallatin River, and experience the adrenaline rush of lift-served mountain biking on 11,166-foot Lone Peak – all just a short distance from Town Center. https://thewilsonhotel.com
Cycle Across Japan: Ride & Seek is offering a NEW extended Samurai cycling tour that covers Shikoku Island, Noto and Mt. Fuji. Throughout the tour, guests will stay in a mix of Western-style hotels and traditional Japanese inns, known as Ryokans. Most of them have natural hot spring baths, perfect for relaxing your muscles after a day of exhilarating cycling. https://www.rideandseek.com/tour/samurai-shikoku-island-japan/
Wine + Bike Piedmont: The Langa and Monferrato regions of Piedmont are in one of the most important wine production areas in Italy and received UNESCO World Heritage status in 2014. Tourissimo’s Piedmont Barolo cycling tour will take you to the heart of these regions, over rolling hills covered with endless vineyards and past ancient castles and hidden hilltop hamlets. https://www.tourissimo.travel/piedmont-wine-region-cycling-tour
Jackson Hole Glamping Adventure: Fireside Resort offers luxuriously outfitted tiny house rental units designed by Wheelhaus a short distance from Grand Teton National Park, making it the perfect basecamp for summer adventures. Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting, enjoy beautiful scenery and wildlife while hiking through the Tetons or revel in the wonder of Yellowstone National Park’s geothermal features. https://www.firesidejacksonhole.com/
Yellowstone Family Rafting and Riding: This three-day whitewater rafting and horseback-riding package from Flying Pig Adventures offers families the opportunity to experience the Yellowstone National Park area like never before. The thrill of witnessing one of nature’s most iconic environments, tackling rough terrain on horseback and running class III rapids cannot be found anywhere else. https://www.flyingpigrafting.com/3-day-yellowstone-adventure
Napa Valley Wine Adventure: Just north of San Francisco, the winding Russian River meets the dramatic Pacific coastline, shaping a world all of its own. Escape Adventure’s 6-day Napa Valley cycling tour embraces this romantic landscape, quilted with a colorful patchwork of old growth redwoods, fruitful vineyards, historic towns, and beautiful gardens. https://escapeadventures.com/tour/california-napa-valley-road-bike-tour/
