Chill Out

For plenty of us, the warmer months feel like a good time to seek out colder destinations. A coolcation, if you will. So we asked some experts to name a few spots that are, um, hot—but only in the metaphorical sense.

- ERICA LEIGH FINAMORE

Lofoten Islands, Norway

WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY “Norway has a mild summer climate and offers a plethora of outdoor activities, like hiking and fishing,” says Heather Magnussen, head of global travel at Audley Travel, based in Boston and England. “On the Lofoten Islands, you can stay in traditional fishing structures that have been converted into cozy cabins.” Check out the ones at Svinøya Rorbuer (from $152 a night; svinoya.no/en).

WHAT WE WANT TO ADD During the summer, you can experience 24 consecutive hours of sunlight (and highs around 55°F). Take advantage of all that time by embarking on one of the islands’ many midnight sun adventures, such as a fishing trip, safari, glamping dinner, or horseback ride.

Reykjavik, Iceland

WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY “With long daylight hours and highs in the mid-50s, summer is the best time to explore Reykjavik’s innovative culinary scene and go on a bike ride in the middle of the night,” says Tom Marchant, cofounder of Black Tomato, a New York City-based travel company. “The city serves as a gateway to Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes.”