Keeping your cool on a dream vacation

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While musing about vacation destinations this season, do your thoughts turn to locales that are desirable, even bucket-list inspiring, yet not in sweltering heat?

You are not alone. A growing number of vacationers seek to avoid the extremes and travel in more moderate temperatures.

A world of adventures

CAA Travel is one of the largest member-based, full-service travel agencies in the world, with an impressive list of award-winning travel partners that includes Holland America and Celebrity Cruise Lines for ocean cruises, as well as AMAWaterways for more leisurely river cruises.

As a CAA member, choosing one of their preferred partners affords you exclusive savings and perks not available anywhere else. Their reputation for treating members like family means their services go beyond simply planning your vacation.

Your CAA Travel consultant, who has hands-on experience in travelling, will help you find well-researched places perfect for visiting during the shoulder season that also offer delightfully pleasant temperatures at or below 20 degrees Celsius.

Exciting destinations you may not have considered

If you’ve ever thought about trekking through Alaska, Iceland, Scotland, Australia or even Argentina, you’re in luck. These destinations offer cooler, yet not necessarily cold climates throughout the summer and into slightly off-season, making them ideal for those seeking to beat the heat.

Food for thought

Each region has its own seasonal weather patterns, local customs and activities available during your visit. For example, travellers enjoying Alaska and Iceland in early summer could enjoy celebrating Summer Solstice when daylight is longest, but would be more likely to see the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) under the darkening skies of autumn.

In Scotland, you’ll likely find the weather unpredictable, but generally cool and damp … but the local sights, growing farm-to-table cuisine, and sites of historical significance are eagerly waiting to envelop you in their bonny hospitality.

In Argentina, specifically Patagonia, it’s actually winter, so you could expect to experience colder temperatures and even snowfall during your visit.

Southern Australia’s winter offers a cool, more temperate climate, and of course, a completely different landscape.

Across Canada, there are varied and changeable climate patterns, where you might plan to layer your wardrobe in response to the daily forecast.

Wherever you are, check the daily forecast before you set out, as many destinations are warm during the day and quite cool in the evenings.

The benefits of shoulder season

Research the activities, concerts and festivals that may be scheduled while you’re visiting, adding a bonus thrill to your trip. Conversely, you may find that some of the local businesses shut down during their tourist off-season. Preparation is key to preventing disappointment.

Partner with a pro

Planning with your CAA Travel Consultant as your partner is an excellent way to source the best places to stay, the activities you would most enjoy, festivals that may be taking place, and plenty of other tips to make your vacation one for the memory books.

All new from CAA Travel

Together, Groups by CAA Travel is CAA’s new offering with group departures and itineraries for like-minded travellers. Bring your own travel buddies, or join in as a solo traveller, and enjoy the guidance and camaraderie that are the hallmarks of group travel.

One amazing example is Rockies by Rail – Alaska by Sea, taking bookings now for next summer; the iconic Rocky Mountaineer train carries you through an exceptionally scenic route from Banff to Vancouver, where you’ll board a Holland America Line cruise to Alaska. It’s a true bucket list adventure that includes witnessing the Summer Solstice!

How to get started

It’s easy to begin. Contact your CAA Travel professional and leave the heavy lifting to them. Or call 1-800-705-1803. This could be your coolest vacation of all time!