Some like it Not Too Hot

If you tend to wilt in warmer weather and want a summer holiday that’s on the cool side of a sweltering summer day, don’t fret. Journey just a little further and enjoy your mid-year escape in the crisp, sunny and gorgeous shores of New Zealand for example, or in the quiet, off-season plains of South Africa.

Booking.com, the global leader in connected travellers with the widest choice of incredible places to stay, analysed its internal data to find the most sought-after destinations outside of a northern hemisphere summer. According to travellers from northern hemisphere countries, the following destinations provided the ultimate retreat during the summer months at home.*

Franschhoek, South Africa

This charming small town is located in the Western Cape Province and is one of the oldest towns in South Africa. It’s known for its Cape Dutch architecture and centuries-old vineyards. Franschhoek has been endorsed by Booking.com travellers for wine travel, food and scenery.

Taupo, New Zealand

The lakefront town of Taupo is situated in the centre of the North Island, and is a popular destination for outdoor activities including sailing, fishing, kayaking and water-skiing. Taupo has been endorsed by Booking.com travellers for scenery, lakes and relaxation.

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Tanzania's largest city, Dar es Salaam, is a major commercial hub. The city that used to be a fishing village on Tanzania’s Indian Ocean coast is today a vibrant destination endorsed by Booking.com travellers for friendly people, beach and food.

Airlie Beach, Australia

Endorsed by Booking.com travellers for relaxation, snorkeling and beach, the beautiful resort town of Airlie Beach is home to a swimming lagoon and a great holiday destination for both families and young groups of friends.

Paracas, Peru

The town of Paracas is a unique destination in the Ica region, where the tropical desert meets the sea. Home to The Paracas National Reserve, the small town has become a popular beach resort thanks to its rich bio-diversity.

Cusco, Peru

Famous for its significant archaeological remains and its beautiful historic centre, the city of Cusco is endorsed by Booking.com travellers for Inca Ruins, history and culture. The destination that used to be the capital of the Inca Empire, nowadays welcomes millions of tourists each year.

San Pedro de Atacama, ChileEndorsed by Booking.com travellers for scenery, desert and nature, the town of San Pedro de Atacama is located in the Chilean Andes Mountains. This unique destination will amaze you thanks to its surrounding landscape with deserts, thermal springs, salt plains and lagoons.

Ica, Peru

Surrounded by desert, outstanding sand dunes and oases, the city of Ica is endorsed by Booking.com travellers for adventure, desert and outdoor activities. The city is sunny for most of the year and the warm climate helps to the production of cotton and grapes.

Arequipa, Peru

Arequipa is situated at the foot of three volcanoes and is the second largest city in Peru. Its historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is built with local white volcanic rock and is home to interesting museums. Booking.com travellers endorsed the city of Arequipa for architecture, food and culture.

Windhoek, Namibia

The capital of Namibia, Windhoek, is a modern city with colonial architecture and German influence. Endorsed by Booking.com travellers for friendly people, shopping and food, this destination is a great starting point for your adventure in Namibia.

La Paz, Bolivia

Situated about 3,500m above sea level and surrounded by high mountains, the city of La Paz offers a stunning scenery. Rich in colonial architecture and museums, the city is endorsed by Booking.com travellers for culture, scenery and markets.

Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Endorsed by Booking.com travellers for beach, friendly people and relaxation, Port Elizabeth is a popular destination not only for its beautiful beaches, but also for its rich history and culture. Visitors have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities including boat cruises, beach walks, scuba diving and whale watching.

Puno, Peru

Situated besides Lake Titicaca, the largest lake in South America, the picturesque city of Puno is endorsed by Booking.com travellers for lakes, scenery and culture. Visitors should not miss exploring the floating islands or the archaeological ruins of Pre-Hispanic civilizations.

Rotorua, New Zealand

Popular for its hot springs and the Maori culture, the town of Rotorua is a major touristic destination in New Zealand offering a great variety of activities like mountain biking, hiking and rafting. Rotorua is endorsed by Booking.com travellers for hot springs, relaxation and culture.

Byron Bay, Australia

The coastal town of Byron Bay is a popular surfing and whale watching destination thanks to its stunning beaches along the Australian coast. Endorsed by Booking.com travellers for beach, relaxation and food.

Auckland, New Zealand

Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland’s musical Māori name hints at the city’s splash of cultures, languages, tastes, sounds and colours – set to a backdrop of stunning natural beauty, wild beaches and a cosmopolitan café culture. Immerse yourself and let Kiwi friendliness work its magic. Auckland has been endorsed by Booking.com travellers for shopping, sightseeing and food.

Plettenberg Bay, South Africa

This beautiful seaside town lays on the famous Garden Route in South Africa’s Western Cape Province. Plettenberg Bay has been endorsed by Booking.com travellers for beach, scenery and relaxation.