11/07/2025
🌞 Holidays? Or Somewhere Just Warm Enough? 🌿
This summer, the UK (and much of Europe) is sweltering under yet another intense heatwave — and it’s really changed the way many of us feel about where and when to travel.
At Gilly Bachelor Travel Expert, we always share practical advice to help you stay safe in extreme heat, whether you’re here at home or on holiday.
If you missed it, here’s my guide:
👉 Staying Safe in Extreme Heat – Top Tips from Gilly Bachelor https://gillybachelortravelexpert.co.uk/staying-safe-in-extreme-heat-top-tips-from-gilly-bachelor/
But what’s really interesting this year is what clients are *asking for*:
“We still want sunshine… but not a heatwave!”
“We’d love it warm — but we don’t want to bake!”
Record-breaking temperatures in Europe mean more families and couples are skipping the traditional Med in August. Instead, they’re asking for places that feel *just right*: warm enough for swimming, dining outdoors and exploring — but not 40°C in the shade.
So where can you go this summer if you want to stay comfortably warm *without the scorch*?
✈️ Cooler summer spots closer to home...
🇳🇱 The Netherlands – Rarely scorching; ideal for city breaks, cycling and pretty coastal resorts.
🇨🇭 Swiss Alps & Lakes – Alpine air, sparkling lakes and daytime highs around the low–mid 20s.
🇮🇸 Iceland – For those who really want to cool off: stunning scenery and summer days averaging 12–15°C.
🌴 Or... try somewhere tropical that’s in its ‘winter’
A smart alternative this time of year is to look south of the equator, where it’s technically winter — meaning pleasantly warm (not blistering) days and dry, sunny weather.
✅ Mauritius – Their “winter” runs May–October: think daytime highs around 24–26°C, low humidity and less rain. Ideal for beaches, snorkelling and relaxing without the tropical heat.
✅ Seychelles – Also drier and cooler in July–August, with gorgeous beaches and daytime highs in the mid-20s.
✅ South Africa – July–August is dry, sunny and mild in places like Cape Town or the Winelands; plus it’s perfect for safaris, as wildlife gathering around waterholes is easier to spot.
☀️ Why it matters
Heatwaves are likely to be part of summer for many destinations from now on. That doesn’t mean you have to give up on your holiday — it just means travelling a little smarter:
✔ Choose destinations where it’s sunny but not sweltering
✔ Make sure your hotels have proper air con, shade and pools
✔ Travel north — or south of the equator for a different season
And that’s where booking with someone who understands your preferences really helps. My job is to find you places that are just the right kind of warm — and still feel special.
