Travelore Tips: High-End Destinations To Beat The Summer Heat (Without The Peak Prices)

As the summer heatwaves blanket the East Coast in a heavy, humid embrace, the temptation to lock yourself in an air-conditioned room grows stronger by the day. But you don’t have to sacrifice your summer vacation to survive the season.

If you are looking to trade triple-digit heat indexes for crisp breezes, sophisticated culture, and five-star comfort—all without paying peak-season premium rates—the secret lies in chasing high altitudes, northern latitudes, and strategic exchange rates.

Here are the top upscale value destinations where luxury meets cooler climates this summer.

1. Québec City, Canada

The Vibe: Seamless European Luxury (Without the Long Flight)

If you’re craving the cobbled charm of Europe but want to avoid both the scorching Mediterranean heat and expensive transatlantic flights, Québec City is the ultimate compromise. Perched high above the St. Lawrence River, this historic walled city enjoys comfortable summer highs averaging in the mid-70s.

• The Upscale Factor: Stay at the iconic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, a literal castle dominating the skyline. The city boasts world-class French-Canadian gastronomy, boutique shopping along Rue du Petit-Champlain, and a distinctly European rhythm.
• The Value Play: Thanks to a perennially strong U.S. dollar against the Canadian Dollar (CAD), American travelers instantly receive an approximate 25% to 30% discount on everything from Michelin-adjacent dining to five-star hotel suites.

2. Bogotá, Colombia

The Vibe: High-Altitude Sophistication & Perpetual Spring

Most people think of South America as universally tropical, but Bogotá defies the rule. Sitting at an elevation of over 8,600 feet in the Andes Mountains, Colombia’s capital enjoys crisp, spring-like weather year-round, with afternoon highs rarely exceeding 68°F. It is the perfect climate for a tailored blazer rather than shorts and sandals.

• The Upscale Factor: Bogotá is a booming cultural and culinary powerhouse. It features ultra-luxury accommodations like the Four Seasons Hotel Casa Medina (a historic architectural masterpiece) and an avant-garde culinary scene that rivals New York or London.
• The Value Play: Because the cost of luxury hospitality in Colombia is vastly lower than in the U.S. or Europe, top-tier five-star hotels and multi-course tasting menus at world-renowned restaurants can often be booked for a fraction of what you would pay on the East Coast.

3. Stowe, Vermont

The Vibe: Mountain Chic & Elite Alpine Retreats

For a domestic escape that doesn’t require a passport, look northward to the Green Mountains. While coastal New England beach towns get congested and incredibly expensive during the peak of summer, premium mountain towns like Stowe offer a cooler, peaceful alternative shaded by dense forest canopies.

• The Upscale Factor: Stowe effortlessly blends rugged outdoor activity with refined luxury. Think premier golf courses, high-end craft breweries, artisan farm-to-table dining, and pristine spa resorts nestled in the hills.
• The Value Play: Because Stowe is primarily famous as a world-class winter ski destination, many of its most exclusive luxury mountain lodges and chalets offer highly competitive, lower-tier rates during the summer months. You get the same elite amenities and crisp mountain air without the peak winter price tag.

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Travelore Tip: When booking high-altitude or northern destinations for summer travel, always pack smart layers. A day that begins with a warm, sunny 75°F afternoon can easily plummet into a breezy, jacket-worthy 50°F evening as soon as the sun goes down.

Quebec City Announces New Four-Day Festival To Ring In The New Year. Tobbogan, New Year’s Nights Will Feature Music, Food And Fireworks

Quebec City – Quebec is introducing a brand new way to ring in the New Year. From December 28-31, Quebec City will celebrate the holidays and the arrival of 2020 with Toboggan, New Year’s Nights, a new music festival that will take place over four festive evenings.

Travelers looking for a unique holiday getaway can head to the magical setting of Old Quebec, which is ranked among the best small cities in the world by readers of Conde Nast Traveler, where they can dance outside to the sounds of the world’s best DJs while also enjoying a wide range of activities.

Starting at 1 p.m. on December 28^th, the Parc de la Francophone area will come to life with music, a Ferris wheel, carousel, foodie space, a bar and cocktail area, outdoor fireplaces, a happy hour and more. The city’s Grande-Allee will shine with a thousand lights and its famous terraces will be heated for the occasion. Light projections on the sites will add to the enchantment, highlighting Quebec City’s magical décor.

The scene will become electrifying at night. On December 28, 29 and 30, from 7 – 11 p.m., Place George V will be the site of musical performances that are sure to warm up even those most easily chilled:

• On December 28^th: European DJ and Grammy winner Zedd kicks off the celebration.
• On December 29^th: Hip hop sensation Schoolboy Q, Kendrick Lamar’s sidekick I the band Hippy, will get the crowd moving.
• On December 30^th: DVBBS joins the party for another epic electro night. The DJ duo has shared the stage with biggest names in electro, including Tiesto, Calvin Harris and deadmau5.

Passes for the three nights are $60 (CAD) for General Admission and $150 for VIP access. Information and tickets can be found here.

• On New Year’s Eve, there will be two free shows:
• At Place George V: Loud Luxury, Havia Mighty and DJ Max E
• At Place de l’Assemble-Nationale, a newly designed stage will host a traditional music party with Les Tireux d’Roches/La famille Painchaud

And after the New Year’s countdown, Quebec City will ring in 2020 with an impressive arsenal of multidirectional fireworks, creating an immersive experience that is sure to amaze spectators.

Toboggan, New Year’s Nights is presented by Bell and produced by 3E, the team behind the Festival d’ete de Quebec (FEQ), one of the largest and longest running music festivals in the world.

Montréal’s Summer 2016 Festivals And Sweet Deal Packages

Experience this summer Montréal’s unique festive vibe with dynamic events, and parties happening at every corner of the city. The free-spirited urban getaway offers a variety of cultural events throughout the summer:

• Les FrancoFolies de Montréal- June 9-18: Since 1988, Les FrancoFolies features French-language pop, rock, hip-hop, electronic, world beat, and chanson, offering 70 indoor shows and numerous outdoors events free of charge;

• Montréal International Jazz Festival – June 29-July 9: An annual festival that for over 35 years has transformed the city into a gathering place for lovers of jazz with over 1000 concerts;

• Montréal Completement Cirque- July 7-17: The 11-day indoor/outdoor multidisciplinary circus arts festival unites Montréal’s key circus companies as they highlight local talent alongside renowned international guests;

• Just for Laughs Comedy Festival- July 13-August 1: Founded in 1983, Just for Laughs Montréal is the largest international comedy festival in the world;

• Osheaga, Music and Arts Festival- July 29-31: A very popular festival dedicated to music and the visual arts. This year repertoire includes Lana Del Ray, Radiohead and Red Hot Chili Peppers.  

Several popular Montréal 4-star hotels conveniently located in close proximity to the festivals are offering special Sweet Deal packages with 50% off the third night, available from May 15-October 15. Visitors that book these packages will receive an exclusive booklet filled with discount coupons of a value up to $390 for activities and attractions.

Highlights include:

• Chateau Versailles- The 4-star historic hotel with cozy atmosphere, and artful surroundings is located in downtown Montréal, and offers accommodation starting at $155 per night available from May 15- October 15;

• Hotel St.Paul- Located in the heart of Old Montreal, the 4-star member of Design hotels is within walking distance of Downtown Montreal, as well as all of the most popular attractions. The hotel offers accommodation starting at $199 per night available from May 15- October 15;

• Hotel Chez Swann- The 4-star hotel is located in the epicenter of Montreal’s vibrant downtown scene, and is just a walking distance to all major events and festivals. The hotel offers accommodation starting at $170 per night available from May 15- October 15. 

Best Value Destinations For 2016

Bagging a good deal on the road can be almost as thrilling as the trip itself, no matter what your travel budget.

Make your hard-earned cash go further with our essential annual hot-list of where to go for wallet-friendly wandering, whether you’re hunting for a bargain or in search of old-school cheapness. Splurgers, look elsewhere.

1. Estonia

The enchanting forests of the Lahemaa National Park. Image by DEA / W. BUSS / De Agostini / Getty

If you’ve just got off the ferry from Stockholm or Helsinki then Estoniacan feel like the promised land. Why? That chunk of change in your pocket you’ve had since last leaving the eurozone will buy you a round of drinks. Upsizing from a hostel to hotel might seem like a good – and affordable – idea. Best of all, what you get in exchange for your hard-earned cash is experiencing a gloriously distinctive slice of Europe, where Eastern and Nordic influences mix together.

Beyond the irresistible capital of Tallinn there are little-known Baltic islands and the seashore and forest delights of Lahemaa National Park, which holds the distinction of being the first national park in the old Soviet Union.

2. Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, Vietnam

A busy street in Ho Chi Minh City. Image by lichtbildfotograf / Lonely Planet

The Price of Travel’s Index (priceoftravel.com), ranking 31 Asian cities by price, confirms what many travellers have known for a while –Vietnam’s cities are tops for budget options. Both Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi (third and second in the list respectively) are in that most magical of price brackets for the budget traveller: US$20 per day or less for food, lodging and sights. Finding these prices will take you firmly into the territory of living like a local, which is another vote in favour of making a super-cheap city trip at some point this year.

3. East Africa

East Africa's Nilo Azul (Blue Nile). Image by Miguel A. Marti / Getty Images

The outbreak of the Ebola virus in West Africa has, unfortunately for other areas of the continent, had a knock-on effect in terms of bookings for 2015. So listen up: London, Madrid and Paris are hundreds of miles closer to the outbreak in West Africa than East Africa’s tourism heartland. Africa is a massive continent (the United States would fit in the Sahara Desert) so you’ll be doing yourself and tourism in East Africa a favour if you take advantage of the cracking deals on offer to Kenya,Uganda, Tanzania and the rest of the region. And in the process experience some of the world’s great wonders, from gorilla encounters to Rift Valley scenery to squeaky-sanded beaches.

4. New Mexico

Mountain biking in New Mexico. Image by amygdala_imagery / Lonely Planet

Looking for a beautiful, affordable, active, foodie corner of America’s southwest?  Look no further. New Mexico powers your budget further. Dry, sunny weather is a near constant. Albuquerque’s Breaking Badsights can be explored for the price of a trolley ride and washed down with a cheap eat from a hole-in-the-wall taqueria. Elsewhere, the winter sports are good and cheap and the outdoors is outstanding (and free): hiking in Alpine forests, petroglyph sites to track down and free wild hot springs. Given the richness of attractions all found within one state, New Mexico offers value from a time as well as monetary perspective.

5. Bosnia and Hercegovina

The iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge) in the city of Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Image by Matej Divizna / Getty Image News / Getty

All it takes to make Europe’s big hitters feel very pricey is for a few currency fluctuations to work against you. Thankfully there are still a few places where regardless of where you come from you’ll feel like you’re getting a good deal. Bosnia and Hercegovina is one of those. Inexpensive accommodation, meals and intercity transport combined with historic cities (Sarajevo and Mostar) and affordable adrenaline pursuits (rafting on the Una River and skiing) reward both the impecunious and those seeking a less well-travelled Europe.

6. Galicia, Spain

A lighthouse on the Galician coast. Image by Lonely Planet

Spain. Mapped by travellers? Not completely. Galicia in the northwest of the country is arguably Spain’s last frontier. Once you get beyondSantiago de Compostela, this wild region fragments into rocky coastline met by spectacular rías (inlets) and an interior of countless unspoilt villages. The region’s value comes not only from the lower costs compared with more-visited parts of Spain, but also from the quality of seafood and meat found in abundance in tapas bars, meaning tasting the good stuff in small portions costs less. And if you’re keen to save while sleeping over, aim for self-catering properties around the region, especially outside the school holidays.

7. Québec City, Canada

The skyline of Quebec City, Canada. Image by Wangkun Jia / Lonely Planet

What to do if you live in North America and want to visit Europe, but lack the time and funds? Consider Québec City. Yes, we know it’s not in Europe. But there’s enough of the exotic in this Francophone city to remind you of the Old Continent. In a few days you can tour the beautiful Unesco-listed old town, dine in old-school bistros and get thoroughly lost in the timeless cobblestone streets. With a little more time and your own wheels, Montmorency Forest (foretmontmorency.ca/en) and Jacques-Cartier National Park offer a wilder taste of the province and superb wildlife-viewing opportunities surprisingly close to the city.

8. Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast

Hang out with a furry friend at the Sloth Sanctuary in San Jose. Image by Rodrigo Arangua / AFP / Getty

Looking for a Costa Rica that’s more Tico than tourist, but with everything that makes the country such a big draw? Get to the country’sCaribbean coast and you’ll find a still-evolving destination that’s likely to become a big noise over the next few years. Here you’ll find nesting turtles at Tortuguero, rafting on the Río Pacuare and diving in the reefs of Manzanillo. Surfers and fans of laid-back black-sand beaches should aim for the southern coast. For now, this is a land mostly visited by independent travellers and those seeking out birdlife. Not sold? Two words: sloth sanctuary.

9. Timor-Leste

Futucama in Timor-Leste. Image by Lonely Planet

If you’re pondering a little-known and highly affordable destination then Timor-Leste (rather than East Timor, if you please) might just be the budget destination for you. Away from the pricey hotels of the internationally-influenced capital of Dili, you’ll find bargain beach shacks on the beaches of Atauro Island, and welcoming homestays in the misty hill country. Despite ongoing security concerns, travelling round Timor-Leste can be an old-fashioned adventure, complete with bumpy roads and packed local transport. As an added bonus, you will be able to stare down any travel bore with Asia’s newest country added to your roster.

10. Western Australia

The limestone formations of the Pinnacles in the Australian Outback. Image by Ullstein Bild / Getty

Currency fluctuations mean that the Australian dollar is a better deal for overseas visitors than it has been for a few years, and that Aussies may scale back overseas plans. This puts the dream-like landscapes ofWestern Australia, out of reach of some travellers thanks to the mining boom of the last few years, firmly back on the map. Beyond cosmopolitan Perth, iconic natural sights abound here, from the rocky coast and winelands of the southwest to the outback treats of the Kimberley, Kununurra and the Pinnacles.

By 

TOM HALL

Lonely Planet Writer

5 Historic Highlights in Old Quebec City

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PHOTO: Chateau Frontenac. (All photos by Rosalind Cumming-Yeates)

Much of the old world beauty of Quebec City is centered around the 17th century architecture of Old Quebec. The looming fortified walls and the cobblestone streets really create the feeling of stepping back in time. It's a really walkable city so the best way to explore is on foot. There are lots of guided walking tours but if you love DIY excursions, here are some standout sites to visit:

Chateau Frontenac

More than any other site in Quebec City, the prominent, steeple-topped building of Chateau Frontenac symbolizes the history and 17th century aesthetic of the city. Located on a cliff overlooking the St. Lawrence River, the red brick exterior is patterned after the medieval chateaux in France's Loire Valley. Built in 1892 by the Canadian railway to lure tourists to the train system, the hotel's elaborate elegance continues to win over visitors. It's said to be the most photographed hotel in the world, and the fairytale castle layout reveals why. Sitting in the middle of Old Quebec and filled with crystal chandeliers and luxurious design, Chateau Frontenac is an essential landmark.

The Parliament Building

The grand facade of the parliament building is hard to miss. Perched on top of a hill and outfitted with 26 bronze statues, fountains and a garden, this 1886 structure is illuminated at night and attracts non-stop visitors. The building still houses the National Assembly as well as a restaurant, library and exhibits. You can take a guided tour or just roam the lovely grounds, like I did.

Cathedral-Basilica of Notre Dame de Quebec

Erected in 1647, the Cathedral-Basilica Notre Dame de Quebec was originally the first parish church in North America. It was declared a cathedral in 1674 and was re-decorated with stained glass windows, gold leaf and elaborate art. Several re-constructions from military bombardments and fires have established the cathedral as a restored historic monument. Bishops, cardinals and former governors of New France are buried in the cathedral's crypt and a gleaming sanctuary lamp that was a gift from Louis XIV are standout artifacts.

Aux Anciens Canadiens

It's easy to pass up this red-roofed building, it blends in well with the surrounding shops but this house was built in 1675, making it the oldest house in the Quebec region. It's been transformed into a restaurant that serves up authentic Quebecois food featuring caribou and lots of maple syrup. Each of the five rooms in Aux Anciens Canadiens displays a different theme and the staff wears period costumes for a thorough reminder of old Quebec.

Breakneck Staircase

There are almost 30 sets of stairs scattered around Old Quebec, linking the upper and lower parts of the town. I thought I was hearing a bad French translation when I heard the name of the Breakneck Staircase but once I learned that they are the city's oldest staircase, build in 1635, I understood the meaning. Rickety and narrow, the Breakneck Stairs connect Petit-Champlain with cote de la Montagne. It's said that the stairs are particularly treacherous when covered with the region's ubiquitous ice and snow, but I had a special adventure navigating the steps in the rain. Make no mistake, they aren't called breakneck just for the humor.

BY ROSALIND CUMMINGS-YEATES 

Quebec City: A Closer Pick Than Paris

Why Francophiles Are Flocking to Nouvelle France

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Quebec City on the St. Lawrence River

Why yearn for "April in Paris" when you can hum "Ete in Quebec" all season long. There may not be "chestnuts in blossom," but there's no need to cross the Atlantic to stroll the boulevards, practice your French, and linger at "holiday tables under the trees." The 400-year old outpost which was founded as Nouvelle France, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is thriving and one of the most charming, romantic -- and active -- cities in all of North America.

The lower part of town along the riverbank, where the city originated as an important St. Lawrence port, has been transformed into an enclave of meandering streets, art galleries, antiques shops, and boutiques set up in authentic stone buildings. Above on the bluff where colonial residents sought civility from the rough port trade, picturesque shops and galleries lead to the site of the battle where British forces overwhelmed and expelled the French on the Plains of Abraham in 1759, now a spacious national park and the scene of numerous reenactments and public events. 

Besides its renowned Winter Carnival, Quebec hosts festivals all year long. An invitation to July's major music celebration was the opportunity to experience the myriad charms of a city which also gives rise to -- feelings "no one can ever reprise."

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An outdoor concert venue

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That dot in the background is Mick Jagger strutting on stage

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Mainstage concert venue

ATTEND A FESTIVAL
Centerpiece of the summer is the eleven-day music extravaganza that is the 
Quebec City Summer Festival with international stars performing in three outdoor venues and on the streets -- over 300 acts in all. Attendees this year could see the Rolling Stones, Foo Fighters, Iggy Azelea, Megadeth, Deep Purple, Keith Urban. The charge for a pass covering all performances was around $80 US -- less than $10 per day!! 

0Costumed participants of the Fete de la Nouvelle France

August sees the colorful Festival de la Nouvelle France when the streets are crowded with participants wearing historic costumes, Quebec City Day commemorating the founding of the municipality, over 100 artists and craftspeople exhibiting at Plein Air Quebec, and other festivals devoted to opera, beer, Bordeaux wines, jazz, and Celtic culture-- and free fireworks spectaculars on six summer evenings. If Paris is the "City of Lights," Quebec is the "City of De-lights."

0Chateau Frontenac overlooks historic architecture

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Historic city gate

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Augustine Abbey bedroom

ADMIRE HISTORIC BUILDINGS
From stone buildings with corners rounded so goods unloaded from ships could pass through the narrow streets undamaged to roofs evolving from fire-hazard cedar to shingle and finally metal the city's architecture tells a story, a colorful theme exemplified by the reconstructed city gates and the turrets and exaggerated Mansard roof of the iconic Chateau Frontenac Hotel which towers over town. Opening this summer, the renovated 17th-century Augustine Monastery has been converted to a hotel and holistic center where guests attending wellness sessions can check into simple rooms where abbesses once resided.

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Musee national des beaux-arts du Quebec

0Streetside Art Installation

0Gallery Sculpture

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Soup can outdoor sculpture

0Albert Gilles Copper Art Studio

APPRECIATE ARTWORKS 
Housed partly in an historic prison, the National Museum is expanding into larger quarters. Art installations are scattered throughout city streets, often interactive to engage passersby. Art galleries, many housed in renovated buildings, showcase paintings and sculptures by local artists, craftspeople, and Inuit artists. Just outside the city, the skilled artisans of the Albert Gilles Copper Art Studio demonstrate the unique copper repousse method used to create church doors, plaques, jewelry. Visitors can view exhibits in the studio's museum and are given the opportunity to try the technique for themselves.

0Funiculaire connects upper and lower sections of town

0Carriage tour of the city

0Sidewalks Have Their Ups and Downs

GETTING AROUND
A handy finiculaire connects the upper and lower sections of town, but the city's multi-levels require visitors to step lively -- often up literally dozens of steps. Horse drawn carriages clip clop around town and the sightseeing Bus Rouge loop offers hop-on-and-off service with stops at the Citadel, Musee des Beaux-arts, and the Place Royale. Visitors can take to the water by trying the municipal ferry across the St. Lawrence or climbing aboard a Croisieres AML vessel for a bilingual cruise with breathtaking views of the city.

0Canyon Sainte-Anne

0Bridge over Montmorency Falls

ENJOY OUTDOOR RECREATION Besides walks around the city walls and thePlains of Abraham, several sites for hiking and outdoor activities lie within half an hour of the city limits. Montmorency Falls, almost 100 feet higher than Niagara, plunges to the St. Lawrence near the bridge to vernal l'Ile d'Orleans where travelers can visit farms to sample local wines, raspberry cassis, berries, and apples. Another waterfall gushes through the Canyon Ste-Anne which visitors cross by zip-line, rock climb with ferrata safety cables, or merely stroll around the picturesque perimeter.

0Holiday tables under the trees...

0Dining on the Grande Allee

0Fish and chips at Panache

0Salmon tartare at Le 47ieme Parallele

0Local berries at the farmers market

SAMPLE THE CUISINE
With whole streets virtually devoted to dining, it's no wonder Quebec boasts a record percentage of restaurants to populace. Grande Allee, Cartier Street, and Saint Anne Street all are lined with indoor and outdoor cafes, bistros, and bars where locals, tourists, and visitors sample local fare. Fresh foods are sourced from the nearby l'Ile d'Orleans and the downtown bustling farmers market opens every day from 9-5. Fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and corn precede the annual apple harvest and are supplemented all year by dozens of local cheeses and, of course delicacies concocted of maple syrup.

0Favorable exchange rate

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE EXCHANGE RATE 
Icing on the cake this year is the currency exchange rate. With the Canadian dollar worth only around 80 cents American, visitors get what amounts to around a 20 percent discount on purchases. Avoiding the overseas airfare and taking advantage of the exchange bonanza are just two more reasons to spend the whole season in the charming city that is North America's answer to Paris.

From Sharon Hoge. Follow her on Twitter: www.twitter.com/SharonKingHoge