Summer is on its way, and forecasters are predicting a hotter-than-average one for most of the United States. If you hate the heat, you basically have two options: sit in your air-conditioned abode and count down the days till fall, or escape to a cooler clime. Here are three summer vacation ideas for heat haters on the adventurous side.

Fast Forward to Winter in Sydney, Australia

Due to the Earth’s axial tilt, summer in the Northern Hemisphere means winter Down Under. Take advantage of cooler temps and smaller crowds with a trip to Australia’s most iconic city.

• Average July temperature: about 55 degrees Fahrenheit
• Picture this: kayaking through the harbor, past the city’s famous bridge and the Sydney Opera House
• Bonus: It’s the dry season, so you probably won’t see much rain.

See Wild Animals in Cape Town, South Africa

As summer approaches in the United States, winter is just getting started in South Africa. The advantages of visiting in June, July, or August include smaller crowds and better deals on airfare and lodging.

• Average July temperature: about 55 degrees Fahrenheit
• Picture this: mingling with the beach-loving African penguins at Table Mountain National Park, right in Cape Town
• Bonus: South Africa’s national parks are full of animals (like lions and elephants) that most kids only see in zoos, making the country one of the best family vacations in the Southern Hemisphere. 

Soak Up the Midnight Sun in Iceland

Iceland has a reputation for being otherworldly, and no more so than in summer. The sun stays out all night at the height of the season, thanks to the island’s extreme northern location. Even with all that sunshine, it has a romantic atmosphere that’s great for couples fleeing hot weather.

• Average July temperature: about 50 degrees Fahrenheit
• Picture this: eating ice cream at Reykjavík Harbor while the midnight sun shines on
• Bonus: You’re going to want to hike around, and summer is when Iceland’s temps are at their most hospitable.