8 'Cool' Destinations To Visit During A Heat Wave (PHOTOS)

With a fully palpable heat wave underway and August's triple digit-temperatures ahead, the thought of autumn breezes and (dare we say) winter chills seems like welcome relief. Don't get us wrong, our love for high temperatures goes back to a simpler time of sprinkler-running and ice cream-truck chasing, but planning that last summer escape usually conjures anxiety-inducing images of throngs of sweaty crowds in Rome and New York. Instead of just retreating into the air-conditioning until the sun goes down, jet to a cooler summer destination that's more balmy than blistering hot.

From short jaunts to longer-haul trips, these destinations have summer breezes aplenty, which means an ice cream cone in the middle of the day is a want, not a need. Plus, booking stays in these cooler locales in the summer off-season can mean big savings.

Instead of waiting for winter, take advantage of off-season discounts and plenty of summery, outdoor adventures in Breckenridge, Colo. For a taste of life down under, Auckland, New Zealand is a cool choice with wine tastings from abundant vineyards and fresh fish from generous harbors during their mild winter.

From street food festivals in temperate San Francisco to culinary boot camp on Canada's Prince Edward Island, these are eight destinations where sitting inside in the middle of an August day is unacceptable. So, if you can't stand the heat...