For most Brits, summer holidays are synonymous with going abroad to southern France, Italy, Spain and Greece – the Med in general. Yet the last few years in particular have shown a rise in extremely hot temperatures in those areas as well as draughts and wildfires. Neither are conditions that seem particularly favourable, especially if you're planning your first trip abroad with your little one (but let's face it, age doesn't really matter...)! We’re quite lucky though that we are on the doorsteps of cooler, serene locales perfect for a summer escape – either within the UK or only a short flight or slightly longer rail/ferry journey away. Here are some top picks for a refreshing and enjoyable family holiday abroad:

Denmark:
Let’s start with Copenhagen, the country’s charming capital, which combines a cooler climate with a plethora of family-friendly attractions. Tivoli Gardens, one of the world's oldest amusement parks (and one of my favourites, even now as an adult, and on my list to visit with my son), offers rides and entertainment suitable for young children. Walk along the waterfront from lively Nyhavn past Amalienborg (the official residence of the Danish royal family) to Kastellet, the star-shaped moated fortress, where, along its waterfront, you can find one of Copenhagen’s most famous “residents” – the statue of the Little Mermaid. Family-friendly hotels, in particular those by the Scandic group (their waffles set the precedence on what a hotel breakfast has to entail for my son, even several years after our own experience!) and apartments cater to the needs of parents and their little ones, ensuring a stress-free holiday. The country consists of several islands, and if you head west from Copenhagen to the mainland, you’ll eventually reach Billund, after Copenhagen probably the next best known town thanks to its famous export: LEGO! Billund is home to the very first Legoland and now also the Lego House and if you and your family wish to have a break from the building blocks and rides, or it’s a warmer day, head next door to Lalandia and its waterpark (day admissions may be limited – booking ahead is recommended).
But the real pièce de resistance is the coast, or one of the many smaller islands like Bornholm, with miles and miles of (white) sandy beaches, dunes, picturesque little towns and fishing villages – you might even spot a Viking or two…

Sweden:
There’s more to Sweden than Stockholm – even though it’s a fab city for families thanks to its compact size and Skansen amusement park… By train nearly equidistance between Copenhagen, Oslo (Norway) and Stockholm you find Göteborg/Gothenburg, located on the west coast of Sweden, a smaller yet no less vibrant city with a cool summer climate, ideal for a family holiday. The city is home to Liseberg, one of Scandinavia’s largest amusement parks, which offers rides and attractions suitable for all ages. The Universeum, a science centre and museum, provides interactive exhibits that will captivate children of all ages. For a touch of nature, visit the Gothenburg Botanical Garden, where families can enjoy a leisurely stroll amidst beautiful flora or head out to Vrångö or one of the other islands in the city’s archipelago. Head up north along the coast to maritime resorts like Marstrand, Stenungsund or – for those fellow Nordic crime lovers amongst you parents – Fjällbacka, where the Camilla Läckberg novels are set (head south to Skåne if you prefer Henning Mankell’s Wallander). If you have grown up with the stories of Pippi Longstocking, Ronja the Robber’s daughter or any of the other books by Astrid Lindgren, head to Vimmerby, where her stories come to life at Astrid Lindgrens Värld (World) Theme Park.

Netherlands:
Amsterdam, with its picturesque canals, is perfect for a family holiday. Especially if you wish to travel by train, the city is easily reached from the UK via London on a direct Eurostar right into the heart of the city. Visit Tony’s Chocolonely super store and create your own chocolate bar, check out the interactive NEMO Science Museum, take a boat tour along the canals, or relax in Vondelpark, a large urban park with playgrounds and open spaces. If the sometimes quite hectic capital feels like it might be too much, head south to Utrecht with its own little grachten (canals) and coffee culture and where you can find the nijntje museum (children’s museum), spoormuseum (railway museum) and the observatory all within a few minutes’ walk of each other or Rotterdam for interesting architecture (cube houses anyone) and more interactive museums like Villa Zebra, Rotterdam's premier art museum specifically for kids. The country also boasts well over 200 miles of coastline and is home to a number of waterparks, should you feel the need for a cool down.

Switzerland:
I may be biased, but my home country had to be mentioned in this list! Swimming in pristine lakes, zooming down a mountain on an alpine coaster, hiking one of the story trails (themed trails), playing "spot-the-marmot/ibex/black-nosed sheep or cow" – your activity options in nature are sheer endless and very much encouraged. St. Moritz, Zermatt, Saas-Fee, Arosa, Interlaken and the Jungfrau area – all are resorts well known for skiing/winter holidays, but they are also fabulous in summer and often for a more attractive price! Most of them offer a guest card for free public transport and reduced admission to local attractions, adding value to your stay. Under the label “Family Destinations”, you also find “certified family hotels and lodgings” that know what families like: professional care, practical facilities, imaginative playrooms for the little ones, sports facilities and adventures for teenagers. Parents can enjoy undisturbed wellness, sport or candlelit dinners. Make the whole journey an adventure and travel to Switzerland by Eurostar and TGV Lyria - Basel, Zurich, Lausanne, Bern, Interlaken and Geneva are reachable by direct services from Paris. Within Switzerland, use the Swiss Travel Pass to get around by train, boat, bus and cable car.

A bit off-the-beaten path:
Tallin, Estonia – The medieval old town of Tallinn, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is like stepping into a fairy tale with its cobbled streets, towers, and charming buildings. Many of the museums and historic sites have interactive and child-friendly exhibits. For a more outdoorsy experience, head to Kadriorg Park, a vast park with playgrounds, a swan pond, and beautiful gardens, perfect for a family picnic or leisurely stroll. Alternatively, Estonia’s Saaremaa Island is a particular favourite for families seeking nature, wildlife and a slower pace of travel.

The Åland Islands - For something truly different, consider Finland’s Åland Islands, where the main language spoken is Swedish. These car-light islands between Sweden and Finland offer cycling routes, safe swimming spots and a relaxed atmosphere that feels a world away from busy resorts. Whilst it is possible to fly to Mariehamn from Helsinki, personally, I'd strongly recommend travelling there by ferry for a bit of added adventure. And if all the cycling, kayaking, swimming, sailing etc. made you hungry, try a traditional Åland pancake (Ålandspannkaka) topped with cardamom, prune jam, and fresh whipped cream!

All in all, choosing a less traditional, cooler (in every sense of the word) destination doesn't mean compromising on experiences or comfort. I personally travel every summer to Switzerland by either ferry or train via France / Belgium / Netherlands and soon even Ireland (before France) with my boy and am happy to share my expertise with you.
If you want to read about some of our adventures first before contacting me for your next holiday, check out "Trainscapades" on my Instagram.