Agoda Recommends the Best Destinations to Beat the Heat This Summer

SINGAPORE, July 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As temperatures rise across Europe and Asia, digital travel platform Agoda invites travelers to escape the sweltering heat with a curated list of cool retreats across the Asia-Pacific region. From the snow-dusted peaks of New Zealand to the breezy highlands of Malaysia, Agoda's selection offers refreshing getaways where travelers can enjoy crisp weather and unique experiences. Agoda's curated list of destinations promises a summer escape that's anything but ordinary.

New Zealand

Queenstown and Wellington offer the perfect backdrop for travelers seeking a chilly escape. Queenstown, known as the adventure capital, provides an alpine winter wonderland with temperatures ranging from 9°C (48°F) to -2°C (28°F) in July and August, ideal for skiing enthusiasts. Meanwhile, Wellington, with temperatures between 14°C (57°F) to 7°C (45°F), invites visitors to explore its cultural offerings and coastal charm, making it a perfect spot to cool off.

Australia

Melbourne and Hobart in Tasmania present urban and wilderness experiences with crisp weather. Melbourne, with its vibrant culture and dining scene, maintains a cool 14°C (57°F) to 7°C (45°F), perfect for those seeking a refreshing city break. Hobart, a historic port city, serves as a gateway to Tasmania's wilderness, with temperatures from 11°C (52°F) to 3°C (37°F), offering a serene escape into nature.

Japan

Sapporo and Hakodate in Hokkaido offer a mild summer with temperatures between 22°C (72°F) to 17°C (63°F). Sapporo, famous for its beer and lavender fields, and Hakodate, known for its seafood and mountain views, provide a refreshing break from the heat, perfect for those looking to chill out in style.

Malaysia

The Cameron Highlands and Genting Highlands offer cooler climates with temperatures ranging from 25°C (77°F) to 15°C (59°F). These highland retreats are perfect for exploring tea plantations and enjoying mountain resort activities, providing a cool breeze amidst the tropical heat.

India

Manali and Shimla, with temperatures between 25°C (77°F) to 15°C (59°F), are ideal for adventure and scenic beauty. Manali is an adventure hub, while Shimla offers historic charm and accessibility from Delhi, both providing a refreshing escape from the summer heat.

Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President, Supply at Agoda shared, "As temperatures soar this summer, Agoda is your ticket to finding the perfect destination to cool off. Whether you're hitting the slopes in Queenstown or enjoying the crisp mountain breeze in the Cameron Highlands, we're here to help you escape the heat and discover the region's most refreshing retreats, with accommodations, flights and activities you can book seamlessly in one platform."

Travelers seeking a cool retreat in the summer heat can browse over 6 million holiday properties, along with more than 300,000 activities and over 130,000 flight routes, all of which can be combined in the same booking. Discover the best deals on Agoda's mobile app or visit Agoda.com for more.

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Agoda Recommends the Best Destinations to Beat the Heat This Summer

ASTANA, Kazakhstan, July 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Professor Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University, has been elected President of the Asian Universities Alliance (AUA) for the 2027–2029 term, becoming the first Thai university leader to head the regional alliance. The election was unanimously approved during the AUA Board Meeting 2026, held in early June at Nazarbayev University in Astana as part of the AUA Presidents Forum 2026.

The forum was held under the theme "Shaping Future Universities: Industry Engagement and Governance Innovation," bringing together university presidents and senior executives from leading institutions across Asia to discuss the future direction of higher education and university governance.

Founded in 2017, the AUA comprises 15 leading universities from countries and economic regions across Asia. Its members include Tsinghua University, Peking University, the National University of Singapore, the University of Tokyo, Seoul National University, Universiti Malaya, and other prominent institutions. The alliance serves as a platform for cooperation in higher education, research, innovation, and academic exchange. It was established to strengthen collaboration in higher education, science, technology, and economic development across Asia while enhancing the region's role on the global stage.

Chulalongkorn University is the alliance's only founding member from Thailand. Dr. Wilert's election marks the first time a Thai institution has assumed the organization's top leadership position.

During the forum, Dr. Wilert presented his vision on "Future University Governance Models," outlining approaches to help universities adapt to a rapidly changing global environment. His presentation focused on governance strategies designed to strengthen institutional resilience, innovation, and engagement with industry and society.

The AUA appointment marks a significant milestone for Chulalongkorn University and Thailand's higher education sector, placing a Thai university leader at the helm of a network that brings together some of Asia's most prominent institutions. Dr. Wilert currently serves as President of the Council of University Presidents of Thailand (CUPT), President of the Association of Southeast Asian Institutions of Higher Learning (ASAIHL), and President of the Asia-Europe Meeting Lifelong Learning Hub (ASEM LLL Hub) for the 2025–2030 term.

Founded in 1917, Chulalongkorn University is Thailand's oldest university and will celebrate its 110th anniversary next year.

Read more at https://www.chula.ac.th/en/news/411888/

Media Contact:  
Chula Communication Center
Email: Pataraporn.r@chula.ac.th

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Chulalongkorn University President Elected Head of Asian Universities Alliance