Part two of our guide to escaping the summer heat. Red blotchy heat rash, sweaty armpits and smelly feet is never a good look. So, if you want to escape embarrassing body odour this summer then why not check these destinations where you can have a great time and still retain your cool.

Norway
One of the greatest tourist attractions of Norway are of course the fjords. Unfortunately, the fjord lands are often so busy with tourists during the summer months that their tranquillity and isolation is lost in the hordes of visitors! Thankfully, Norway’s interior is also well worth a visit for tourists who can make their way into the interior for some of the most beautiful and scenic train journey in the world. Travelling from the capital Oslo to Bergen, with a stop at the scenic lakeside town of Voss, the long summer days in this part of the world are perfect for viewing the snow capped mountains, fjords and villages - all in temperatures that are unlikely to creep above 75 degrees in the process!

Coastal Maine, USA
A short two hour drive from one of the USA’s most gay friendly cities, Boston, will take visitors to the charming and beautiful Maine coast. Temperatures on this part of the eastern seaboard usually remain in the very respectable, but pleasant, 70s during the summer months and the coast is dotted with laid back seaside resorts, excellent beaches, fine seafood restaurants and stunning scenery. Gay tourists from the US are no strangers to this part of the country and in particular the resort town of Ogunquit, which has masses of New England charm and a well developed gay scene complete with bars, restaurants, guesthouses as well as three miles of stunning beach.

Nova Scotia, Canada
Canada’s reputation as a gay friendly destination is second to none, making this the perfect place for a gay tourist to spend their holidays. The coast of Nova Scotia, known as the Canada Seacoast, is also the ideal place for those looking to escape the summer heat with temperatures rarely escaping the 70s - even in the height of summer. This is an outdoor lovers paradise with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the spectacular coast and countryside of the area which is full of charm and excellent seafood restaurants abound. For those looking for a more urban adventure Halifax’s mix of old and new, crafted stone and gleaming glass mixed with a love of tradition will fit the bill nicely. This is a place with a small town feel yet has the facilities and atmosphere of a big city.

St. Petersburg, Russia
Built to show case for Russia to the outside world by the Tsar Peter The Great, St. Petersburg is the cultural and architectural gem in the whole of Russia. The city managed to escape the ravages of the Stalinist period and retains the grandiose elegance of its imperialist beginnings. Built on a network of canals and waterways which are lined with grand buildings and majestic palaces this is one of the most striking and unique cities in the world. Summer temperatures here are unlikely to reach above the high 70s, perfect weather for exploring the famous site which include the famous Hermitage Palace complex and the Russian Museum.

Sweden
Most visitors to Sweden will probably journey to the cities which are mostly located in the southern third of the country, but travel north from Stockholm and the Sweden’s has miles and miles of lakes, mountains and open spaces which are just waiting to be explored. If vast unspoilt wildernesses and idyllic scenery all set in thousands of acres of space and fresh air are the antidote to what ails you, the Sweden might just be what you are looking for!

Want more? Then read Part I of Beat the Heat where we take a peek at San Francisco, mountain retreats, Bariloche in Argentina, Iceland and Denmark.

Find out all the latest gay travel information by ordering the brand new 2008 Spartacus International Gay Guide. Get it online and save some money to put towards the other Bruno Gmunder guides - Hotel and Restaurant Guide and Sauna Guide.