‘Coolcation’ is the newest travel word floating around — a portmanteau of the words ‘cool’ and ‘vacation’ referring to travellers taking a holiday in regions with a moderate climate.
This new travel trend is increasing in popularity, with countries like Norway and Sweden witnessing a significant rise in foreign overnight stays, up 22% and 11% respectively, at the expense of warmer southern European destinations.
Tourism promotion agencies in both countries have even gone as far as to urge travellers to “escape the scorching sun and intense heat and head North” as a summer vacation alternative. But what’s contributing to the sudden popularity spike of the coolcation travel trend?
What is a coolcation?
Coolcations are defined exactly as you’d expect: vacations to cooler destinations. A portmanteau similar to ‘workcation’, the coolcation typically involves escaping to a moderate-to-cooler climate region during the warmer months. While many travellers have historically opted for the opposite, this new trend presents an alternative approach.
Condé Nast Traveller first coined the term towards the end of 2023 as a predicted trend for 2024. Since then, the phrase has quickly gained in popularity.
Why are coolcations popular now?
Coolcations are expected to continue to thrive in 2025. According to Selling Travel, Google Trends data has shown a 300% yearly increase in the search term ‘cooler holidays’.
There’s a variety of reasons why travellers have become increasingly interested in coolcations, including global warming, crowd levels and the desire for more unique experiences.
Global warming
One of the primary reasons for the rise of the coolcation trend is the negative impacts of global warming. As noted by the World Economic Forum, climate change has forced travellers to seek cooler destinations due to extreme weather conditions.
Extremely hot temperatures have made once-comfortable destinations less appealing for some travellers. This past summer, Greece even shut down certain tourist areas due to record high temperatures in an extreme heat wave.
With the rise of record-breaking heatwaves, tourists have reconsidered travelling to warm destinations. Countries across Europe that once were not considered ‘premier’ destinations during warm months have risen to the top bucket lists, such as destinations in Sweden, Norway or Denmark. The coolcation trend even prompted Norwegian Air to add ten new routes between northern Norway and European cities to meet the change in travel demands in July 2024.
Crowd levels
While global warming is considered a significant contributing factor to the rise of the coolcations, it’s not the only one. Many travellers have also contemplated trips to cooler climates during the warmer months to avoid crowds. For travellers who get claustrophobic or seek to avoid large groups, coolcation destinations offer the perfect alternative.
Coolcation destinations tend to be less busy during peak travel seasons, offering a welcome break from traditional ‘tourist traps’. Ultimately, this means travellers can experience a relaxing vacation without as much hassle, noise and dreaded waiting in lines.
Unique experiences
Extremely hot temperatures due to global warming and high crowd levels prompt many to take coolcations. However, some travellers are trying this trend to find new, unique travel experiences. For travellers seeking true adventure, many coolcation destinations offer one-of-a-kind experiences that can’t be replicated elsewhere.
For example, Alaska is known for its unmatched beauty — with landscapes from glaciers to fjords; and travellers visiting Scandinavia can immerse themselves in rich history or even see the Northern Lights. Many coolcation destinations are ideal for experiential travel, offering authentic and meaningful experiences.
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Coolcation destinations
If you're sold by the coolcation movement, some popular destinations include:
- Switzerland: Experience the breathtaking views and scenery of the Swiss Alps. From immersive scenic hikes to boat rides on Lake Geneva, Switzerland is a great coolcation destination for the outdoorsy traveller
- Canada: Visit the Canadian Rockies, known for its rugged mountains and unique wildlife
- Iceland: Dip in the renowned Blue Lagoon or visit the renowned Thingvellir National Park
How to plan a coolcation
Ready to book a coolcation? The task can seem daunting (especially if you’re used to planning a different type of vacation). When selecting your coolcation destination, consider the kind of adventure you’re seeking.
Each location offers unique experiences — which should help you hone in on the right destination for you. Additionally, consider how much time you have to devote to your vacation. Some locations may work as a short trip, whereas others may be better suited for a longer getaway.
For example, Switzerland is an optimal destination for the active traveller who enjoys a mix of outdoor activities such as hiking and biking, with cultural and historical sightseeing as well. On the other hand, Iceland is a natural wonder destination with unique attractions like the Northern Lights and hot springs. These types of destinations require at least a week to 10 days time to experience to the fullest. Other destinations like the Canadian Rockies may be better suited for a shorter trip (3 to 5 days).
No matter where you’re visiting, hardwearing luggage is a prerequisite. From carry-ons to large checked bags, our range of premium travel cases has you covered.
Takeaway
As climate change continues to take hold, coolcations are expected to become more popular with time. Extreme heat in popular tourist countries may cause travellers to rethink their visit and change plans to visit coolcation destinations.
What is a coolcation?
What are some coolcation destinations?
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