Are you tired of sweating through your Summer vacations? The Coolcation travel trend is catching on. This article will show you why places like Norway, Latvia and Iceland are top picks for escaping the heatwave.
Keep reading to outsmart Summer’s sizzle!
Defining Coolcations
Coolcations are the latest travel inclination where individuals select chillier destinations to find relief from heat, particularly in the Summer months. This involves visiting locales with temperate climates rather than sweltering ones.
Consider moving northward instead of aiming for a baking hot seashore. Locations like Norway, Sweden, and Finland gain favor as they propose an exit from the severe Summer warmth encountered in common vacation spots.
Coolcations epitomize a shift in pursuing convenience and natural splendor over merely heat and sunshine.
Locations renowned for their moderate climate, like the Norwegian fjords or the Arctic Circle, lure visitors wanting to relish nature without excessive perspiration. These spots frequently boast breathtaking landscapes such as glaciers and lush forests.
Popular Coolcation Destinations
After learning what coolcations are, let’s explore where people love to escape the heat. These spots offer a mix of natural beauty and cooler weather, perfect for a Summer getaway. It shows just how varied coolcation options can be across different parts of the globe.
1. Finland
Finnish Summers are mild, with average temperatures ranging from 15-20°C (59-68°F). This Scandinavian country is known as “the land of a thousand lakes” (actually over 188,000), providing cool, serene environments for swimming, boating, and relaxation.
Experience the traditional sauna followed by a refreshing dip in a cool lake – a perfect coolcation activity. Tourists can also enjoy midnight sun, nature hikes, and potentially see the Northern Lights from late September.
In Lapland, you can enjoy cool temperatures and meet Santa Claus all year round. Cities like Helsinki provide cultural experiences with museums, design districts, and historic sites, all enjoyable in the cool climate.
2. Estonia
This Baltic gem offers mild summers perfect for exploring medieval cities like Tallinn without sweating much. Estonia’s long Baltic coastline offers beautiful beaches and resort towns like Pärnu, where you can enjoy cool sea breezes and refreshing swims.
Nearly half of Estonia is covered in forests, providing cool, shaded areas for hiking, camping, and wildlife watching. Estonia’s islands, such as Saaremaa and Hiiumaa, offer even cooler temperatures and tranquil environments away from the mainland.
There are some truly amazing restaurants in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. You might like it so much that you decide to return in Wintertime to see the Tallinn Christmas markets!
3. Latvia
Another cool destination in the Baltics, Latvia boasts beautiful beaches that are far less crowded than those in Southern Europe. The country is dotted with over 12,000 rivers and 3,000 lakes, perfect for cool water activities like canoeing, fishing, or simply relaxing by the shore.
Latvia also offers unique bog walking experiences in cool, misty environments. Admire Art Nouveau and medieval architecture in Riga, without the discomfort of Summer heat.
Head to Jurmala for its silky soft white sand and UNESCO World Heritage protected wooden houses. There are some great spa hotels in Jurmala too.
4. The Dolomites, Italy
Even in Summer, the Dolomites offer cool relief thanks to their elevation. While much of Italy swelters, the Dolomites enjoy moderate temperatures, typically ranging from 15-25°C (59-77°F) during the day, dropping to refreshingly cool nights.
Hiking and mountain biking are popular activities here amidst breathtaking scenery. Experience the beauty of wildflower-filled meadows in full bloom during the Summer months.
One of our favorite places to stay here is Cyprianerhof Dolomit Resort. This charming alpine hotel has an incredible spa and is close to a cable car for easy mountain access.
5. Iceland
While much of the world swelters, Iceland’s Summer temperatures typically range from 10-15°C (50-59°F), offering a refreshing escape from heat. The country is famous for its hot springs, geysers, and thermal pools like the Blue Lagoon, providing warm bathing experiences even in cool weather.
In Summer, Iceland experiences nearly 24 hours of daylight, allowing for extended sightseeing and unique experiences. The cool climate is perfect for hiking, whale watching, and exploring without overheating.
Visitors can explore glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls, and black sand beaches. In late Summer (generally from September onwards), it’s possible to catch early displays of the Aurora Borealis.
Iceland is generally less busy than warm-weather destinations, whether in the capital Reykjavik or the iconic Golden Circle.
6. Alaska, USA
Escape the mainland’s heat by exploring Alaska’s glaciers and wildlife during its mild Summers. This is the best time to spot diverse wildlife including bears, moose, whales, and bald eagles in their natural habitats. You can also watch (or fish for) salmon as they make their annual runs upstream.
The “Land of the Midnight Sun” enjoys up to 20 hours of daylight in Summer. The Inside Passage and other coastal areas are perfect for cool, refreshing boat tours with spectacular views.
Summer brings numerous festivals celebrating Alaska Native culture, as well as opportunities to visit remote villages.
7. Greenland
Greenland offers untouched natural beauty with comfortable temperatures for exploring its icebergs and remote villages. During Summer months, temperatures are usually from 5-15°C (41-59°F).
In Greenland, you can learn about Inuit culture and enjoy hiking, kayaking, whale watching, and dog sledding. Compared to many destinations, this country remains relatively uncrowded.
In Summer, parts of Greenland experience 24-hour daylight, allowing for extended exploration and activities. During darker months, Greenland is an ideal spot to view the Aurora Borealis.
8. The Rockies, Canada
The Canadian Rockies boast breathtaking landscapes where travelers can hike or relax by lakeside resorts in milder summer weather. Visitors can explore ancient glaciers, like the Columbia Icefield, for a truly cool experience.
Famous lakes like Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and Peyto Lake offer stunning turquoise waters and cooling lakeside relaxation. Banff, Jasper, Yoho, and Kootenay National Parks provide well-maintained facilities and diverse ecosystems to explore. There are potential opportunities to see bears, elk, moose, and mountain goats in their natural habitat.
Take the impressive Rocky Mountaineer train for panoramic views and a true bucket list experience.
9. Sweden
Swedish Summers are generally mild, with average temperatures ranging from 13-17°C (55-63°F) in most parts of the country. In northern Sweden, you can experience the midnight sun during summer, with nearly 24 hours of daylight.
Cities like Stockholm offer a mix of historical sites and modern amenities. The Stockholm and Gothenburg archipelagos provide beautiful island-hopping opportunities.
In the north, you can visit the Ice Hotel or experience Sami culture. For those seeking a truly cool experience, Swedish Winters offer unique activities like Northern Lights viewing.
10. Maine, USA
As the northeasternmost U.S. state, Maine benefits from cooler temperatures due to its latitude. Maine’s coastal areas typically have Summer highs around 21-25°C (70-77°F), while inland areas might reach 27-30°C (80-86°F). This is significantly cooler than many other U.S. states during Summer.
Acadia National Park in particular offers cooler temperatures due to its coastal location and elevation changes. Autumn brings even cooler temperatures along with stunning fall colors, attracting many visitors.
The state’s clean air and lower humidity levels can make the temperatures feel more comfortable. In additioin, Maine’s extensive forests and numerous lakes contribute to a cooler microclimate in many areas.
11. Denmark
Danish summers are generally cool, with average temperatures ranging from 15-20°C (59-68°F), providing relief from hotter climates. Despite cooler temperatures, Denmark has a vibrant beach culture, with many coastal areas to explore.
The cool weather is ideal for cycling, hiking, and water sports without the discomfort of excessive heat. The Faroe Islands, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, feature stunning fjords and green valleys.
The Danish concept of ‘hygge’ (coziness) is perfect for enjoying cool evenings indoors.
12. Norway
Norway’s famous fjords offer cool microclimates and breathtaking scenery. The country is also known for its fresh, clean air, enhancing the feeling of coolness.
In Summer, areas above the Arctic Circle experience 24-hour daylight, allowing for extended activities without intense heat. Visit the beautiful churches, or vibrant cities like Oslo and Bergen.
Norway has numerous accessible glaciers, providing genuinely cool experiences year-round. Arctic experiences: Northern Norway offers unique arctic adventures, even in Summer.
13. New Zealand
The climate in New Zealand varies by region, but many areas enjoy a temperate climate, making it a pleasant destination year-round. Summer (December to February) is ideal for outdoor activities, while Winter (June to August) offers excellent skiing opportunities.
The country is home to a variety of unique wildlife, including the kiwi bird, which is a national symbol. Nature reserves and national parks provide opportunities for wildlife viewing, including rare species found nowhere else in the world.
Iconic locations like Fiordland National Park, the Southern Alps, and the geothermal wonders of Rotorua attract nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. New Zealand has a variety of unique wildlife, including the kiwi bird, which is a national symbol.
What are the Benefits of Coolcations?
Choosing a coolcation means more people head to cooler destinations during peak Summer months. This shift helps reduce stress on hot spots that suffer from too many visitors and extreme heat.
Travelers seek mild temperatures to escape the heatwave, making places with cooler weather popular. This trend is also kind on the environment. Less crowded destinations mean less waste and damage.
With coolcations rising in popularity among new travel trends, there’s less harm to natural sites. Many of these cooler places focus on outdoor activities which support local wildlife and nature.
Instead of heavy tourism hurting ecosystems, travelers help by choosing sustainable options. Coolcations prove you can have fun without breaking a sweat or harming the planet.
Planning Tips for a Successful Coolcation
- Research and choose destinations renowned for cooler Summer temperatures, such as Iceland, Scandinavia, or high-altitude locations.
- Pack appropriate clothing for varying weather conditions, including layers for temperature changes and protection from the sun in cooler yet intense sunlight destinations like Patagonia or New Zealand.
- Consider off-peak travel times to avoid heatwaves and crowded tourist spots, maximizing enjoyment of your coolcation destination.
- Opt for eco-friendly accommodations and activities that contribute to minimizing the environmental impact of your coolcation travel.
- Plan outdoor activities during early mornings or evenings to avoid the peak heat hours and make the most of cooler temperatures.
- Stay updated on weather forecasts and heatwave alerts while staying flexible with your itinerary to adapt to any unexpected changes in weather conditions at your selected destination.
Final Thoughts on the Coolcation Travel Trend
In conclusion, the coolcation travel trend is all about seeking cooler destinations to escape the intense Summer heat. It’s gaining popularity due to the increasing global warming and heat stress during Summers in various parts of the world.
People are now choosing coolcations as a way to enjoy luxury travel while avoiding extreme heatwaves. As we navigate through newer post-Covid travel trends, it’s clear that coolcations will continue to be an important choice for travelers looking for relief from hot temperatures in popular vacation spots.
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