Coolcations: The New Travel Trend Redefining Summer
For years, the ideal summer was synonymous with sun, sea, and endless hours on the beach. However, in recent years, a new travel trend has been gaining momentum, changing the way we plan our vacations.
Enter "Coolcations"—a term combining "cool" and "vacation"—describing getaways to destinations with cooler climates, away from the extreme summer heatwaves.
Instead of crowded beaches and temperatures hitting or exceeding 40°C, more and more travelers are choosing mountains, lakes, forests, and northern destinations, where they can enjoy nature with greater comfort.
What do the studies say?
This is not just a social media fad. Data shows that climate change is now significantly influencing travel choices.
According to the Booking.com Travel Predictions report, 51% of travelers state that high temperatures directly impact how they plan their holidays.
Meanwhile, the luxury travel network Virtuoso has recorded a significant increase in bookings to Northern European countries during the summer months.
At the same time, the American Express Global Travel Trends report shows that younger generations, such as Gen Z and Millennials, increasingly prefer destinations with milder temperatures, hiking trails, lakes, and natural landscapes over crowded, heat-stricken beaches.
Top Destinations for a Coolcation
Swiss Alps & Austria
Regions primarily known as winter destinations turn into summer paradises for those who love lakes, hiking, alpine wellness, and fresh mountain air.
Carpathian Mountains, Romania
Vast forests, alpine lakes, traditional villages, and peaks exceeding 2,500 meters create one of Europe's most authentic mountain destinations. The Carpathians are perfect for hiking, wildlife watching, and relaxing escapes in nature, offering cool temperatures even in the heart of summer.
Konjic, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Built along the emerald Neretva River and surrounded by imposing mountains, Konjic is an ideal destination for those looking to escape the summer heat. The area is famous for rafting in the glacial waters of the Neretva, hiking trails in the surrounding mountains, traditional woodcarving, and the picturesque old Ottoman-era bridge.
Coolcations in Greece
You don't need to travel to Scandinavia to enjoy a cool summer. Greece boasts unique mountain destinations that offer natural coolness and authentic experiences.
- Zagorohoria & Metsovo: Stone villages, hiking in the Pindus range, and rafting on the Voidomatis River.
Sources
- Booking.com – Travel Predictions: https://news.booking.com/category/travel-predictions/
- Virtuoso: https://www.virtuoso.com/
- American Express – Global Travel Trends: https://www.americanexpress.com/en-us/travel/discover/