The "coolcation" is exactly what its name suggests — a vacation somewhere cold while the rest of the world bakes during the hotter months. Examples of a “coolcation” include Scandinavia in July, the Scottish Highlands in August, Patagonia or Iceland while everyone else jets off to tropical destinations. It's a growing travel trend for a few practical reasons: lower prices (on average), less crowds, breathtaking landscapes and getting away to places that don’t feel like the depths of hell every time you step outside. If your idea of a perfect summer vacation includes not sweating to death while still getting outside and participating in exciting activities, the coolcation was made for you.
Why Coolcations are Becoming More Popular
As summer temperatures continue to break records across the globe, the traditional sunny vacation is becoming less of a relaxing getaway and more of an endurance test. Overcrowded beaches, packed restaurants, ridiculously expensive accommodation costs and heat advisories are making most sane travelers reconsider where they want to spend their summers. Colder destinations that were once considered off-season during summer months, are becoming an attractive alternative, offering equally as fun vacations without the crowds and sweltering heat.
Where to Go:
- Iceland sits at the top of most coolcation lists for a few reasons. Summer temperatures hover around 50 to 60°F. The midnight sun means nearly 24 hours of daylight in June and July, and the landscape — featuring glaciers, geysers, black sand beaches and volcanic craters — is unlike anywhere else on Earth. The crowds are a fraction of what they are in peak European beach destinations, and it's simply a breathtaking, bucketlist country.
- Norway offers some of the most spectacular scenery in the world and is most accessible during summer. Kayak through Geirangerfjord, hike to Trolltunga or take the Flåm Railway through mountain valleys blanketed in wildflowers. Temperatures in the high 50s to low 60s make outdoor exploration comfortable while still enjoying traditional summer activities like swimming, just in a more temperate climate.
- The Scottish Highlands are vast and strikingly beautiful in summer. And if you are an “Outlander” fan, it's simply a bucket list destination. Explore the North Coast 500 by car, visit the Isle of Skye and enjoy the charm of a centuries-old pub.
- Patagonia is in fact a real place you can see and not just an infamous sportswear brand. Nestled between Chile and Argentina, this region is technically in its winter season during the Northern Hemisphere's summer, but that makes it ideal for trekking and glacier exploration. Additionally, it’s in its off-season making it ideal if you want to see it when there are less crowds.
- New Zealand's South Island follows the same Southern Hemisphere idea. While the Northern Hemisphere bakes, New Zealand experiences its winter — changing Queenstown, Fiordland and the Marlborough Sounds into misty landscapes that look and feel vastly different than in the summer. There are much less tourists and lower prices make this the ideal time to go if you want to see New Zealand.
What to Do on a Coolcation
The colder temperatures of coolcations make activities that are usually uncomfortable during summer months, not only possible, but enjoyable. Long hikes can be pleasurable without having to start insanely early in the morning to beat the heat. You can spend extended periods cycling through the countryside. Most importantly, you can spend a full day outdoors without needing to retreat inside where there is AC by noon. coolcation destinations also tend to skew toward the outdoor activities like kayaking, glacier walks, whale watching and swimming in lakes — which means you'll have a broader catalogue of potential activities to do on vacation that aren’t limited by temperatures and heat exhaustion.
Experience a Broader Range of Flavors
Colder destinations often bring a vastly different culinary identity than tropical countries or countries along the Mediterranean, for example. Scandinavia's open-faced smørrebrød, slow-cooked Icelandic lamb and Scottish whisky are cuisines created in and for a cooler climate. Not only does the coolcation expand the possibility of activities, but you’ll also expand your flavor palate by indulging in foods and drinks you probably would not encounter in warmer climates.
The Practicality of Coolcations
Beyond the comfort of them, coolcations just make more financial sense at the end of the day. Destinations like Iceland, Norway and New Zealand experience their own tourism peaks at different times of year, meaning summer vacations coming from the Northern Hemisphere often lands in off-season pricing pockets. Flights tend to be cheaper, there is more accommodation available with better deals and you don’t have to compete with large crowds to enjoy the same attractions. The money savings alone make a compelling argument for the coolcation — but paired with everything else it offers, it’s the obvious choice for the summer season.