Summer used to be all about sunshine and beaches. However, as temperatures soar across the globe, many travelers are opting for cool breezes and alpine air over heatwaves. Welcome to the era of the cool-cation, which is a growing travel trend where people seek cooler destinations as an intentional way to beat the heat while still enjoying their time off.
With rising global temperatures, travel habits are shifting. In 2025, more travelers are seeking climate-comfortable destinations rather than baking on overcrowded beaches. Terms like “cool summer destinations” and “climate-conscious travel” are trending on Google, and destinations previously overlooked in summer are now seeing a surge in bookings.
What Is a Cool-cation?
A cool-cation is a vacation taken specifically in a cooler or milder climate, either in elevation, near bodies of water, or in higher latitudes. The focus is on comfort, nature, wellness, and often, slower travel.
Instead of sweating it out in tourist-packed hotspots, cool-cationers are:
- Heading north to Nordic countries, Canada, or mountainous regions
- Exploring shaded forests, glacier-fed lakes, or coastal towns with cooler currents
- Prioritizing wellness, nature walks, local culture, and cozy stays
- It’s less about poolside cocktails, more about mindful exploration in comfortable weather.
Why Cool-cations Are Trending in 2025
Climate Change and Heat Fatigue
Record-breaking heatwaves in Europe, Asia, and the U.S. are making once-popular destinations unbearable in summer. Travelers want relief from intense temperatures without sacrificing their travel plans.
Comfort Over Crowds
Tourist-heavy cities like Rome, Athens, and Bangkok are seeing travelers shift their timing or look for offbeat, cooler alternatives. Avoiding crowds while staying comfortable is a win-win.
Wellness and Nature Escapes
Cooler climates often offer more opportunities for hiking, kayaking, stargazing, forest bathing, and outdoor wellness retreats. These experiences align well with the growing demand for restorative travel.
Social Media Shift
Influencers and content creators are highlighting lesser-known cool destinations—from alpine lakes in Slovenia to remote villages in the Scottish Highlands—helping these places go viral.
Where to Go for a Cool-cation in 2025
1. Faroe Islands, Denmark
Quiet, uncrowded, and wrapped in misty fjords, the Faroe Islands offer breathtaking views, coastal hikes, and a mild climate even in peak summer.
2. Banff & Jasper, Canada
The Canadian Rockies are perfect for a cool-cation, with glacier lakes, pine forests, and high-altitude trails. July temperatures rarely cross 25°C.
3. New Zealand (South Island)
While it’s technically winter there during northern hemisphere summer, that’s exactly the point. For snow-capped mountains and off-season solitude, it’s unbeatable.
4. Scotland’s Highlands
Cool breezes, historic castles, and green, open landscapes make the Highlands ideal for summer travelers seeking both culture and comfort.
5. Japanese Alps
Regions like Nagano and Takayama offer traditional ryokans, mountain escapes, and scenic views—far away from Tokyo’s heat.
6. Patagonia (Argentina/Chile)
While it’s winter there in June–August, Patagonia’s dramatic landscapes offer a cold-weather thrill for adventurous travelers looking to swap sun for snow.
Cool-cation Travel Tips
- Pack for layers: Even in summer, temperatures can swing in high-altitude or coastal regions.
- Book early: These destinations are rising in popularity, and accommodations fill up fast, especially boutique eco-stays.
- Adopt slow travel: Choose one or two base locations and explore at a relaxed pace. Enjoy the scenery, try local cuisine, and avoid overplanning.
- Choose nature-first stays: Mountain cabins, lakeside lodges, and forest eco-resorts are in demand. Prioritize places with good ventilation and natural cooling, not just air conditioning.
Who Should Consider a Cool-cation?
- Remote workers seeking peaceful, climate-friendly getaways
- Families with young children or elderly travelers who may struggle in high heat
- Wellness travelers looking to escape stress and heat in one go
- Budget travelers aiming to skip the peak pricing in traditional hotspots
A More Mindful Way to Travel
Cool-cations also align with the broader trend of sustainable and conscious travel. By avoiding high-traffic destinations during peak months, you help reduce over-tourism while supporting lesser-known communities. Cooler destinations often face fewer droughts and water shortages, too, making your footprint a little lighter.
Travel Where You Can Breathe
In 2025, travel is less about where everyone else is going and more about how you want to feel on your trip. If you’re looking for a break from the heat, the noise, and the crowds, a cool-cation might be exactly what you need.
Whether you’re hiking through northern forests, sipping coffee in a coastal village, or cozying up in a mountain cabin, the joy of comfortable, conscious travel awaits.
So this summer, skip the sunburn and choose a destination that lets you breathe easy, sleep well, and come back refreshed.
Happy Voyaging!
