Coolcations: Travel to Stay Cool While Temps Rise

As temperatures rise and heatwaves intensify, a new summer travel trend is gaining significant momentum: the coolcation. Instead of chasing the sunshine, more travelers are planning summer vacations to escape the heat.

The numbers don’t lie. Searches for coolcations have risen 462% year-over-year, according to a Travel + Leisure article. Whether it’s crisp mountain air, breezy coastal towns, or high-altitude cities, destinations with spring-like weather in the summer are attracting travelers.

In this article, we’ll break down what a coolcation is, why the trend is booming, and highlight some of the best destinations for planning your own refreshing escape.

What Is a Coolcation?

A coolcation is what it sounds like — a vacation designed to help you stay cool. Travelers visit places where temperatures remain comfortable, even during peak summer months.

Coolcations are a growing travel trend due to their benefits. You escape extreme heatwaves in your hometown (or skip traditional summer destinations that get hot). You don’t have to stay indoors due to the heat, and thus can enjoy more activities. Plus, you can avoid tourist hotspots, which can be more aggravating than fun thanks to the crowds and the soaring temperatures.

If you’ve ever returned from a summer trip drained from the heat, it may be time for a coolcation this year. After all, vacation is about rejuvenating yourself. A good coolcation enables you to beat the heat while still enjoying a memorable travel experience.

Best Coolcation Destinations

Good coolcation destinations might include:

• Northern regions with shorter, milder summers
• Mountain towns with higher elevations
• Coastal areas known for cool ocean breezes
• Countries with naturally temperate climates

Below, we’ll highlight standout coolcation destinations to beat the heat. After reading, start planning your trip!

Upstate Michigan, USA

Average temperatures during summer: Average highs in the 70s°F; average lows in the 50s°F

Why Upstate Michigan is one of the best coolcation destinations

With comfortable summer weather, natural beauty, and small-town charm, Upstate Michigan is a perfect summer vacation spot to beat the heat. Also notable: It doesn’t get dark in the Upper Peninsula until around 9:45pm in the summer (late sunsets!).

5 Top Experiences in Upstate Michigan

• Trek Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
• Kayak on Lake Michigan
• Cycle around Mackinac Island
• Dine and have fun in Traverse City
• Search for Petoskey Stones in Petoskey

Ireland

Average temperatures during summer: Average highs between 65-70°F; average lows in the 50s°F

Why Ireland is one of the best coolcation destinations

Ireland is practically made for coolcations, with moderate temperatures, lush green landscapes, dramatic coastal cliffs, charming villages, and historic cities. Summer days are also almost never-ending, with up to 18 hours of sunlight.

5 Top Experiences in Ireland

• Take a literature tour in Dublin
• Road-trip along the Wild Atlantic Way
• Stand atop the Cliffs of Moher
• Enjoy live music at a traditional Irish pub
• Stay at Ashford Castle

Iceland

Average temperatures during summer: Average highs between mid-to-high 50s°F; average lows in the 40s°F

Why Iceland is one of the best coolcation destinations

Refreshing and unique, Iceland has become a favorite among adventurous travelers. Explore volcanoes, glaciers, and waterfalls, relax in hot springs, view the midnight sun, and more. Thanks to cool yet comfortable summer weather, you’ll have all day to enjoy the majestic natural landscape.

5 Top Experiences in Iceland

• Restore yourself in the Blue Lagoon, Iceland’s most popular geothermal spa
• Visit famous waterfalls such as Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss
• Hike in Thingvellir National Park
• Ride Icelandic horses through moss-covered lava fields
• Walk around the capital city of Reykjavík

Medellín, Colombia

Average temperatures during summer: Average highs in the high 70s°F; average lows in the 60s°F

Why Medellín is one of the best coolcation destinations

A top digital nomad destination in South America, Medellín is the City of Eternal Spring, with pleasant weather nearly year-round. Elevated in the Andes Mountains, Medellín offers an incredible mix of culture, cuisine, art, and entertainment. If you’re looking for a coolcation city destination to escape the heat, look no further.

5 Top Experiences in Medellín

• Ride a cable car over the city
• Walk around Comuna 13, a vibrant neighborhood known for street art
• Enjoy the nightlife in El Poblado
• Tour the Memory House Museum
• Eat a bandeja paisa at a restaurant in El Centro

The Scottish Highlands, Scotland

Average temperatures during summer: Average highs in the high 50s and low 60s°F; average lows in the mid-to-high 40s°F

Why the Scottish Highlands are one of the best coolcation destinations

If you need a summer vacation to escape the heat, the Scottish Highlands deliver with refreshingly cool air and a breathtaking landscape. You can hike, golf, tour historical sites, or simply relax amidst the natural beauty. The Scottish Highlands offer the chance to move at your own pace and are perfect for those who love slow travel.

5 Top Experiences in Scottish Highlands

• Experience the legend of Loch Ness and its Nessie monster
• Drive the scenic North Coast 500
• Taste whiskey at a distillery in Cairngorms National Park
• Play a round of golf in the country where golf was born
• Tour the Eilean Donan Castle

Coolcations and the Future of Travel

Coolcations are gaining popularity for all many reasons. Rising global temperatures play a massive role, and top coolcation destinations allow you to not only stay outdoors longer, but also be more comfortable during your time in the sun. Plus, many of these destinations are outside the normal summer vacation tourist traps. Fewer crowds equals less stress and more time to enjoy the experience.

So, this is not a passing travel trend. The coolcation is likely to become a common type of trip as climates continue to change and comfort takes priority.

Check back to this article regularly. We’ll be adding more coolcation destinations over time. If you want more inspiration for unforgettable vacations, read some of our other unique travel guides:

• Grocery Store Tourism
• Foodie Travel
• Noctourism Destinations
• Adventure Travel
• Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations

About the Author

Nick Callos has always had a passion for reading, writing, and discovering the new and unknown. Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Nick holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English from Boston College. He currently splits his time between his hometown, Chengdu, China, and the open road. A full-time travel writer, Nick hopes his work can inspire others to explore the world more deeply and enjoy the digital nomad lifestyle.

Featured image by Master Unknown on Unsplash