Summer used to be about beaches, sunbathing, and sweating your way through city tours. Not anymore.
In 2025, travelers are flipping the script. Record-breaking heatwaves, wildfire smoke, and climate-fueled disruptions have made traditional summer vacations uncomfortable — and, in some cases, unsafe. The new trend? Coolcations: choosing destinations specifically to escape the heat.
This isn’t about skipping summer. It’s about rethinking it. And the smartest travelers are already booking smarter, cooler getaways.
Here’s why coolcations are on the rise — and where to go when the heat becomes too much to handle.
Why Coolcations Are Exploding in 2025
- Climate extremes are the new norm
Cities like Rome, Athens, and Seville now hit 100°F+ regularly in summer. Traditional beach destinations? Still hot, but now with crowded hospitals, wildfire risks, and water shortages. - Remote work unlocks flexibility
More travelers can now avoid high-season chaos and book extended stays in cooler places, often at off-season prices. - Wellness over heatstroke
People want to hike, eat, and explore without overheating. A fresh breeze now beats a scorching beach. - Smart travelers are going off-script
Rather than chasing the same overhyped summer destinations, people are looking for calm, clean air, and places where they can actually breathe.
What Defines a Coolcation?
- Mild weather (60s to 70s Fahrenheit)
- Access to nature — lakes, forests, fjords, or mountains
- Smaller crowds — think remote towns over capitals
- Local culture and slower travel pace
- Active experiences that don’t leave you drenched in sweat
It’s not just a trip — it’s a break from the heat, the noise, and the intensity.
Best Coolcation Destinations for 2025
You don’t need to go Arctic. You just need to go smarter.
1. The Faroe Islands (Denmark)
Highs in July: 52–57°F
Tucked between Iceland and Norway, this cluster of 18 volcanic islands is quiet, surreal, and often fog-draped. Hike dramatic cliffs, spot puffins, and drive through tunnels that look like something out of science fiction.
Bonus: Direct flights from Europe are expanding fast.
2. Newfoundland (Canada)
Highs in July: 65–70°F
Charming fishing villages, iceberg sightings, and whale tours? Yes. Tourists and heatwaves? No. This under-the-radar Atlantic province delivers chill in every sense of the word.
Base yourself in St. John’s or explore the remote beauty of Gros Morne National Park.
3. The Dolomites (Italy)
Highs in July: 65–75°F
Want Italy without the heat and crowds? Head to the mountains. The Dolomites offer Alpine air, stunning trails, and fresh pasta with a view. Stay in small towns like Ortisei or Cortina d’Ampezzo, and skip the southern scorch.
4. Tasmania (Australia)
Highs in July (their winter): 50–60°F
July is winter in the Southern Hemisphere. Tasmania gives you mountain trails, coastal cliffs, and moody wilderness — without the masses. It’s the opposite of a sweaty European summer, and that’s the point.
5. Scotland’s Outer Hebrides
Highs in July: 55–65°F
These remote islands offer wind-swept beaches, peat bogs, and landscapes that feel prehistoric. Rent a car, take the ferry, and discover a version of the UK most tourists never touch.
6. Argentina’s Lake District (Bariloche)
Highs in July (Southern Hemisphere winter): 40–50°F
If you want to escape the Northern summer entirely, this region offers snowy peaks, chocolate shops, and a surprisingly Swiss vibe. It’s off-season magic with South American charm.
7. Finland’s Lakeland
Highs in July: 65–75°F
Over 180,000 lakes. Pine forests. Long daylight hours without the oppressive heat. Finland’s interior is one of Europe’s best-kept summer secrets.
Rent a lakeside cabin, go foraging, and live like a Nordic local — slowly.
How to Plan a Smart Coolcation
1. Book early — but not peak tourist dates
Coolcations are becoming popular, so accommodations in smaller destinations fill up fast. Plan ahead, especially for remote regions.
2. Pack layers, not bikinis
Think breathable base layers, rain jackets, and hiking shoes — not sandals and sarongs.
3. Travel off the beaten path
Cool destinations often lack tourist infrastructure — that’s part of the appeal. Be flexible. Rent a car if needed.
4. Rethink “summer” activities
Replace beach days with hiking, biking, paddling, or cultural festivals. The vibe is slower, but the experience is richer.
5. Make it a hybrid trip
Combine a few days in a major hub (Reykjavík, Oslo, Edinburgh) with an extended stay in a smaller, cooler escape.
Bonus: Urban Coolcation Ideas
You don’t need to go remote to stay cool. These cities offer culture without the heatwave:
- Copenhagen, Denmark – Bike-friendly, breezy, and beautifully modern
- Vancouver, Canada – Mountain air meets world-class dining
- Tallinn, Estonia – Baltic charm, old town magic, and temperate weather
- Wellington, New Zealand – Cool year-round, with artsy vibes and coastal walks
Summer doesn’t have to mean sweat, sunburn, and heat exhaustion. In 2025, more travelers are choosing comfort over cliché — and finding cooler, quieter, more interesting destinations along the way.
Coolcations are about more than weather. They’re about choosing peace over pressure, and experience over exhaustion. So skip the heat. Go north. Go off-grid. And find out just how refreshing summer travel can be when it’s actually… cool.
