Beat the heat

Yearning to experience something refreshingly different? #Coolcations might offer you an opportunity to do so. The latest TikTok trend offers a new direction to traditional warmer travel destinations. These cool and comfortable escapes, where the chill adds to the adventure, are gaining popularity. Imagine trading your flip-flops for snow boots and your beach towel for a cozy blanket! Welcome to the world of coolcations, from viewing the Northern Lights in Iceland to dog sledding in Alaska. According to Luxury Travel Magazine, destinations known for their cooler climates are seeing surges in popularity. Google Trends indicates a 300% increase in searches for “cooler holidays” over the past year, as reported by Selling Travel. Iglu Cruise research also reflects this shift, with trips to the polar regions increasing by 235% and Canada’s second at 137.4%. What could feel more delightful than relaxing with hot cocoa after a day filled with exciting “cool” cruise activities?

Where to?

Also, more temperate locales, such as the British Isles and Norwegian fjords, have seen significant upticks in travel interest. Coolcation combines the English words “cool” and “vacation,” translating to holidays in regions with moderate climates – e.g., Scandinavia instead of the North Pole. The demand has grown so enormously that Visit Norway has marketed Norway as the perfect coolcation destination. Wondering what other destinations come highly recommended as part of this movement? According to CNN Traveller Middle East, hip Copenhagen, Denmark, also tops their list. The epitome of Scandi cool, this artsy cultural hub, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tales, enjoys daily highs around 22˚C. Iceland, Finland, and Scotland, already famous for summer travel, offer temperate options and the equally trending Baltic nations. Hilton Hotels has curated a list of “chic coolcations – elevated urban retreats,” including Seattle, Amsterdam, and Dublin. This three-destination itinerary edit offers less adventure, more comfort, and spa life, perfect for those seeking a pampering escape. Summertime in the Northern Hemisphere might also represent the ideal time to head south of the equator, where countries are experiencing their winter months. Cusco, Peru, and Bolivia offer moderate climates from May until mid-September, showcasing tropical scenery, snow-capped peaks, and UNESCO-listed World Heritage Sites.

How about going even colder?

Iceland, the land of fire and ice, can be considered compact, safe, and easily accessible for four-wheel exploration vehicles. Greenland is ideally situated for summer cruises and land-based adventures. Kayaking and whale-watching in the midnight sun make Greenland one worthwhile off-the-beaten-path destination. Fans of icy stays might consider ICEHOTEL in Sweden, now frigid year-round! Alaska might bring the ultimate coolcation with Denali, the Alaska Railroad, the Midnight Sun baseball game, and fishing on the Kenai Peninsula. Sustainability and preserving the local culture of these treasured locales remain essential.

According to a recent Visa survey, almost three-quarters of travelers say sustainability tops their lists when choosing travel destinations. Symrise believes in coolcations and sustainable travel trends and looks forward to hearing your favorite destinations in the comments below!

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