The new travel trend is all about escaping the heat, not chasing it.
As record-breaking summer heatwaves become the new normal across much of the globe, a new travel trend has emerged: the “coolcation.” Instead of flocking to the traditional sun-and-sand destinations, savvy travelers in 2025 are actively seeking out places with mild, pleasant, and even chilly summer weather. It’s a strategic retreat from the sweltering heat that has made many popular summer spots unbearable.
These are the destinations where you can enjoy the outdoors without breaking a sweat.
1. The Canadian Rockies offer alpine air and stunning scenery.
For those of us in places like Southern California, the idea of a summer without oppressive heat can feel like a dream. That dream is a reality in the Canadian Rockies. The national parks of Banff and Jasper in Alberta offer some of the most spectacular mountain scenery on the planet, with average summer temperatures that are perfect for hiking, kayaking on turquoise glacial lakes, and wildlife spotting, as mentioned in Lonely Planet.
Instead of hiding from the sun, you can spend your days exploring the majestic, snow-capped peaks and breathing in the crisp, clean mountain air. It’s the ultimate natural air conditioner and a breathtaking escape.
2. Scandinavia is the capital of cool summer cities.
The Scandinavian countries of Norway, Sweden, and Denmark are a perfect antidote to a sweltering summer. Their northern latitude means that even in July and August, the weather is typically mild and pleasant, with long, light-filled days. You can explore the charming, walkable cities of Copenhagen and Stockholm or cruise through the majestic, dramatic fjords of Norway in complete comfort, according to Travel + Leisure.
It’s a region where you can enjoy the outdoors, dine at sidewalk cafes, and immerse yourself in a vibrant culture without ever feeling the oppressive heat of a southern European summer, making it a top coolcation choice.
3. The Pacific Northwest is a perfect domestic escape.
For a coolcation without the need for a passport, the Pacific Northwest is a fantastic option. While the region can get occasional heatwaves, the coastal areas of Oregon and Washington are generally kept mild and cool by the Pacific Ocean. You can explore the dramatic, misty coastline, hike through lush, temperate rainforests in Olympic National Park, or enjoy the quirky, creative vibes of a city like Portland, as mentioned in Condé Nast Traveler.
It offers a welcome respite from the high temperatures that now plague so much of the rest of the country during the summer months, providing a green and pleasant sanctuary.
4. Ireland’s “forty shades of green” come with cool weather.
The Emerald Isle is famous for its stunningly green landscapes, and that lushness is a direct result of its mild, temperate, and often drizzly climate. This makes it a perfect coolcation destination for those who have had enough of the sun. Summer temperatures in Ireland are rarely hot, making it ideal for road trips along the dramatic Wild Atlantic Way or for exploring ancient castles and cozy pubs.
You will want to pack a sweater and a rain jacket, but you will also be rewarded with a comfortable and refreshing vacation in one of the most beautiful and welcoming countries in the world.
5. Alaska is the ultimate North American coolcation.
If you truly want to escape the heat, there is no better place to go than Alaska. It is the ultimate coolcation, a land of massive glaciers, towering mountains, and incredible wildlife. Here, a “warm” summer day might be in the mid-60s, a temperature that would feel like a dream in most of the Lower 48.
You can take a cruise through the stunning Inside Passage, watch glaciers calve into the sea in Kenai Fjords National Park, or try to spot grizzly bears in Denali. It is a true wilderness adventure that offers a complete and total escape from the summer heat.
6. The Netherlands offers a mild maritime climate.
The Netherlands is a country that is perfectly designed for summer exploring, thanks to its flat landscape and mild maritime climate. The weather is rarely hot, making it ideal for walking or biking through the charming streets and along the famous canals of cities like Amsterdam and Utrecht. The long, pleasant summer evenings are perfect for enjoying a drink at a canal-side cafe.
The country’s famous North Sea beaches also offer a cool and refreshing escape, with brisk breezes and temperatures that are a world away from the crowded, scorching beaches of the Mediterranean.
7. The Faroe Islands are a dramatic and rugged retreat.
For a more adventurous coolcation, the Faroe Islands, a remote archipelago located between Norway and Iceland, offer a truly unique experience. This is a land of dramatic, sheer cliffs that plunge into the North Atlantic, stunning waterfalls, and charming, grass-roofed houses. The weather here is famously wild, windy, and cool, even in the middle of summer.
It is a paradise for hikers and bird watchers who are looking for a rugged, off-the-beaten-path destination where they can feel the raw power of nature. It’s the perfect choice for a traveler who finds beauty in a moody, atmospheric landscape.
8. Patagonia is a true winter wonderland in July.
For a complete reversal of the seasons, there is no better coolcation than a trip to Patagonia in the Southern Hemisphere, where our summer is their winter. The southern regions of Argentina and Chile are transformed into a snowy paradise, offering a chance for skiing and other winter sports. The landscapes are absolutely breathtaking, with the iconic peaks of the Andes covered in a blanket of white.
Even if you’re not a skier, it’s a chance to hike on glaciers, see stunning, frozen lakes, and enjoy the cozy atmosphere of a mountain lodge, a complete and total escape from the summer heat.
9. The Baltic states are Europe’s underrated cool gems.
The countries of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania on the Baltic Sea are a fantastic and often overlooked coolcation destination. Their summers are typically mild and sunny, with long, pleasant days perfect for exploring the stunningly preserved medieval old towns of cities like Tallinn and Riga. The coastline offers beautiful, sandy beaches backed by pine forests, with cool, refreshing water.
These countries are less crowded and much more affordable than their Scandinavian neighbors, offering a unique blend of fascinating history, beautiful nature, and a wonderfully pleasant summer climate, making them a perfect and underrated choice.