Does Your Summer Need a "Coolcation"?

Summer is synonymous with travel. The sun is out and the day is long, and everyone seems eager to enjoy some of the most famously bright spots of the world. But when you follow suit, suddenly those places are not as picture-perfect as they seem.

High temperatures can make exploring famed locales feel like a marathon, while the alternative of relaxing on a sandy beach can feel akin to an open-air barbecue. And not to mention, people seem to be everywhere — crowds flock to the same places you want to see, making the experience less exciting in the moment. In all, the same ol' summer travel isn't what it used to be. So as this coming summer looms, a new trend hopes to skip this increasingly familiar but not-so-sunny scenario. Travelers are considering taking "coolcations" instead.

"When we think of a summer vacation, often beaches come to mind," Expedia travel expert Melanie Fish says. "Coolcations are all about opting for places where the temperatures are more moderate. I live in Austin, where the summers are in the triple digits, so I'm a big believer in this trend. Give me a sweatshirt instead of a sweat-ing destination."

June through August of 2024 was the hottest summer on record, and this year will likely be no different. It was also a period marked by record-breaking travel. Planning a coolcation to a place that isn't as hot — say, less than 80 degrees tops — allows you to do more activities comfortably, and likely with fewer fellow tourists. "If you're not choosing to go to the theme parks of Florida, for instance, then you're probably also going to skip a lot of crowds," Fish says. "And there will probably be more to do that feels adventurous, like jumping in a lake or hiking through a forest."

If you're dreaming of summer and the thought of a coolcation sounds appealing, then read on for five pro-approved destinations that'll encourage you to get off the hot and very beaten path.

Experts Featured in This Article

Melanie Fish is a travel expert and the head of global PR for Expedia Group Brands.

Inga Rós Antoníusdóttir is the general manager of North Europe for Intrepid Travel, an adventure travel operator.

Nadia Bess is a Fora travel advisor specializing in luxury adventure travel.

Nicole Campoy Jackson is a Fora advisor specializing in boutique travel.

5 Best Coolcation Destinations, According to Travel Experts

Scandinavia

Inga Rós Antoníusdóttir, the general manager of Intrepid North Europe, says she's definitely seen a rise in coolcation travel. "Beyond simply avoiding extreme heat, wildfires, and sometimes even lack of water, our travelers show great interest in experiencing pristine nature, fewer crowds, and unique cultural experiences," she notes. "Destinations in northern Europe perfectly align with these preferences by providing exceptional natural beauty, tranquility, and cultural richness without having to deal with heat waves."

Norway makes Rós Antoníusdóttir's list of potential coolcations given its distinctive landscape. "With its amazing fjords, Norway provides unparalleled opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and scenic train journeys," she says. "The landscapes are at their peak in summer, with lush green valleys, blooming wildflowers, sparkling fjords, towering waterfalls, and amazing wildlife roaming the land."

Fora travel agent Nadia Bess would also pick Norway and the rest of Scandinavia. "Sweden and Finland, which are less busy than the more popular neighbors of Iceland and Norway, offer a huge diversity of summer travel options, without record-breaking temperatures or prices," she says. And since the sun is a near-constant companion, you could even plan to have a midnight picnic or stay in a year-round ice hotel.

Fora travel advisor Nadia Bess would also pick Norway and the rest of Scandinavia. "Sweden and Finland, which are less busy than the more popular neighbors of Iceland and Norway, offer a huge diversity of summer travel options, without record-breaking temperatures or prices," she says. And since the sun is a near-constant companion, you could even plan to have a midnight picnic or stay in a year-round ice hotel.

Canada

There are many different ways to experience the beauty of Canada, which is why Fish would put it on her list. Sure, you could travel to one of its many cities for endless fun, but Fish would take a slower approach by renting a cottage in one of its quiet lake towns. This would be an ideal getaway for families who want to spend their entire vacations swimming, kayaking, water skiing, and more.

"The lakes of Canada would be in their prime season, but it would still be considered a coolcation," Fish says. Just make sure to lock down your cabin quickly — reservations are bound to fill up fast.

Bess agrees with a trip to Canada, and says that its wilderness is often overshadowed by Alaska for American tourists. "There are amazing lodges, many accessible only by seaplane, boat, or helicopter," she says. "On the East Coast of Canada, there is an incredible collection of lodges where you can safely observe polar bears on foot as they roam their natural habitat. You'll also have the chance to spot wolves, moose, belugas, red and Arctic foxes, and even the rare wolverine."

Michigan

For those who want to stay closer to home, but still hope to feel like they're on an escape, Fish suggests heading to the Upper Peninsula — it's the part of Michigan that feels very remote. "Summer days hover in the 70s," she says, "and it's prime vacation season." You could rent a Vrbo cabin in the woods, she adds, and spend long days fishing in a lake and cooking the catch over an open fire. And if you weren't lucky enough to hook dinner, don't worry, it's much easier to make s'mores.

Scotland

From the history of Edinburgh and the breathtaking scenery of the Highlands, Fora advisor Nicole Campoy Jackson recommends a trip to Scotland this summer. "Scotland doesn't get particularly hot, even in August," she says. "It has sunny days, but not so much that you're fanning yourself after a bit of sightseeing."

It might be a good opportunity to plan a visit around the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the largest performing arts showcase in the world, during its three-week run in August. From there, you could take a boat ride on the famous Loch Ness — keeping an eye out for mysterious shadows in the water — and perhaps take a train to Glasgow for its own art and architecture.

Southern Africa

Bess has an idea for travelers who really want to think outside the box: Use your coolcation to travel to a different season entirely. "South Africa and the surrounding countries are in winter during the US summer," she says. "However, it does not get that cold, especially in the safari regions that are closer to the equator. Plus, the winter season means fewer bugs and crowds, and better pricing."

Bess calls a safari at this time of year the "secret season," and notes that it also coincides with the whale watching and flower blooming seasons. In all, it's one way to get the best of both worlds: Lots of outdoor adventures followed by poolside relaxation in the city — without breaking too much of a sweat.

Kelly Dawson is a writer, editor, and marketing consultant who has contributed to nearly every major publication in America. She is a longtime writer for Architectural Digest, Dwell, and Real Simple, and her work has also appeared in The New York Times, Travel + Leisure, and Bon Appétit, to name a few.