Do you want to stop sweating during your Summer holidays? Coolcation tourism is on the rise. This article will explain why Norway, Latvia, and Iceland are the best places to escape the heatwave.
Keep reading to outsmart Summer’s sizzle!
Coolcations: Definition
In order to avoid the summer heat, people are choosing cooler destinations. It involves going to places with a temperate climate rather than hot ones.
You might want to consider heading north instead of going for a hot beach. Norway, Sweden and Finland are popular destinations because they offer a respite from the extreme Summer heat.
Coolcations are a new way to enjoy nature and convenience over just heat and sun.
Visitors who want to enjoy nature without sweating excessively will be attracted by locations like the Norwegian Fjords and the Arctic Circle. These locations often boast stunning landscapes like glaciers and lush forest.
Popular Coolcation Destinations
After learning what coolcations are, let’s explore where people love to escape the heat. These locations offer a combination of natural beauty with cooler weather. They are perfect for Summer getaways. This shows how diverse coolcation options are around the world.
1. Finland
Finnish Summers are mild, with average temperatures ranging from 15-20°C (59-68°F). This Scandinavian country is known as “the land of a thousand lakes” (actually over 188,000), providing cool, serene environments for swimming, boating, and relaxation.
Experience the traditional sauna followed by a refreshing dip in a cool lake – a perfect coolcation activity. Visitors can also take part in nature walks, enjoy the midnight sun and possibly see the Northern Lights starting late September.
Lapland offers cool temperatures all year and the chance to meet Santa Claus. Helsinki offers museums, historic sites and design districts in a cool, pleasant climate.
2. Estonia
Tallinn and other medieval cities can be explored in comfort during the mild summers. Estonia’s long Baltic coastline offers beautiful beaches and resort towns like Pärnu, where you can enjoy cool sea breezes and refreshing swims.
Forests cover nearly half of Estonia, offering cool, shady areas for camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Estonia’s islands, such as Saaremaa and Hiiumaa, offer even cooler temperatures and tranquil environments away from the mainland.
Tallinn’s capital, Estonia, is home to some of the best restaurants. Tallinn’s Christmas markets are so beautiful that you might decide to visit again in Winter.
3. Latvia
Latvia has some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, and they are much less crowded. There are over 12,000 lakes and rivers in the country. They’re perfect for water sports such as canoeing, kayaking, fishing or just relaxing at the shore.
The bogs of Latvia offer a unique experience for bog-walking in a cool, misty environment. Riga is a great place to admire medieval and Art Nouveau architecture without the heat of summer.
Jurmala is a great destination for wooden houses that are part of the UNESCO World Heritage. Jurmala also has some excellent spa hotels.
4. The Dolomites in Italy
The Dolomites are cool even in summer thanks to their altitude. While much of Italy swelters, the Dolomites enjoy moderate temperatures, typically ranging from 15-25°C (59-77°F) during the day, dropping to refreshingly cool nights.
Mountain biking and hiking are both popular in this stunning landscape. In the Summer, enjoy the beautiful meadows filled with wildflowers.
Cyprianerhof dolomit resort is our favourite place to stay. This charming alpine resort has a great spa and is near a cable car so you can easily access the mountains.
5. Iceland
While much of the world swelters, Iceland’s Summer temperatures typically range from 10-15°C (50-59°F), offering a refreshing escape from heat. Iceland is known for its geysers and thermal pools, such as the Blue Lagoon. These provide warm bathing even in cold weather.
Iceland has nearly 24 hours daylight in the summer, which allows for longer sightseeing and more unique experiences. Cool temperatures are ideal for exploring, hiking and whale-watching without becoming overheated.
Visit black sand beach, waterfalls, glaciers and volcanoes. In late Summer (generally from September onwards), it’s possible to catch early displays of the Aurora Borealis.
Iceland is less crowded than other warm-weather destinations. This applies to both the capital Reykjavik and the Golden Circle.
6. Alaska, USA
Escape the mainland’s heat by exploring Alaska’s glaciers and wildlife during its mild Summers. It is the perfect time to see diverse wildlife such as bears, moose and whales. You can also fish or watch salmon make their annual run upstream.
The “Land of the Midnight Sun” enjoys up to 20 hours of daylight in Summer. Enjoy cool, refreshing boat trips with breathtaking views along the Inside Passage or other coastal areas.
The summer brings many festivals that celebrate Alaska Native culture as well as the opportunity to visit remote villages.
7. Greenland
Greenland is a place of unspoiled natural beauty, with temperatures that are comfortable for exploring the icebergs and remote village. During Summer months, temperatures are usually from 5-15°C (41-59°F).
Greenland is a great place to learn about the Inuit culture, enjoy whale watching and hiking. This country is relatively uncrowded compared to other destinations.
In the Summer, Greenland has 24-hour daylight. This allows for longer explorations and activities. Greenland offers the best chance to see the Aurora Borealis during darker months.
8. The Rockies in Canada
In the milder summer months, travelers can relax at resorts by lakes or hike through breathtaking landscapes. The Columbia Icefield is a great place to explore old glaciers.
Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and Peyto Lake are famous lakes with turquoise water and a relaxing lakeside atmosphere. Banff National Parks, Jasper National Parks, Yoho National Parks, and Kootenay National Parks offer diverse ecosystems and well-maintained amenities. You can see bears, mountain goats, elks, and mooses in their natural environment.
Enjoy panoramic views on the Rocky Mountaineer for a bucket-list experience.
9. Sweden
Swedish Summers are generally mild, with average temperatures ranging from 13-17°C (55-63°F) in most parts of the country. You can enjoy the midnight sun in northern Sweden during summer with almost 24 hours of daylight.
Stockholm offers both historical sites and amenities. Stockholm and Gothenburg’s archipelagos offer great island-hopping.
You can also visit the Ice Hotel and experience Sami culture in the north. Swedish Winters offers unique experiences like Northern Lights viewing.
10. Maine, USA
Maine is the northernmost state in the United States. Its latitude helps to keep temperatures cooler. Maine’s coastal areas typically have Summer highs around 21-25°C (70-77°F), while inland areas might reach 27-30°C (80-86°F). The summer temperatures in Maine are significantly lower than those of many other U.S. States.
Acadia National Park offers cooler temperatures because of its coastal location. Autumn is a time of cooler temperatures and stunning fall colors.
The state’s clean air and lower humidity levels can make the temperatures feel more comfortable. In additioin, Maine’s extensive forests and numerous lakes contribute to a cooler microclimate in many areas.
11. Denmark
Danish summers are generally cool, with average temperatures ranging from 15-20°C (59-68°F), providing relief from hotter climates. Denmark’s beach culture is vibrant despite cooler temperatures.
It is perfect for water sports, cycling, and hiking without being too hot. Faroe Islands are an autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark. They have stunning fjords with green valleys.
The Danish concept of ‘hygge’ (coziness) is perfect for enjoying cool evenings indoors.
12. Norway
Norway’s famous fjords offer cool microclimates and breathtaking scenery. It is also known for the clean, fresh air that enhances the feeling of cooling.
In summer, the areas above Arctic Circle enjoy 24-hour daylight. This allows extended outdoor activities without excessive heat. Visit beautiful churches or vibrant cities such as Oslo and Bergen.
Norway is home to many glaciers that are easily accessible, offering a truly cool experience all year round. Arctic experiences are available in Northern Norway, even during the summer.
13. New Zealand
New Zealand has a variety of climates, depending on the region. Many areas have a temperate climate which makes it a great destination to visit all year. Summer (December-February) is the best time to enjoy outdoor activities. Winter (June-August) offers great skiing.
A variety of wildlife is found in the country, including kiwis, a symbol of New Zealand. Wildlife viewing is possible in nature reserves and national park, which include rare species that are not found anywhere else on earth.
The iconic locations of the Fiordland National Park in New Zealand, the Southern Alps or the Rotorua geothermal wonders attract both nature lovers as well as adventure seekers. New Zealand is home to a wide variety of wildlife, such as the kiwi, which has become a national icon.
What are the benefits of Coolcations?
Coolcation encourages people to visit cooler places during the peak summer months. This helps to reduce the stress in hotspots that are overrun by tourists and suffer extreme heat.
The trend is to travel to places that have cooler temperatures in order escape the heatwave. The trend is good for the environment. Less crowded places mean less waste and destruction.
With coolcations rising in popularity among new travel trends, there’s less harm to natural sites. These cooler places are often centered around outdoor activities that support wildlife and the environment.
Travelers can help the environment by choosing eco-friendly options. Coolcations show that you can still have fun and not harm the environment or break a sweat.
Planning Tips to a Successful Coolcation
- Choose destinations that are known for their cooler temperatures in Summer, such as Iceland or Scandinavia.
- Pack layers of clothing to protect you from the sun and for changing temperatures. Patagonia, New Zealand or other destinations that are cooler but have intense sunlight should be packed with appropriate clothing.
- Avoid heatwaves, and avoid crowded tourist areas. This will maximize your enjoyment of your coolcation.
- Select eco-friendly accommodation and activities to reduce the impact on the environment of your coolcation.
- Avoid the heat of the day by planning outdoor activities for the early morning or evening.
- Keep up to date with weather alerts, heatwave warnings, and weather forecasts. Be flexible in your travel plans to accommodate any sudden changes to weather conditions.
Coolcation: Final Thoughts
The coolcation trend involves seeking out cooler locations to escape the intense summer heat. It’s gaining popularity due to the increasing global warming and heat stress during Summers in various parts of the world.
Coolcations allow people to travel in luxury while avoiding heatwaves. As we navigate through newer post-Covid travel trends, it’s clear that coolcations will continue to be an important choice for travelers looking for relief from hot temperatures in popular vacation spots.
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