Coolcations are a huge global travel trend in 2025.
Forget sun-drenched beach breaks and blistering city tours — the hottest luxury travel trend in 2025 is actually cool. Enter the coolcation, a clever blend of “cool” and “vacation,” where discerning travelers are swapping sweltering summer hotspots for refreshing, high-end retreats in more temperate climates.
With heatwaves becoming more intense and common in traditional summer destinations like southern Europe, more travelers are turning to the crisp air of Scandinavia, the Canadian Rockies, or the breezy Alps. And luxury travel is leading the charge, offering refined experiences in these cool corners of the world.
Why Coolcations Are the New Summer Status Symbol
Escaping the Heat
Record-breaking summer temperatures across Europe, Asia, and the U.S. are pushing travelers north. Greece, Spain, and Italy — once go-to summer destinations — are losing ground during peak months as high-end travelers seek comfort without compromising on experience.
Countries like Norway and Sweden have seen double-digit increases in foreign overnight stays, with travelers choosing crisp air over scorching sun.
Avoiding the Crowds
Coolcation destinations often escape the crush of peak-season tourism, offering peace, space, and exclusivity. Fewer crowds mean more meaningful moments — whether it’s admiring glaciers in Iceland or enjoying a Michelin-starred meal beside a Norwegian fjord.
Conscious Travel & Climate Awareness
With rising environmental consciousness, many travelers are becoming more selective, favoring destinations that align with sustainable values. Cooler regions offer slower travel experiences, lower carbon footprints (thanks to less air conditioning and over-tourism), and immersive, eco-friendly adventures.
Luxury Reimagined Through Nature
Coolcations offer a different kind of luxury — one rooted in natural beauty, authenticity, and serene solitude. Think lakeside spa sanctuaries in Switzerland, private glacier hikes in Alaska, or exclusive lodges in the forests of British Columbia. It’s less about flash and more about finesse.
Top Luxury Coolcation Destinations in 2025
Norway
Take in the fjords, sail through the Lofoten Islands, or stay at a luxurious eco-lodge overlooking a glacier. Oslo is chic and cosmopolitan, while the countryside offers pure tranquility.
Sweden
Escape to the Swedish archipelago for minimalist, design-forward lodges, wild swimming, and chef-led foraging tours. Stockholm also delivers a world-class mix of gastronomy, culture, and boutique stays.
Iceland
A perennial coolcation favorite. Soak in the Blue Lagoon, chase waterfalls or glaciers, or stay at a private hideaway in Thingvellir National Park. Iceland’s surreal landscape blends perfectly with ultra-modern luxury.
Switzerland
The Swiss Alps offer not only scenic grandeur but some of Europe’s finest hotels. From Gstaad to St. Moritz, enjoy summer skiing, spa retreats, and lakeside yachting — all without the crowds.
Canada
Explore the Canadian Rockies or Vancouver Island, where bespoke lodges meet dramatic coastlines and world-class wilderness. Spot grizzlies, hike glacial trails, or indulge in wine country in British Columbia.
Finland
Experience the land of the midnight sun with floating saunas, wild berry picking, and boutique design hotels nestled in pine forests. For the adventurous, private aurora borealis tours in the cooler months await.
Denmark
Cool and culture-rich, Denmark combines culinary innovation (hello, Noma) with modernist design and coastal elegance. Stay in a luxurious countryside estate or explore Copenhagen’s stylish boutiques and canals.
Planning Your Perfect Coolcation
When crafting your ideal coolcation, think beyond the thermometer. These destinations offer far more than cooler weather — they’re gateways to once-in-a-lifetime experiences, made even more exclusive when curated with luxury in mind.
Key tips:
- Trip Length: Scandinavia and Canada are ideal for longer stays (7–10 days), while weekend escapes to the Alps or Iceland can be equally rewarding.
- Packing Smart: Opt for layered looks, smart-casual wear, and durable, elegant luggage — luxury and practicality go hand in hand.
- Book Early: Coolcation destinations are rising in popularity fast. With limited high-end lodging in remote locations, early planning is essential.
The Rise of the Coolcation: A Shift in Summer Luxury
As global travel habits evolve, the coolcation has emerged not just as a trend, but as a lifestyle statement. It’s for travelers who seek substance over flash, refined adventure over routine, and serene escapes over crowded hotspots.
Whether you’re sailing through Scandinavian fjords, enjoying wine by a Canadian lake, or soaking in an Icelandic thermal spring, one thing’s certain: coolcations are redefining the future of luxury summer travel — and doing it beautifully.
