Coolcation. You’ve heard the term. But what is a coolcation exactly? What makes a coolcation a coolcation? And why are coolcations so hot right now? We’ll tell all.
That sorted, we’ll also give our recs for the top coolcation destinations of the moment.
What is a coolcation?
Take cool and add vacation and you get the coolcation meaning. In other words, a coolcation is a trip to a destination with lower average temperature highs, particularly in the summer months.
It means swapping the Greek Islands for Iceland, Egypt for Krakow or Aruba in the Caribbean for the Norwegian fjords.
We think the term was first coined by the oh-so fancy Condé Nast Traveler. But that doesn’t mean joining the coolcation trend has to set your credit card alight.
Since the word’s first use in 2023, it’s gone great guns. The European Travel Commission has discovered that 28% of travellers are now actively seeking out coolcations to escape exploding thermometer bulbs.
What makes coolcations so appealing?
Why is the coolcation trend flying right now? The obvious answer is that as temperatures in traditional holiday destinations rise, travellers are finding it all a bit hot under the collar.
But beyond heat warnings, here are some excellent reasons coolcations are grabbing the attention of holidaymakers like you.
- Get off the beaten path
Done the Mykonos summer season? Ticked off the port houses of Porto? Great.
One huge advantage of opting for a coolcation is the chance to explore somewhere completely new to you.
That could mean a city break in Geneva or a tour of the Baltic States.
- Avoids the crowds
What is a coolcation is not the only phrase that’s been troubling ChatGPT recently. So has what is overtourism?
Heading on a coolcation helps you steer clear of the crowds, which means more genuine experiences while you’re on the road.
- Make the most of summer
The further north you go, the longer the days become – head beyond the Arctic Circle in northern Scandinavia and its technically never night thanks to the midnight sun!
And more daylight means more time to explore your off the beaten track coolcation destination.
- Get bang for your buck
Pick a non-traditional destination for your summer break and you can also make it big when it comes to cash flow. Or should that be make it small?
Coolcation destinations sitting off the traditional summer hols radar generally have better-value restaurants, bars and activities. In short? Your money goes further.
- Try something new
Finally, coolcations let you take up a new experience. Fancy swapping a day at the beach for a day kayaking a Norwegian fjord?
Depending on your coolcation destination, you could find yourself doing anything from skiing and snowboarding to heading deep among stunning craggy mountain peaks!
The best coolcation destinations according to Mystery Holidays
Going on a coolcation doesn’t mean limiting your holiday choices!
Here at Mystery Holidays we’ve got a stunning array of destinations set to ensure the coolcation trend lasts longer than the latest celeb romance.
- Iceland
They don’t get cooler than Iceland! You might call it the ultimate coolcation destination.
Get hold of a four-night Mystery Holidays trip to Iceland and you’ll be heading to ‘the land of fire and ice’.
Don’t worry though, the ‘fire’ here refers to Iceland’s subterranean activity which provides warmth for geothermal spas right across the country.
The ice – well that’s more literal. Iceland is one of the best places in the world to gaze on glittering glaciers on the Golden Circle route.
And that’s alongside dramatic waterfalls, a continental meeting point and trendy capital Reykjavik.
- Norway Glaciers & Fjords
Ignore Norway’s pricey reputation and party the midnight sun away with a four-night Mystery Holidays escape among its glaciers and fjords.
Known for their phenomenal natural beauty – and cooler temperatures of course – there’s also plenty to keep more active travellers enthralled.
You certainly won’t want to miss a journey on the Flam Railway – regularly voted one of the best in the world.
And in addition to that there are a boatload of cruises along charming waterways such as Nærøyfjord, known for the narrowness of its surrounding hills.
Above all, don’t forget to dip into Norwegian culture. It’s given birth to everyone from artist Edvard Munch to the bad boy of chess – grand master Magnus Carlsen.
- Cape Town
Cape Town’s Mediterranean-style climate makes it an ideal coolcation destination. It also makes South Africa’s second-biggest city a playground for outdoor pursuits.
Where else can you hit the beach without burning to a crisp in the summer months? Or go cave diving with great whites?
Within easy reach of the city you can also check out Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden’s boomslang canopy walkway, hike to the summit of Table Mountain – or take the cable car instead – and enjoy the museums surrounding Company’s Gardens.
If a seven-night Mystery Holidays trip to Cape Town sounds like heaven, you’d be dead right.
- Salzburg
This Austrian city is all about fresh mountain air, laidback living and sumptuous food and drink.
A cheeky two-night Mystery Holidays getaway to Salzburg is therefore another excellent coolcation win.
You can do far worse than enjoy a stroll along the Salzach River before participating in the city’s biggest cultural movement – coffee time!
Head to any of Salzburg’s coffee shops and you’ll find people from all walks of life chatting merrily with friends while tucking into a slice of freshly made cake and downing a rich coffee blend.
Then head up into the mountains, for views, meetings with marmots and a chance to burn off all that cake….
- Krakow
Win a two-night Mystery Holidays getaway to Poland’s masterful city of Krakow and you’ve got 48 hours to unravel the secrets of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Site Old Town.
It features Europe’s largest market square from medieval times, the grand Cloth Hall used by merchants for centuries and the equally impressive St Mary’s Basilica.
Even so, Krakow’s star of the show for many is Wawel Castle. Set beside the Vistula River, its exhibition spaces and hallowed halls make it unmissable.
Then hit the bars and clubs of what’s rapidly becoming one of Europe’s most exciting cities for nightlife – helped by the long hours of summer daylight.
Coolcations are the future. Impress your friends and fam by joining a Mystery Holidays trip before everyone else does!
