Why “Coolcations” Are The Hottest New Way To Holiday
For years, the classic summer getaway for UK travellers has meant one thing: chasing the sun. But with temperatures climbing across much of Europe, more people are starting to question whether 35–40 degree heat is really how they want to spend their precious time away. A growing number of my clients are now asking for something different: holidays where they can be outdoors without wilting in the heat, explore spectacular scenery and come home feeling genuinely refreshed. In other words, they are asking for “coolcations”. A coolcation is a trip where you choose your destination for its milder climate rather than its scorching sunshine. Think pine forests and glassy lakes, fjords and mountains, historic towns and long, light evenings. It is less about lying still on a sun-lounger and more about enjoying easy days in nature, pretty waterfront strolls and cosy evenings with a view. And it is a trend that is resonating with everyone: solo travellers, couples, families, and grandparents alike.
Why travellers are turning down the heat
Recent summers have brought repeated headlines about intense heatwaves and wildfires across popular Mediterranean spots. For many of my clients, this has taken the shine off the idea of a classic “bake by the pool” holiday.
Most tell me they are happiest in warm but comfortable temperatures: enough for alfresco dinners and time by the water, but not so intense that sightseeing, walking or sleeping becomes a struggle. At the same time, there is a clear shift away from purely “fly and flop” trips towards holidays that feel more experiential: where you do and discover things as well as relax.
Coolcations bring these threads together beautifully: a gentler climate, more time outdoors and plenty of scope for memorable experiences.
What does a 'coolcation' look like?
The beauty of a coolcation is that it can be almost anything you want it to be, as long as the climate feels kind. Here are a few different styles that work brilliantly for UK travellers.
1. Fjords and fresh air: Norway and the Nordic countries
The Nordic region is at the heart of the coolcation trend. Countries like Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland offer dramatic landscapes, comfortable summer conditions and long, bright evenings.
Norway is particularly appealing for UK travellers thanks to its accessible cities and excellent transport links.
- Colourful wooden houses and harbourfront restaurants in places like Bergen
- Blue‑green fjords framed by steep cliffs and waterfalls
- Scenic rail journeys past mountains, valleys and mirror‑calm lakes
- Easy hikes suitable for children and grandparents alike, with huge views as the reward
A Norway coolcation might mean a few nights in Bergen with day trips into the fjords, a rail‑and‑sail adventure combining small towns and mountain scenery, or a longer journey north to experience the midnight sun in summer.
For many families and multi‑generational groups, a Norwegian fjords cruise is especially attractive. You unpack once, enjoy full‑board dining and entertainment on board and wake up to a new view almost every day. It is a relaxed way for everyone from toddlers to grandparents to enjoy spectacular landscapes without constant travelling between hotels.
2. Lakes, forests and outdoor adventures
If your idea of heaven is being surrounded by water and woodland, a coolcation built around lakes and forests might be perfect.
Think of:
- Lakeside cabins or hotels where you can swim, paddleboard or kayak straight from the shore
- Forest trails for gentle family walks or longer hikes
- Picnic spots overlooking the water, with space for children to run around
- Evenings around a firepit, wrapped in a blanket as the light slowly fades
This style of coolcation works wonderfully for mixed‑age groups. Younger travellers can burn off energy, adults can enjoy the sense of escape and grandparents can soak up peaceful surroundings with plenty of fresh air and comfortable places to rest.
3. City breaks with cooler streets
A city break can absolutely be a coolcation if you choose somewhere with a milder climate and easy access to green spaces.
Ideas include:
- Harbour cities backed by hills or forests, where you can combine waterfront cafés, museums and galleries with short hikes or viewpoint walks
- Compact historic towns with cobbled streets, colourful houses and local markets, where pleasant temperatures make wandering a pleasure instead of a test of endurance
- Cities with excellent public transport and cycling networks, so you can explore without overheating in traffic jams
For couples and groups of friends, a long‑weekend coolcation city break can feel fresh and different to the typical European capital in peak heat. It also works nicely as the starting or finishing point for a wider journey into surrounding countryside or coast.
4. Soft adventure for families with teens
Coolcations pair brilliantly with gentle adventure, especially for families with older children who want more than “just the pool”.
You might weave in:
- Scenic hikes with viewpoints, waterfalls or lakes at the end
- Kayaking or canoeing on calm fjords or sheltered coastal inlets
- Zip‑lines, via ferrata routes (protected climbing paths) or easy glacier walks where conditions allow and safety is paramount
- Boat trips to spot wildlife or visit tiny islands and remote villages
Because the climate is kinder, it is far more comfortable to be active for a few hours at a time. Parents often find that teens who might be reluctant to trail around a hot city are much happier to hike, paddle or cycle in cooler air with spectacular scenery.
5. Gentle exploration for parents and grandparents
Coolcations also lend themselves to slower, more relaxed travel that still feels rich in experiences.
This might mean:
- A small coastal town with pleasant summer temperatures, where you can wander along the harbour, join a short boat trip and enjoy local food without rushing
- A rail journey through mountains and valleys, staying in a couple of handpicked stops along the way
- A cruise itinerary that glides through fjords or along a rugged coastline, combining scenic sailing days with short, manageable excursions
For anyone who finds the heat difficult, being able to step outside and enjoy the fresh air without worrying about extremes can make travel feel much more accessible and enjoyable.
The emotional appeal of a coolcation
Beyond the practical benefits, there is something quietly special about a coolcation. Clients often describe:
- Sleeping better, thanks to cooler nights
- Feeling more energised, because they can be outside rather than hiding from the midday sun
- Coming home genuinely rested, with memories of viewpoints, boat trips and lakeside walks instead of “it was too hot to do much”
For many, it is also about trying something new. Swapping a familiar beach resort for fjords, forests or a city by the water can make a holiday feel more meaningful and memorable, without sacrificing comfort or ease.
Is a coolcation right for you?
Coolcations can work beautifully for:
- Couples who love exploring, walking and good food in relaxed, scenic settings
- Young families who want space for children to play outdoors without worrying about intense sun
- Parents with teens who are ready for more active, experience‑rich trips
- Grandparents who still love to travel but prefer moderate temperatures and gentle exploration
- Multi‑generational groups who need a style of holiday that keeps everyone comfortable and entertained
They may not be ideal if your absolute non‑negotiable is baking‑hot weather and long days sunbathing by the pool. But if you have ever found yourself saying “I think it might be too hot for us this year”, a coolcation could be the perfect alternative.
Ready to rethink your summer?
As our summers evolve, so do our holidays. Coolcations offer a different way to enjoy Europe in the sunshine months: fresher air, beautiful scenery, time outdoors and shared experiences that feel relaxed rather than overwhelming.
If you are curious about swapping scorching beaches and pavements for cool mountain air, fjords or forest‑fringed lakes next summer, I would love to help you explore the possibilities and design a coolcation that fits you, your family and your wider travelling party perfectly.
