As extreme heat becomes more common, a new travel trend known as "coolcation" is growing in popularity. This trend involves seeking out cooler destinations for vacations, especially during the summer months when many places experience scorching temperatures. Travelers are increasingly choosing northern regions with cooler climates, such as Iceland and Finland, for their getaways. These areas are seeing a significant rise in visitors, with Iceland's international tourism numbers growing from around 500,000 fifteen years ago to over 2 million today. Finland is also experiencing a boost in tourism, particularly in the summer, with nearly 424,000 overnight stays recorded in 2025, an 8% increase from the previous year.
During the winter season, Finland saw a 20% rise in visitors compared to the prior year. This trend is largely driven by travelers looking to escape the heat and experience cold-weather attractions, such as snow-covered landscapes, the northern lights, and unique activities like igloos and ice hotels. Families and couples are the main groups visiting, with families more common during school holidays. Popular experiences include dog sledding, snowmobiling, and visiting reindeer, while the famous Santa's Village in Rovaniemi attracts many. For those seeking a more authentic experience, smaller villages like Akaslompolo are preferred.
Despite the cold, which can fall below -20°C from December to March, the availability of rental gear and warm accommodations helps make the experience more comfortable. The rise of budget airlines like Transavia, Easyjet, and Ryanair has also made these destinations more affordable, with packages starting at around 1,000 euros, covering flights, lodging, and activities. While travel agencies recommend booking through them for specialized experiences like dog sledding or snowmobiling, other options like snowshoe hiking, cross-country skiing, and relaxing in saunas are also available.
The coolcation trend is not limited to Iceland and Finland. Scandinavian countries, along with Scotland and Ireland, are also seeing more visitors. Some reports predict that by 2027, activities like exploring Scottish castles or hiking in Norwegian fjords could surpass the popularity of sunbathing on southern beaches. To secure the best prices for a winter vacation, travelers are advised to book between September and October.
Coolcation Trend Drives Interest in Northern Destinations Amid Rising Heat
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Original sources:
- 🇫🇷BFMTV



