Coolcations: Top Chilly Escapes for Summer 2025

What Is a Coolcation?

A coolcation is a vacation to destinations where summer temperatures stay mild, often ranging between 10°C and 22°C (50°F to 72°F). Think of lush forests, glacier-fed lakes, breezy islands, and mountain towns where you can hike, relax, and explore without breaking a sweat.

Why coolcations are trending in 2025:

Climate-conscious travelers want to avoid extreme heat
Travelers seek more nature, wellness, and slower living
These spots are often less crowded and more sustainable

Coolcation Goods vs. Hot Summer Essentials

Packing for a coolcation is very different from prepping for a tropical holiday. Here’s how your suitcase will shift:

Coolcation Essentials:

Lightweight fleece or thermal layers
Waterproof jacket and hiking shoes
Warm socks and a beanie for chilly mornings
Reusable thermos or insulated water bottle
Travel-friendly moisturizer for dry mountain air

Hot Summer Trip Essentials:

Flip-flops, swimsuits, and beachwear
Sunglasses and strong SPF sunscreen
Sand-proof tote bags
Cooling towels and portable fans
Aloe vera gel and hydration packs

The beauty of a coolcation? You’re less likely to overheat, sunburn, or feel drained by the weather — meaning more time for real adventure.

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1. Zermatt, Switzerland

Summer temps: 12°C to 20°C (54°F to 68°F)
Why go: A car-free Alpine village at the base of the iconic Matterhorn, Zermatt offers cool weather, glacier skiing, and breathtaking hiking trails.
Top Experiences: Gornergrat Railway, Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, hiking Five Lakes Walk
Stay here: Cozy chalets or boutique hotels with Matterhorn views

2. Reykjavik + South Coast, Iceland

Summer temps: 9°C to 15°C (48°F to 59°F)
Why go: Dramatic landscapes, waterfalls, puffins, hot springs, and the midnight sun. Iceland is cool in every sense.
Top Experiences: Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon, black sand beaches, glacier hikes
Perfect for: Solo travelers, road-trippers, photographers
Stay here: Guesthouses in Reykjavik or cottages along the Ring Road

3. Banff & Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada

Summer temps: 10°C to 22°C (50°F to 72°F)
Why go: Emerald lakes, towering mountains, and cool forest air in one of the most scenic national parks on earth.
Top Experiences: Moraine Lake, Icefields Parkway, Banff Gondola, canoeing
Tip: Visit early morning to avoid crowds and capture perfect reflections
Stay here: Mountain lodges or lakeside resorts

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4. Faroe Islands

Summer temps: 8°C to 14°C (46°F to 57°F)
Why go: Remote, green, and wildly photogenic, the Faroe Islands are ideal for those looking for pure solitude and cool winds.
Top Experiences: Hiking to Mulafossur waterfall, boat ride through fjords, puffin spotting
Perfect for: Digital detox, nature lovers, slow travel
Stay here: Local guesthouses with turf roofs or seaside cabins

5. Shetland Islands, Scotland

Summer temps: 11°C to 16°C (52°F to 61°F)
Why go: Quiet, rugged, and rich in Viking history, these islands offer cooler days and cozy vibes.
Top Experiences: Cliffside walks, ancient stone ruins, seafood dining
Tip: Don’t forget your camera — wildlife sightings are common
Stay here: Quaint inns and B&Bs near Lerwick

6. Lofoten Islands, Norway

Summer temps: 10°C to 17°C (50°F to 63°F)
Why go: Midnight sun, colorful fishing villages, and dramatic fjords. It feels untouched and magical.
Top Experiences: Henningsvær village, kayaking in Reine, hiking Ryten
Perfect for: Couples, photographers, outdoor explorers
Stay here: Rorbu cabins (converted fisherman huts)

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7. Tatra Mountains, Poland/Slovakia

Summer temps: 10°C to 22°C (50°F to 72°F)
Why go: An alternative to the Alps, offering cooler air and fantastic value. Popular for hiking, cable cars, and folk culture.
Top Experiences: Zakopane town, Morskie Oko lake, Gubałówka funicular
Perfect for: Hikers, families, cultural travelers
Stay here: Wooden mountain lodges and spa resorts

8. Burgundy, France

Summer temps: 15°C to 24°C (59°F to 75°F)
Why go: Fewer crowds than Provence, mild weather, vineyard walks, and old stone villages.
Top Experiences: Wine tastings, chateaux visits, Dijon town strolls
Perfect for: Wine lovers, solo travelers, scenic drives
Stay here: Country B&Bs or boutique vineyard hotels

9. Åland Islands, Finland

Summer temps: 13°C to 21°C (55°F to 70°F)
Why go: An archipelago in the Baltic Sea known for peace, slow living, and cool breezes.
Top Experiences: Biking around the islands, seaside saunas, exploring Mariehamn
Ideal for: Digital nomads, couples, nature photographers
Stay here: Wooden cabins or small coastal hotels

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10. The Dolomites, Italy

Summer temps: 12°C to 22°C (54°F to 72°F)
Why go: A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Dolomites offer crisp air, scenic drives, and panoramic hikes.
Top Experiences: Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Alpe di Siusi, mountain refuges
Tip: Rent a car for the best flexibility
Stay here: Alpine inns or rifugi (mountain huts)

What to Pack for a Coolcation

Lightweight thermal layers
Waterproof jacket and walking shoes
Power bank and offline maps (some areas have limited signal)
Camera with extra memory card
Reusable water bottle and eco-friendly travel items

How to Plan the Perfect Coolcation

✅ Step 1: Find Your Destination

Use this guide and pick based on your travel style — mountains, islands, or lakes?

✅ Step 2: Book Flights Early

Search with flexible dates and airports using our Flight Search Tool for the best deals.

✅ Step 3: Choose Cool-Friendly Stays

Look for hotels with saunas, scenic views, or local charm in our Hotel Deals Finder.

✅ Step 4: Plan for Comfort

Schedule slower days. Coolcations are all about unwinding, not over-scheduling.

Final Thoughts

Summer doesn’t have to mean sweating under the sun or queuing in tourist-packed cities. With a coolcation, you can explore peaceful landscapes, sleep soundly in crisp mountain air, and recharge your body and mind.

Whether you’re hiking Norway’s fjords or sipping wine in French villages, these cool-weather escapes offer a refreshing alternative to the summer status quo.

Use our Flight Search Tool and Hotel Deals Finder to start booking your escape before it heats up — literally.

Stay cool and travel smart this summer! ❄️