“Coolcations”: The Hottest Travel Trend for Beating the Heat in Europe

Summer in Europe is changing. With rising temperatures and overflowing tourist traps, Australian travelers are ditching the typical hotspots and heading north — literally.

Welcome to the age of the Coolcation: a rising trend where travelers seek out cooler European destinations during off-peak seasons for a more peaceful, climate-friendly, and culturally authentic getaway.

Why Everyone's Heading North

Once considered too remote or “offbeat,” countries like Norway, Iceland, Estonia, and the Faroe Islands are seeing a surge in popularity — and it’s not hard to see why.

What makes these places perfect coolcation spots?

Mild temperatures even in summer months
Lush natural landscapes untouched by mass tourism
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Adventure-friendly: Think fjords, glaciers, and northern lights — minus the frostbite

The Shift: A Data-Backed Travel Revolution

According to recent data from travel platforms like Skyscanner and Booking.com:

Searches for northern Europe are up 31% year-on-year among Aussie travelers
Off-peak bookings (May-June, September) have risen sharply in Estonia and the Faroe Islands
“Coolcation” was recently declared one of the top 5 global travel trends of 2025

Top Coolcation Destinations You Can’t Miss

🇳🇴 Norway

Explore the Lofoten Islands, hike scenic fjords, and chase the Midnight Sun
Visit Oslo for modern art and Viking heritage — without the tourist overload

🇮🇸 Iceland

Soak in geothermal lagoons, wander black sand beaches, and explore ice caves
June and September offer mild weather with fewer crowds than July-August

🇪🇪 Estonia

Tallinn’s old town is a fairytale escape with medieval charm and a vibrant cafe scene
Coastal trails and forest saunas make it a perfect wellness retreat

🇫🇴 Faroe Islands

Rugged cliffs, puffins, and rolling green hills — this is Scotland’s quieter cousin
Ideal for hikers, solo travelers, and photography lovers

Why Australians Love Coolcations

Escape the Heat: Aussie summers are brutal — a European coolcation is refreshing relief
Less Rush, More Peace: Fewer queues, quieter cafés, and no selfie-stick mobs
Off-Season Prices: Flights and stays are often cheaper than in peak months
Unique Memories: Snowy hikes, Arctic boat rides, husky sledding… this isn’t your average Eurotrip

Planning Your Coolcation? Here's How

Best Months to Go:
Late May to early July and September to mid-October
Avoids both the peak heat and high-season tourist crowd

Travel Essentials:

Pack layers — it’s chilly but not freezing
Pre-book small-town stays — they fill up fast in coolcation spots
Try local experiences: Forest saunas in Estonia, ferry rides in the Faroe Islands