Global travel platform Trip.com Group said on the 21st that the coolcation trend is picking up momentum as climate change drives more frequent heat waves. A coolcation is a trip to a noticeably cooler place taken to escape the heat.
Trip.com reported that searches for coolcations climbed 74% year over year. Searches during the summer peak—June through August—soared 237% year over year, a clear sign demand is ramping up.
On Trip Moment, the platform’s traveler community, posts about “escaping the heat” and “cool destinations” were up more than 15% year over year, showing sustained interest. Analysts say this reflects travelers’ desire to dodge both crowded resorts and extreme temperatures.
In Europe, Iceland, Norway and Switzerland are topping coolcation lists. Iceland, where summer temps average about 11°C (roughly 52°F), saw flight searches rise 85%. Cold-weather experiences like fjord cruises, glacier trekking and marine activities are also drawing more interest.
In Asia, Sapporo, Yunnan and Inner Mongolia are emerging as go-to spots. Kunming in Yunnan enjoys relatively mild summers—about 23–25°C (73–77°F)—and flight searches there jumped 44%. Tours that combine nearby highlights like Lijiang are also gaining popularity.
South Korean travelers are showing a noticeable shift. This summer, flight searches from South Korea increased for Australia (68%), New Zealand (44%), Sapporo (129%) and Yunnan (159%), signaling a move toward cooler climates.
Travelers are increasingly moving away from traditional Southeast Asian summer getaways and choosing destinations based on temperature rather than just popularity.
Coolcations are evolving beyond a short-term trend into a travel approach that factors in environmental impact and sustainability.
Trip.com’s survey found 47% of travelers consider environmental protection important, while 38% prioritize preserving cultural heritage. Reservations for electric and hybrid rental cars have risen more than 10% on average per month over the past year.
Industry analysts say climate change is now directly shaping how people pick destinations. As heat waves become more routine, the question isn’t just “when should I go?” but “where will be cool?”
Going forward, the travel market is likely to be reshaped around climate, the environment and sustainability. Whether coolcations remain a fleeting fad or become the new normal will depend on how climate trends evolve.
