As global warming affects every part of the Earth and heat waves sweep across the world, a new kind of travel trend has emerged: the “coolcation,” a report says. Deutsche WelleThe term, a combination of the words “cool” and “holiday”, refers to people’s growing attraction to cooler destinations, as traditional holidays involving spending time in the sun become less attractive due to climate change.
The Swedish tourism association, Visit Sweden, supports this shift, stressing that travellers are increasingly attracted to destinations with moderate temperatures. Their website highlights the transition from chasing warmth to seeking relief in cooler weather. Similarly, Visit Norway is promoting northern escapes as a refreshing alternative to the stifling heat in southern Europe.
Also Read | Climate change sparks interest in “coolcations”
according to DW reports, Recent climate data confirms this trend: Spain and Italy saw their hottest years on record in 2022 and 2023; Greece also saw severe droughts and fires. Such conditions mean extreme heat is likely to persist in southern Europe, which could change the face of tourism.
According to the EU Commission, tourism flows are changing; northern and central countries are expected to benefit, while southern destinations will suffer. Countries that will benefit will be Denmark, Finland and Sweden, while countries like Greece and Spain could lose up to 30% of their tourism income.
Despite these changes, many travellers still prefer warmer climates. The European Travel Commission survey shows that 74% of respondents are adapting to climate change by avoiding extreme temperatures. However, in Germany, traditional preferences for sunny destinations persist, and their share of travel to northern Europe is much lower.
Though the “coolcation” is gaining attention, experts warn that it’s too early to confirm a definitive trend. Changes in travel behavior due to climate change could take decades to fully materialize.
