Sweating your face off on a beach with sunscreen melting into your eyes? Pass. In 2025, we're chasing chills, not sunburns. Welcome to the age of the Coolcation.
What the Heck is a Coolcation?
Imagine swapping your beach towel for a light puffer jacket and your tropical cocktail for a hot chocolate with views of glaciers. That’s a Coolcation in a nutshell — a vacation to a cooler climate, especially during summer months, to beat the heat (and the crowds).
This trend isn’t just picking up steam — it’s full-on snowballing. According to a 2024 Booking.com report, searches for cold-weather destinations in June–August were up 52% globally compared to the previous year. People are ditching the heatwaves and heading for alpine air, Nordic nights, and highland hikes.
And honestly? We get it. With global temperatures rising and summer becoming synonymous with sticky shirts and AC bills that make your wallet cry, jetting off to a place where you might actually need a jumper is a chef’s kiss.
So if you're ready to join the chill squad, here's your ultimate guide to the top Coolcation spots in 2025 — with tips, laughs, and plenty of cool ideas.
Why Are Coolcations So Hot Right Now?
Because melting in 40°C heat while trying to "relax" is not the vibe.
Coolcations offer:
- Relief from scorching heatwaves
- Smaller crowds in underrated destinations
- Stunning natural scenery (snow-capped mountains, misty fjords, rolling green hills)
- Unique experiences like husky sledding in summer or soaking in thermal springs under the midnight sun
Plus, it’s a win for your Insta feed — icy lakes and moody forests are the new beach sunsets.
Top 10 Coolcation Destinations for 2025
Let’s get into the juicy stuff — where to go. We've rounded up the coolest Coolcation destinations for 2025, from crisp coastlines to snowy mountaintops.
1. Iceland — For When You Want Summer with a Side of Lava
- Avg Temp (Dec–Feb): 1°C to 4°C
- Vibe: Arctic landscapes, geothermal magic, and Northern Lights at midnight.
- Why Go? While your mates are frying eggs on the bonnet back home, you’ll be soaking in a steaming geothermal lagoon under a sky full of auroras. Frozen waterfalls, lava fields, and puffins, if you’re lucky. It’s like stepping into a fantasy - minus the sunscreen.
2. Tasmania, Australia — For the Locals Who Wanna Chill
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Avg Temp (Dec–Feb): 12°C to 22°C (Tasmanian summer, but still cool)
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Vibe: Rugged coastlines, moody mountain ranges, and that fresh apple isle air.
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Why Go? No passport needed, but you’ll feel worlds away. Cradle Mountain serves cool alpine vibes, the East Coast delivers white sand without the heat, and Hobart dishes up oysters, markets, and mountain air. It’s Aussie summer done right — with a jumper.
3. Norway — Fjords, Forests, and Fancy Fish
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Avg Temp (Dec–Feb): -6°C to 2°C (inland); -2°C to 4°C (coastal areas like Bergen)
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Vibe: Postcard-worthy fjords, epic train rides, and villages straight out of Frozen.
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Why Go? This is the kind of coolcation where you ride with huskies, sleep in an ice hotel, and spot the Northern Lights after dinner. It’s crisp, magical, and totally bucket-list-worthy.
4. New Zealand (South Island) — Chill with a Kiwi Twist
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Avg Temp (Dec–Feb): 10°C to 22°C (NZ summer, but still cool in the mountains)
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Vibe: Alpine lakes, mountain towns, dramatic drives, and crisp summer air.
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Why Go? Skip the scorcher back home and swap it for Queenstown cool, Castle Hill hikes, and lakes so blue they don’t look real. It’s summer... but with sweaters in the morning and glacier views by lunchtime. Plus, it’s only a few hours away — no jet lag, no dramas.
5. Scotland — Kilts, Castles, and a Chance of Fog
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Avg Temp (Dec–Feb): 0°C to 7°C
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Vibe: Misty lochs, ancient castles, woolly jumpers, and whisky by the fire.
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Why Go? If your idea of bliss is wandering through ruins in the fog and warming up in a pub older than Australia, Scotland’s got your name all over it. It’s dark, dramatic, and oh-so charming.
6. Alaska, USA — Big Nature, Bigger Jackets
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Avg Temp (Dec–Feb): -15°C to -4°C
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Vibe: Ice-covered wilderness, untouched beauty, and serious solitude.
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Why Go? Want to escape everything? Try snowshoeing across frozen tundra, spotting moose from your log cabin, or watching the aurora in absolute silence. This is the Coolcation for those who really mean it.
7. Faroe Islands — Europe's Best-Kept Secret (Shh!)
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Avg Temp (Dec–Feb): 1°C to 6°C
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Vibe: Tiny turf-roofed villages, dramatic cliffs, and more sheep than people.
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Why Go? The kind of place that feels untouched by time. It’s remote, rugged, and real—a perfect escape for anyone needing to go offline and chill — literally.
8. Patagonia, Chile & Argentina — For the Wild at Heart
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Avg Temp (Dec–Feb): 5°C to 18°C
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Vibe: Remote wilderness, glacial lakes, and windswept adventure.
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Why Go? Patagonia flips summer on its head. Swap stifling heat for open skies, mega mountains, crisp air that makes every photo look like a desktop wallpaper, and people who think "over-touristed" is a dirty word. It’s raw, rugged, and ridiculously beautiful.
9. Switzerland — The Bougie Coolcation
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Avg Temp (Dec–Feb): -2°C to 7°C (lower areas); colder in Alpine regions
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Vibe: Powdery slopes, chocolate everything, fairy-lit villages, and mountain trains that actually run on time (because... Switzerland).
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Why Go? This is the ultimate Euro winter dream. Think skiing in Zermatt, sipping mulled wine in snowy markets, and stuffing your face with raclette by a fireplace. Whether you’re chasing luxury or just want to see snow for the first time, Switzerland in winter is peak coolcation material — literally and figuratively.
10. Canadian Rockies — Maple Syrup and Mountain Air
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Avg Temp (Dec–Feb): -15°C to -5°C
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Vibe: Frozen lakes, pine-covered peaks, and that “main character in a snowy movie” feeling.
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Why Go? Banff and Jasper are the kind of places where winter doesn’t just exist — it slaps. Skate on Lake Louise, ride an ice explorer on a glacier, then warm up in a hot tub with mountain views. It’s icy, it’s epic, and it’s about as far from an Aussie heatwave as you can get.
What to Pack for a Coolcation (So You Don't Freeze or Fry)
Packing for a Coolcation can be... tricky. You’re going somewhere cold-ish, but not Antarctica cold. Here’s the quick and dirty list:
- Layers. Always.
- A warm but light jacket (down or synthetic)
- Waterproof boots or sneakers (wet socks ruin everything)
- Beanie and gloves — trust us
- Moisturiser (cold air = dry skin)
- Reusable water bottle — hydration doesn't go on holiday
- Power bank for your phone (cold zaps battery fast!)
Bonus tip: Throw in a swimsuit. You never know when you'll find a hot spring or a thermal spa. Gotta stay ready for those Insta-worthy moments.
Who Are Coolcations Best For?
- Families who’ve been to the beach a dozen times
- Couples looking for romantic getaways without the crowd of literally everyone
- Solo travellers chasing peace, nature, and chill vibes
- Foodies and culture junkies who want something a bit different (hello, reindeer stew!)
- Overheaters who break into a sweat just thinking about the tropics
TL;DR: Chilling Out Has Never Looked So Good
So let’s recap this chilly trend with some cold, hard facts:
- You skip the heat.
- You skip the crowds.
- You explore some of the world’s most stunning and underrated places.
- You get better sleep. (Cool weather = better zzz’s. Science says so.)
- You come back refreshed, not sun-fried.
Whether you're planning a full-blown arctic adventure or just want a breezy break with less sweat and more snuggle, Coolcations are the perfect 2025 travel flex.
Final Cool Thoughts
Travel is changing — and honestly, it’s about time. We’ve done the beaches. We’ve survived the all-inclusive resorts. Now it’s time to embrace misty mornings, woolly socks, and that blissful moment when you realise you're not sweating through your clothes.
So go ahead — swap the sunhat for a scarf, and make 2025 your coolest travel year yet.
Ready to plan your next Coolcation?
Head to iFly.au for cool deals on colder destinations. We'll help you chill... the right way.
