Say goodbye to heat: this is why coolcations are the travel trend

When you think of vacation, you probably think of a lot of warmth and sun. But where heatwaves used to be an exception, they seem to be becoming an integral part of summer. In the Netherlands, it might still be manageable, but in Spain and Italy, temperatures can sometimes be really extreme for long periods; and not everyone is happy about that. A new travel trend has therefore checked in: the coolcations. Vacations that consciously avoid the heat and seek out coolness.

Why a coolcation is exactly what you need

With a name like this, you probably don't need to guess long about what this trend means. Those who book a coolcation consciously choose a somewhat less warm vacation destination. It's not that you necessarily have to pack a thick winter coat, but you are heading to a place where you won't have to deal with sweat spots. The growing popularity of the trend and cooler destinations has everything to do with the ever-increasing temperatures. Cities in Southern Europe, for example, where you used to go for a bit of sun, are now so hot that it's no longer pleasant. Sightseeing in forty degrees is not exactly ideal, and of course, you want to see the hotspots you came for. In countries that weren't so warm before, like Scotland, the thermometer is also rising faster, and that hasn't always been taken into account. Some hotels or airports, for example, still don't have air conditioning everywhere, and that's quite a loss. By choosing a coolcation, you prevent yourself from puffing all day long, and you can also do something other than sunbathing during your trip.

How a coolcation keeps you away from the crowds

Booking a coolcation doesn't mean you only go to destinations where it's generally a bit less warm warm. You can also choose a real sun destination, but just not during the hot summer period. How about a trip to Italy in the fall, or Spain in the winter? This way, a coolcation can have an extra advantage. You are now traveling outside the high season, which means it will be a lot less crowded everywhere. That means you won't have to stand in line for half a day to get into the Colosseum, and that saves you a lot of time to discover other things. A coolcation can also mean choosing a less touristy destination. Fewer people in the same place and thus more space to move around also provides some cooling.

The right coolcation at the right time

To truly enjoy your coolcation and thus the cooler weather, it's important to plan your travel destination and the timing of your trip well. It's useful to take into account major events or national holidays. Going to Mexico around the Day of the Dead, or booking a trip to Malaga during the Feria doesn't quite fit with a coolcation. Another trick is to flip the seasons. Is it (almost) summer here? Then choose a destination in the southern hemisphere. Are the leaves already falling here? Then you can book a trip on ‘our half’ of the world. Destinations that are always a good option are places where it still doesn't get extremely hot. Countries in Scandinavia are, for example, always a good option. It may take a bit more thought and planning, but it will save you a lot of sweating.

What to consider when planning your coolcation

You can often still cram those bikinis and thin shirts into your suitcase, but packing thick sweaters is a bit trickier. Not only does choosing a destination and date for your trip take some extra time, but also thinking about your luggage. A colder place requires thicker clothing, which takes up more space. You may need to book an extra suitcase; something to consider for your budget. Another thing to keep in mind: not all attractions or tours are always open outside the high season, which can sometimes lead to disappointment. If you're going specifically for one particular hotspot, make sure to check if you can get in first. One last point to consider: also think about how you will get around. During busy tourist times, there will likely be more taxis and buses running, but not always during quieter times. It may take you longer to get around, especially if your destination is a bit more remote. A coolcation will be a somewhat different trip than you're used to, but that's also part of the charm. You can at least wear that nice gray top, you won't be sweating.

Source: Huffpost | Image Emily in Paris Netflix