Goodbye heat! Coolcation is now causing a sensation among Germans!

Goodbye heat! Coolcation is now causing a sensation among Germans!

In Germany, temperatures have exceeded 30 degrees this summer and many people are looking to cool down. Many travelers have changed their preferences and are looking for vacation destinations with a more pleasant summer climate. The trend towards so-called “coolcations” is becoming increasingly important as more and more holidaymakers explore the possibilities of traveling to cooler places. According to an analysis by travel platform Opodo, searches for cooler travel destinations have increased by up to 28 percent. Travel to the north, which is known for its mild temperatures, is particularly popular.

More than 50 percent of German Millennials have adjusted their travel plans due to the weather. A remarkable 77 percent of them are willing to change their vacation plans to escape heatwaves, as long as there are no additional costs. In contrast, only 12 percent of people over 65 have changed their trip due to extreme weather.

Popular coolcation destinations

Scandinavia occupies a prominent position within the coolcation destinations. Norway has seen searches increase by 28 percent, Sweden by 25 percent, Finland by 23 percent and Denmark by 18 percent. The most sought-after activities include hiking, kayaking and experiencing the midnight sun. The Norwegian Lofoten and the Swedish Lake District are particularly popular.

Northern Spain also shows a clear trend towards coolcations. In Galicia and A Coruña, search interest has increased by 34 percent, with A Coruña offering mild temperatures that rarely exceed 25 degrees Celsius. The Asturias region, particularly Oviedo, is also said to be experiencing increasing demand, with an increase of 30 percent and an impressive 134 percent since 2022. The city of Bilbao even achieved an increase of 64 percent, known for its Guggenheim Museum and culinary scene.

In northern France, Rouen and Nantes are enjoying growing popularity. Rouen has seen an increase of 33 percent, while Nantes has grown by 65 percent since 2022. In Scotland, Edinburgh and Aberdeen are particularly popular. While Edinburgh is increasing by 21 percent, Aberdeen has seen a dramatic increase of 101 percent and has established itself as a popular destination for travelers.

Climate change influences travel decisions

The growing popularity of cooler travel destinations is also influenced by climate change. Extreme temperatures of over 40 degrees Celsius in many European countries make the north an attractive alternative. Travel magazines such as Condé Nast Traveler have identified this trend, with Sweden experiencing above-average growth in package holidays.

Lisa Volkmann from Check24 reports above-average demand for cooler destinations compared to the previous year. The most popular holiday destinations include Denmark, Norway, Austria and Sweden. The supply of flights, hotels and car rentals to coolcation destinations has increased significantly.

Despite the ongoing demand, some experts point out that there is no clear trend towards cooler destinations, as Christoph Heinzmann notes. HolidayCheck customers still prefer classic warm water destinations around the Mediterranean. This contrasts with the higher prices for Scandinavian countries, which are above Mediterranean destinations.

Overall, interest in cooler destinations has demonstrably increased, in line with those seeking an escape from the summer heat. The Coolcation movement not only offers a way to refresh, but also encourages the discovery of new and less crowded travel destinations.