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Coolcations

Escape the summer heatwaves with our curated cold-weather destinations

Where would you like your Coolcation to start?

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Panoramic view of Cortina d'Ampezzo town surrounded by the Dolomite mountains
Cortina d'Ampezzo
Italy,
Europe
Cortina d'Ampezzo is a premier alpine resort town located in the heart of the UNESCO-listed Dolomite mountains in northern Italy....
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Wide angle view of Langenfeld valley and the Aqua Dome thermal spa in Austria
Langenfeld
Austria,
Europe
Langenfeld is a picturesque alpine municipality situated in the heart of the Ötztal valley in Tyrol, Austria. Known primarily for...
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Wide angle view of Brunnen and Lake Lucerne with a paddle steamer and the Swiss Alps
Brunnen
Switzerland,
Europe
Brunnen is a picturesque resort town situated on the shores of Lake Lucerne in the canton of Schwyz, Switzerland. Historically...
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Panoramic view of Imst town surrounded by the Tyrolean Alps
Imst
Austria,
Europe
Imst is a picturesque town situated in the Oberinntal valley of Tyrol, Austria, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and...
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Wide angle view of Ehrwald village with the Zugspitze mountain in the background
Ehrwald
Austria,
Europe
Ehrwald is a picturesque alpine village situated at the base of the Zugspitze, Germany's highest peak, though the village itself...
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Scenic view of the Leutasch Valley and Wetterstein mountains in summer
Leutasch
Austria,
Europe
Leutasch is a picturesque alpine municipality located in the high plateau of the Olympiaregion Seefeld in Tyrol, Austria. Stretching over...
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Packing List: Maya's Top Picks for Coolcations

Maya's Tip: Packing for a Coolcation is all about smart layers. I never head to the mountains or Nordic capitals without these essentials.

Merino Wool Base Layer

Premium thermal protection that takes up zero space in your suitcase.

Check current price on Amazon

Rechargeable Hand Warmers

Magnetic, reusable warmers so your hands never freeze while exploring.

Check current price on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, TravelingWiz earns from qualifying purchases.

Top Coolcation Retreats You Can Book Now

Luxury glass-roofed igloo bedroom at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort in the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve, New Zealand, showcasing a plush bed under a starry night sky.

Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort

  • Lake Tekapo, New Zealand
  • $$$
  • Fabulous (8.6 - 8.9)
💡 Our Expert's Insight
Maya's insider tip: The heated glass roofs not only keep the alpine chill at bay but act as your own private, unobstructed observatory for the Southern Cross.
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Luxurious rustic suite at Hotel Rangá in Hella, Iceland, featuring warm wooden interiors and large windows perfect for viewing the Northern Lights and astrotourism.

Hotel Ranga

  • Hella, Iceland
  • $$$
  • Fabulous (8.6 - 8.9)
💡 Our Expert's Insight
What truly sets this property apart is its dedicated astronomical observatory, allowing guests to explore the cosmos with expert astronomers right from the comfort of the lodge.
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Luxurious interior of a tented suite at Minaret Station in Wanaka, New Zealand, featuring sheepskin throws, a plush king-sized bed, and expansive glass doors opening to a dramatic alpine valley.

Minaret Station

  • Wanaka, New Zealand
  • $$$
  • Exceptional (9.0+)
💡 Our Expert's Insight
There is a profound sense of privilege that washes over you when the helicopter touches down in this remote glacial valley, revealing a sanctuary where untamed wilderness meets uncompromising luxury.
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Alyeska Resort (Alaska)

Alyeska Resort

  • Girdwood, Alaska, USA
  • $$$
  • Fabulous (8.6 - 8.9)
💡 Our Expert's Insight
The perfect balance of freezing outdoor adventures and steamy relaxation at their world-class outdoor Nordic spa
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Icehotel (Sweden)

Icehotel

  • Jukkasjärvi, Sweden
  • $$$
  • Fabulous (8.6 - 8.9)
💡 Our Expert's Insight
A true once-in-a-lifetime experience; sleeping on ice feels surprisingly cozy, and the artistic ice carvings are absolutely breathtaking.
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Expert Tips for Your Cooling Effect

Deep-Dive Insider Guides

Stories, insider tips, and honest reviews to inspire your next adventure

Spring Break Family Getaways: Best Destinations for 2025

Spring Break Family Getaways: Best Destinations for 2025

Spring break offers you and your family a chance to escape your…
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FAQs

What exactly is a coolcation?

A coolcation is a growing travel trend where holidaymakers choose destinations with cooler, temperate climates during the peak summer months to escape extreme heatwaves.

The most popular months for a coolcation are July and August. Traveling to higher altitudes or northern latitudes during this time provides a refreshing break from traditional hot summer weather.

Top global spots include the European Alps (such as Austria and Switzerland), the Canadian Rockies, Patagonia in South America, and northern regions like Scandinavia and Alaska. For more option you can use the Destination Finder tool.

Layering is key. Pack breathable shirts for the daytime, alongside warm sweaters, a windproof light jacket, and comfortable hiking shoes for cooler evenings and mountain exploration. Use our Packing List tool for detailed, personalized packing lists.

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