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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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Aurora icebreaker ship sailing through Okhotsk drift ice off the coast of Abashiri Hokkaido
Abashiri
Japan,
Asia
Abashiri sits along the northeastern coast of Hokkaido, facing the Sea of Okhotsk. Renowned globally for its winter drift ice...
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Scenic panoramic view of Kushiro Shitsugen wetlands with red-crowned cranes in Hokkaido, Japan
Kushiro
Japan,
Asia
Kushiro is the premier coastal hub of eastern Hokkaido, renowned for its expansive wetlands and vibrant culinary traditions. The city...
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The arched colonnade of the Wakkanai Port North Breakwater Dome under a clear sky in Hokkaido, Japan.
Wakkanai
Japan,
Asia
Wakkanai stands as Japan's northernmost city, perched dramatically on the edge of the Sea of Okhotsk and the Sea of...
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Panoramic view of Asahikawa city covered in winter snow with the Daisetsuzan mountain range in the background
Asahikawa
Japan,
Asia
Asahikawa is Hokkaido's second-largest city, serving as the cultural and transport heart of the island's central interior. Framed by the...
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Twilight winter view of the snow-covered Otaru Canal lined with vintage gas lamps and historic warehouses
Otaru
Japan,
Asia
Otaru is a historic port city situated along Ishikari Bay in southwestern Hokkaido, located approximately 35 kilometers northwest of Sapporo....
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Scenic wide-angle view of the Aomori waterfront and Mount Hakkoda in Japan
Aomori
Japan,
Asia
Aomori serves as the northernmost prefecture capital of Japan's main island of Honshu, bordered by the Tsugaru Strait and framed...
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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

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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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