YOUR HOLIDAY. COMFORTABLY DIFFERENT.
Coolcation: Holidays that feel right.
Enjoy the sunshine without constantly looking for shade. Explore destinations whose climate suits your travel dates and your preferences.
COOLCATION, SIMPLY EXPLAINED
What is a coolcation?
Coolcation combines the English words cool and vacation: a trip to a place with a more comfortable, often cooler climate.
That might be an Atlantic coast in July, a mountain lake in August or a southern city in spring. The aim is not to travel somewhere as cold as possible. It is to choose the season and destination so you enjoy being outdoors.
Everyone has their own idea of a comfortable temperature. That is why we look at specific regions and seasons rather than simply listing cool countries.
COOLCATION INDEX 2027
89 destinations.
A summer comparison.
Where does summer stay comfortable? Our Coolcation Index compares 89 destinations for June, July and August using a transparent climate score from 0 to 100.
It assesses daytime comfort, restful nights, humidity discomfort and rainfall. Sea temperature, prices and visitor numbers are deliberately excluded so coasts, mountains, lakes and cities can be compared fairly.
View the Coolcation Index 2027 (German)YOUR PERSONAL TRAVEL FINDER
Which coolcation suits you?
Choose your month and preferred climate. Below, we show matching regions from our travel guides.
When would you like to get outdoors?
Climate and travel suitability are assessed for this month.
How warm would you like it?
Choose the temperature that feels like a holiday to you.
The ranges describe your preferred climate. They are not a weather forecast for a destination.
A FRESH TAKE ON THE SUMMER ESCAPE
A coolcation does not have to be cold.
The traditional summer escape took people to lakes and mountains. Coolcation extends this idea: a Baltic beach day, a coastal walk in Scotland, a city break with a fresh breeze or an island outside its hottest season.
Within one country, coasts, cities and higher ground can have very different climates. Even a suitable month offers no guarantee for every day. Our guides show climate, travel suitability and activities throughout the year.
PLAN YOUR COOLCATION
Holidays without heat stress.
Coolcation in summer
When heat makes sightseeing, walking or family outings tiring, climate becomes an important part of planning. A coolcation means choosing a more comfortable alternative for those particular travel dates.
What temperature feels comfortable?
Some people prefer a fresh 12 to 18 degrees for active days; others want 18 to 24 degrees for city and nature trips. Summer warmth can work too: what matters is whether you can enjoy your time outdoors.
Coolcation in Europe
North Sea and Baltic coasts, parts of Scandinavia, Scotland and Ireland, as well as lakes and mountain regions, are often good summer options. Atlantic islands and higher areas can also suit you.
Find the right time to visit
First consider what you want to do outdoors and how warm you want it to feel. Then compare the specific month: our destinations combine climate data with activities and honest advice about wind, rain and warm days.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Good to know.
What does coolcation mean?
Coolcation blends the words “cool” and “vacation”. It means a holiday in a place deliberately chosen for a comfortable or comparatively cool climate.
Is a coolcation the same as a traditional summer escape?
The basic idea is similar. The traditional summer escape meant relaxing somewhere cooler in summer. A coolcation can also include another season, a city break or a long-haul trip.
Can a coolcation be a beach holiday?
Yes. Fresh sea air and a beach day can go together. Check water temperature as well as air temperature: a Baltic bay is ideal for some people, while others prefer milder coasts or travel later in the year.
Does a coolcation always mean good weather?
No. Cooler regions can be windy and rainy, and hot days are still possible. Climate data helps with planning; it is not a forecast.