‘Coolcations’ surge in popularity as travelers seek escape from summer heat
By Laurie Baratti, TravelPulse
With the massive heat waves we’ve witnessed over the past few summers, both in the U.S. and abroad, it comes as no surprise that travelers appear to be shifting their focus away from traditionally warm European hot spots and turning toward cooler destinations for the summer of 2025.
According to leading travel insurance comparison platform Squaremouth, there has been a notable increase in the popularity of “coolcations” — trips to regions known for their milder climates and outdoor appeal. Countries such as Iceland, Norway, Canada, Scotland and Ireland are seeing a surge in visitor interest, drawing travelers away from sun-drenched destinations like Spain, Italy and France.
Rising interest in cooler destinations
Iceland has emerged as the front-runner in this travel trend, experiencing a year-over-year growth of more than 30%. The country’s accessibility, particularly for East Coast travelers, has made it an increasingly attractive option.
Norway follows closely behind, witnessing a 27% increase in travel insurance purchases compared to the previous summer. Its “right to roam” policy, which allows visitors unrestricted access to the country’s breathtaking fjords, mountains and coastlines, continues to appeal to adventure seekers and those in search of nature’s splendor.
Canada and Scotland have also seen significant growth, with Canada up by 25% and Scotland experiencing a 21% increase in popularity. Rounding out the top five, Ireland has climbed in ranking among Squaremouth travelers, moving from the 12th most desirable destination last year to breaking into the top 10, with a 17% rise in interest.
“With an increasing number of travelers seeking unique coolcation experiences this summer, the demand for travel insurance is growing as well. Whether you’re exploring outdoor adventures or immersing yourself in local traditions, travel insurance provides peace of mind for increasingly expensive trips, ensuring your summer getaway remains as stress-free as possible,” said Ned Tadic, manager of public relations at Squaremouth.
Travelers embarking on either cool- or warm-weather international vacations this summer can benefit from the peace of mind that comes from investing in comprehensive travel insurance plans to safeguard their trips.
Coverage options should include:
- Trip cancellation: Protection for non-refundable travel expenses in case of unforeseen cancellations or interruptions.
- Medical coverage: Reimbursement for unexpected healthcare expenses while traveling abroad.
- Travel delay: Compensation for costs incurred due to significant, uncontrollable travel delays.
- Luggage protection: Coverage for lost, stolen or delayed baggage.
- Hurricane and weather protection: Reimbursement for cancellations or interruptions caused by adverse weather conditions.
And, for travelers planning adventurous activities, such as hiking Icelandic volcanoes or skiing in Norway’s alpine regions, selecting a policy with specialized adventure coverage is crucial.
The coolcations trend isn’t the only one currently gaining traction among today’s travelers. According to a Harris Pool survey conducted on behalf of cash-back platform Rakuten, “dealcations” are also the order of the day. Dealcations indicate that travelers are increasingly selecting destinations and experiences based on how much money can be saved and the ability to use cash-back rewards to help pay for the trip.
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