Here's a fun way to beat the summertime blues!
Craving a summer escape from the heat?
Source: François Genon/Unsplash
- A new study sought to identify Europe's premier "coolcation" spots.
- To compile its list, tour company Inghams Walking analyzed extensive search data related to destinations, hotels, and flights.
- Small towns and cities across Iceland, Denmark, and Greenland emerged at the top of the rankings.
With temperatures soaring across Europe and record-breaking heat domes sweeping through much of the United States in June, the global climate is certainly heating up. This intensity has many travelers dreaming of ways to cool down – a phenomenon now popularly known as the "coolcation."
As its name suggests, a "coolcation" is a retreat to a destination where the climate consistently offers pleasant, sweater-weather conditions. If this concept resonates with you, you're not alone. Searches for "coolcations" have surged by an astonishing 624% over the past year, according to an in-depth analysis conducted by Inghams Walking, a prominent tour company based in the United Kingdom.
To assist travelers in finding their ideal cooler escape, the Inghams team meticulously evaluated nearly 100 different European destinations. Their goal was to pinpoint the top "coolcation" spots for 2025. To develop this definitive list, Inghams Walking assessed traveler "intent" by examining online search data across general destination terms, hotel-related queries, and flight searches. The team then compared year-on-year search volumes to identify which destinations had experienced the most significant increases in interest.
Source: Josh Reid/Unsplash
The study revealed that the number one "coolcation" destination is nestled in the heart of the "land of fire and ice": Akureyri, Iceland. This charming city claimed the top spot thanks to a remarkable 264% surge in popularity. Despite its modest population of around 19,000 residents, Akureyri, often considered the capital of Iceland's northern region by Visit North Iceland, provides visitors with an ideal fusion of culture and nature. Travelers can immerse themselves in the Akureyri Art Museum, explore the Icelandic Aviation Museum, and admire the stunning modern Akureyrarkirkja church during their stay. Beyond the city, unforgettable whale watching adventures await in the surrounding waters or a tranquil stroll through the Akureyri Botanic Gardens, which first opened in 1912 as Iceland's pioneering public park.
Joining Akureyri at the apex of the list was Tisvilde, Denmark. This picturesque seaside village, located along what is affectionately known as the "Danish Riviera," is celebrated for its miles of pristine sandy beaches, charmingly colorful beach huts, and quaint eateries serving delectable local specialties. The area has also long been a favored retreat for poets and creatives, even hosting literary giant Hans Christian Andersen for 6 weeks at the Hellebæk Inn, according to Visit Nordsjælland.
Akureyri and Tisvilde were closely followed by other top "coolcation" destinations, including Nuuk, Greenland, which secured the 3rd position. The remainder of the top 10 featured diverse locales, such as Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy; Lahemaa National Park, Estonia; Lucerne, Switzerland; Malmö, Sweden; Arlberg, Austria; the Belgian Riviera, Belgium; and Ghent, Belgium. For those looking to embark on one of these refreshing getaways, finding affordable airport parking is a smart first step. You can often purchase to fly with less stress by booking your parking in advance. Services like ParkingNearAirports.io provide competitive rates for airport parking, making your journey to these cool European escapes smoother and more economical from the very start. For the complete list and additional details, you can visit Inghams' website.
