As summer temperatures rise across traditional Mediterranean beach hubs, travelers are embracing "Coolcations"—choosing temperate northern climates and high-altitude alpine escapes for summer travel.
From Scandinavian archipelagos under the Midnight Sun to high Swiss mountain passes and Patagonian glacial peaks, coolcation destinations prioritize fresh air and active outdoor adventures.
Located inside the Arctic Circle, Norway’s Lofoten Islands are known for jagged peaks rising out of sheltered fjords, red fishing cabins (rorbuer), and white-sand Arctic beaches.
During summer, the Midnight Sun provides 24 hours of daylight for hiking Mount Reinebringen, sea kayaking through Reinefjorden, or surfing at Unstad Beach in mild 15°C–20°C (59°F–68°F) weather.
Fly into Harstad/Narvik Airport (EVE) or Leknes (LKN) via Oslo. Rent a car or take the Bodø to Moskenes ferry crossing.
Stay in Reine for iconic rorbuer cabins, Svolvær for town dining, or Henningsvær for arts and culture.
Situated at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn, Zermatt is a car-free alpine village offering summer mountain air, glacial hiking trails, and clear lakes.
Ride the Gornergrat cog railway up to 3,089 meters for views of the Gorner Glacier, hike the 5 Lakes Walk to see the Matterhorn reflected in alpine waters, or experience year-round summer skiing on the Theodul Glacier.
Fly into Zurich (ZRH) or Geneva (GVA) Airport. Take the SBB Swiss Federal Railways train to Visp, then transfer to the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn into car-free Zermatt.
Stay in Zermatt Village for dining, Winkelmatten for Matterhorn views, or Gornergrat for high-altitude historic hotels.
Located in southern Chilean Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park is known for dramatic granite towers, turquoise glacial lakes, and sweeping ice fields.
Hike the famous W Trek, take boat excursions across Lake Pehoé and Grey Lake to see calving icebergs, and enjoy cool mountain breezes in a pristine southern wilderness.
Fly into Puerto Natales (PNT) or Punta Arenas (PUQ) via Santiago. Take a 2-hour bus or rental car transfer north to the park gates.
Stay in Puerto Natales for gateway dining, Lake Pehoé for park lodges, or Laguna Amarga for luxury eco-domes.
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Explore the real-world filming locations of hit television shows and movies, from Sicilian clifftops to Thai islands.
Escape light pollution and witness dark skies, the Northern Lights, and distant galaxies in certified dark sky reserves.
Discover Italy's most celebrated coastline by sea, from the towering cliffs of Capri to the beachside seafood of Nerano.