‘Coolcations’ surge in popularity as travelers seek escape from summer heat – Paradise Post

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.