Coolcations Are the Hot New Way to Travel
From glacier hikes in Iceland to kayaking Norwegian fjords, Gen Z travelers are trading scorching beaches for chiller climate adventures that are cool for the summer.
EF Ultimate Break partnered with James Barrett to highlight travel and lifestyle trends and news. Find his work in Travel & Leisure, InsideHook, and HuffPost.
It’s 92 degrees, sunscreen’s stinging your eyes, and you’re sweating through the same beach towel for hours. Sound familiar? If the idea of another sweltering summer has you drenched, it might be time to try something new. Enter: coolcations—a travel trend that’s less about catching rays and more about chasing waterfalls, European cities, and fresh mountain air.
With Gen Z favoring authenticity, sustainability, and experiences that actually stand out, cold destination travel isn’t just a climate escape. It’s a full-on lifestyle shift and the ultimate alternative to beach vacations.
These cool climate adventures don’t just help you escape the heat—they’re packed with active vacation destinations that let you do more, not just tan more. And with group travel options through EF Ultimate Break, you don’t have to do it alone.
Here are some of our favorite experiences for cooling off.
Iceland: The original coolcation queen
Not to be dramatic, but soaking in a geothermal hot spring surrounded by the beauty of Iceland might just change your life. The best part about visiting Iceland in the summer is that the sun rarely sets. That’s right—the day’s adventure can go way past 10 pm in broad daylight.
From glacial lagoons to geothermal hot springs, Iceland is for travelers who want to feel like they’ve landed on another planet. On EF Ultimate Break's Iceland Summer Escape, you’ll road trip along the south coast, see massive waterfalls like Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, and trek across a real glacier. In case you didn’t know Justin Beiber once shot a music video at Skógafoss. The Golden Circle & Ring Road trip covers the entire country, circling past black sand beaches, volcanic craters, and quaint fishing villages.
The best part? Icelandic summers = 22 hours of daylight for maximum adventuring.
South Africa: A winter wonderland in July
This July trip flips the script: July in South Africa is during America’s summer vacation, literally. While your friends are sweating back home at the Jersey shore, you’re on safari with lions, touring Joburg, and riding a cable car to the top of Table Mountain.
EF Ultimate Break’s South Africa Expedition covers Cape Town, Kruger National Park, and even offers a wine-tasting day in Stellenbosch. If you’re lucky on a safari, you’ll spot the “Big 5,” which includes the lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and African buffalo.
That’s the magic of South Africa—there’s a range from being completely in the wilderness to vibrant cities to lush wineries.
The best part? Ending the day’s safari with sundowners (AKA happy hour) while watching the sunset in the middle of a National Park.
Scandinavia: Group travel through Narnia
You’ll find moments that feel straight out of a storybook: a sauna followed by a cold plunge in Bergen, golden hour over Stockholm’s cobblestone streets, and bikes weaving through Copenhagen like it’s a perfectly choreographed dance. It’s not just scenic—it’s serene, surprising, and kind of soul-refreshing in a way you didn’t know you needed.
This isn’t just a city hop—it’s royal palaces, cable cars, and pristine Scandinavian waters. For this three-city itinerary, start in Copenhagen’s hipster paradise, kayak through Stockholm’s archipelago, and end in Norway’s jaw-dropping nature. EF Ultimate Break makes the logistics seamless, from fjord cruises to food tours.
The best part? Getting lost on a search for Scandinavia’s best pastry.
Patagonia: For the hardcore adventurer
This is one of EF Ultimate Break’s most intense—and iconic—adventure trips through Chile & Argentina. But remember…there’s nothing that you can’t handle. Plus, you’ll have an experienced and trusted guide with you.
Hike Torres del Paine National Park, boat past glaciers, and spend days in the heart of South America’s wilderness. Then in Argentina, you’ll explore Buenos Aires and El Chaltén, with views of the legendary Mount Fitz Roy. It’s serious bragging-rights travel, with seriously cool air.
You’ll wake up to wild landscapes that look like computer screensavers—except they’re real and they’re yours for the moment. Think mountain sunrises, crisp air that jolts you, and hikes that leave you tired in the best way. It’s nature on beast mode, but with the reward of stories no one else at brunch will be able to top.
The best part? Connecting with nature in the one of the world’s last true frontiers.
Swiss Alps: The ultimate summer escape from heat
The Ultimate Alps trip is a dream for outdoorsy types who also appreciate a good cheese plate. You’ll explore Lucerne, visit Neuschwanstein Castle, then stop in Chamonix to get up close and personal with Mont Blanc. On the Germany, Italy & Switzerland itinerary, you’ll also explore places like Munich and Venice, combining Alpine air with iconic cities.
The best part? The. Swiss. Alps.
Ireland: Not your beach vacation, but it is an island
Don’t sleep on Ireland as a coolcation—it’s one of the most affordable and approachable spots for active travel. You’ll have to see if you can split the G of a Guinness at the Storehouse in Dublin. The Library of Trinity College looks like it’s straight out of Harry Potter and is a must-see if you’re feeling studious.
With EF Ultimate Break, you’ll visit the Cliffs of Moher, stroll Galway’s Quay Street, and walk Kilkenny’s Medieval Mile. The Grand Tour of Ireland adds castles, cultural hotspots, and enough pub nights to make friends for life. Pair it with Scotland and England, and you’ve got rolling green hills, moody coasts, and a whole lot of folklore (Alexa, play August by Taylor Swift). If you’re craving more than Ireland, the England, Scotland & Ireland itinerary adds two more cities to the bucket list.
The best part? There’s nothing like listening to buskers play as you walk a pub-lined street.
Sounds way cooler than just getting a nice tan on the beach, right? Coolcations let you beat the heat, challenge yourself, connect with nature, and come home with stories that’ll inspire wanderlust. Whether you're traveling solo or booking with a crew, this is the era of intentional, unforgettable travel.
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