Have you ever heard of ‘coolcations’?

©Disney

While we love going to our vacation staples like Disney World, it’s no secret that the summer heat can be a serious turn-off for vacationers.  While we love some hot cheddar soup on a summer day in the parks, the heat can be a real damper on the trip. Now, it looks like a new type of vacation can solve this annual issue.

According to the New York Times, “Coolcations” are the next big thing. Coolcations refer to the vacations that are booked for the simple goal of avoiding the heat in traditional summer spots.

Skagway as Seen from Disney Alaskan Cruise

They’re vacations that take place in cooler climates, so vacationers can enjoy the heat, but it seems like the crowds are catching on to the trend. Coolcations are driving tourists to Nordic countries, specifically as temperatures rise around Europe. While it is exciting for the region, it also presents environmental and social sustainability concerns.

©istock Norway countryside and farms in Aurlandsfjord branch of Sognefjord, Scandinavia

In 2023, Norway reported more overnight stays than ever, plus two of its airports had a record number of travelers that year. In 2025, a study found that travel to Mediterranean spots fell 8% and 28% of European travelers are looking for cooler climate vacation spots. The New York Times even shared that reservations from France and Italy to Sweden rose 50 to 60%.

©istock Beautiful Nature Norway natural landscape aerial photography.

Not only are Coolcations appealing because of the weather, but they also tend to have lower crowds. In Sweden, the region is also developing sustainability programs that will offer free museum entry for visitors who bike or collect trash. They’re also creating a self-driving mystery tour in the Faroe Islands to “get tourists off the beaten track.”

©istock Perfect reflection of the Reine village on the water of the fjord in the Lofoten Islands, Norway

While it can be fun and exciting for the region, it does present some concerns on the environmental impact.  Synnove Solemdal, the director of the Sunnmore branch of the Norwegian Tourist Association, said, “In Norway, we feel very strongly about the responsibility we have to nature. People grow up learning how to use it and protect it. But people from other countries may not have that knowledge, so protecting nature becomes more and more challenging.”

©istock Breathtaking view of Sunnylvsfjorden fjord and famous Seven Sisters waterfalls, near Geiranger village in western Norway.

To help prevent this in 2025, the government approved a 3% tourist tax on overnight stays and cruise travelers. While we never want our vacations to cost more, we love the balance of exploring new places while protecting the areas we’re traveling to. We also love the idea of coolcations because, as much as we love our days in Disney World, a break from the heat sounds amazing!

Walt Disney World

If you’re looking for the Disney touch while still enjoying a break from the heat, Disney offers Adventures by Disney as well as stops in Alaska with the Disney Cruise Line. We’re eager to plan our next coolcation (or any vacation) for that matter! As always, be sure to keep following DFB for more travel news, trends, and updates.

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Where would you go on a coolcation? Tell us in the comments!