It may be a distant memory for Canadians stuck in the middle of winter, but last summer was a hot mess in many parts of the world.
European visitors last year saw temperatures hit the high 40’s in parts of Spain Greece, Italy, and there were heat waves in many other regions, including northern Europe, the UK and Ireland.
As temperatures skyrocketed, some travel industry observers said they began to notice that would-be tourists were looking at cooler climate holidays.
According to a company called Iglu Cruise, Google Trends data shows a 300% increase in the search term “cooler holidays” compared to the same time 12 months ago.
The term “coolcation,” which means taking your holidays in a cooler destination, started popping up in popular magazines and news sites.
Iglu Cruise said data shows an increased demand for "coolcations" in the Arctic, as well as in Canada, the British Isles, Antarctica, Norway and Alaska. A traveller in the Northern Hemisphere also could consider a trip to Australia or New Zealand in their winter if they're looking to cool off.
“People are looking for cooler travel destinations for several reasons,” said Dave Mills, Chief Commercial Director at Iglu Cruise. “Firstly, the record-breaking temperatures we have seen across the globe in recent years mean that many people feel uncomfortable when travelling in the sweltering heat. A cooler destination is much more manageable for those who may struggle in intense temperatures.
“Also, a coolcation often provides travellers with the opportunity to see a different part of the world. People often search for new travel destinations to tick off their bucket lists, and visiting the likes of Iceland, Norway or Alaska provides just that.
“These destinations can be visited all year round, not just in the winter months. Visiting a cooler destination in the summer can be advantageous as travellers may enjoy longer hours of daylight.”
Iglu Cruise said a coolcation has many benefits, including fewer crowds and opportunities to explore new and often dramatic landscapes.
