As record-breaking heatwaves become the new normal and extreme weather events occur across the globe, more travelers are beginning to ask themselves: “Why take a summer vacation during sweltering heat?” This question has sparked a new travel trend – Coolcations – which goes beyond being a temporary escape from the heat. It represents a fundamental shift in leisure demand, aiming for holistic experiences that rejuvenate both body and mind. It's a clear sign that modern travelers are redefining the concept of summer holidays. Let’s explore this trend with Hotel Link and how hotels can ride the Coolcations trend.
Unlike the traditional idea of summer holidays involving sun-drenched beaches and tropical resorts, Coolcations offer a fresh perspective: vacations should be truly relaxing, not an endurance test against harsh weather. Coolcations focus on destinations with mild climates year-round or during summer – places where travelers can enjoy local experiences and connect with nature.
From the majestic mountains and unique cultures of Scotland, Iceland, and Switzerland in Europe, to the endless lavender fields in Hokkaido (Japan), or the fresh air of ancient pine forests and stunning terraced fields in Da Lat, Ha Giang or Sapa (Vietnam) – these destinations are not only cool but also pristine and ideal for relaxation, exploration, and wellness.
In Vietnam, this trend is booming. Da Lat offers European-style weather amidst the tropics, Sapa captivates with its misty terraces, and Tam Dao provides fresh air from ancient forests. These regions give travelers a true “reset” moment amidst the fast-paced world, offering peace and inner balance.
With temperatures in major cities often exceeding 38-40°C, finding cooler destinations has become less of a preference and more of a necessity. Health experts continuously warn about the risks of prolonged heat exposure, making Coolcations a smart choice for personal well-being. According to Google Trends, search interest for “cool destinations” or “summer heat escape” has surged annually, reflecting a clear shift in travel behavior.
Families with children, seniors, and professionals under high stress are all actively seeking these “cool oases” to recharge. These vacations are not just leisure trips but vital investments in mental and physical health – a critical need amidst global climate change.
Instead of enduring oppressive heat, travelers can breathe fresh air and enjoy pleasant temperatures, allowing true relaxation and stress relief – crucial for people with heart conditions, hypertension, or chronic illnesses.
Coolcations unlock a whole new world of soul-cleansing, energy-restoring activities:
Sipping coffee amidst the morning mist
Hiking through pine forests
Warming up by the fireplace on a chilly summer night
Exploring trekking trails and breathing in pure air
Enjoying a hot drink during cool weather
Sleeping in cozy homestays nestled in nature
Capturing rare, foggy morning photos – a unique contrast to urban scenes
Cool destinations are often tied to untouched nature, encouraging a slower pace of life and greater respect for the environment and local cultures. This aligns with the values of new-generation travelers who care deeply about their environmental impact and sustainable tourism.
Thanks to improved infrastructure (new expressways, airports near mountainous areas), many Coolcation spots are now within reach – perfect for both long holidays and spontaneous weekend getaways.
Coolcations aren’t a fleeting trend but a major shift in travel behavior. Hotels in mild-climate regions are now facing unprecedented growth opportunities. To fully tap into this trend, hotels need to adopt a comprehensive strategy
Rather than simply promoting your property as a “mountain resort” or “highland hotel,” use emotionally evocative phrases like:
“A place for healing”
“Your ideal summer escape”
“A nature detox getaway”
“Where your soul is nurtured”
Tell your hotel’s story through feelings of coolness, peace, and healing. Use soft color tones, nature-based visuals, and narratives of true relaxation across your website and media channels. This will help you reach a more emotionally connected audience.
Read more: How to Build a Compelling Storytelling in Hotel Marketing?
Instead of traditional packages, create one-of-a-kind experiences tailored to healing, bonding, and well-being:
Digital Detox Package: No Wi-Fi room, meditation sessions, morning yoga, and DIY workshops
Family Bonding Package: Forest picnics, baking together, campfire storytelling
Workation Package: Remote work setup with mountain views, coworking space, and work-friendly amenities
Hotel Link’s Booking Engine allows you to flexibly create and manage complex service packages, making it easy for guests to book online.
Today’s guests expect to be treated as unique individuals. This means remembering and predicting their preferences using data:
Send pre-arrival emails with weather updates, outfit tips, and suggested activities
Prepare personalized welcome gifts (e.g., herbal tea for relaxation, trekking maps for explorers)
Create a custom music playlist for each room
Apply past stay preferences to enhance repeat visits
Read more: Personalized Guest Experiences: Tailoring Hotel Services to Individual Needs
Coolcation travelers often research more thoroughly, comparing many options and relying heavily on real reviews. Strong presence on OTAs like Booking.com, Agoda, and Expedia is crucial, with high-quality visuals, detailed descriptions, and competitive pricing. Also, ensure consistent information across channels and optimize your hotel website content for SEO to attract direct bookings.
Hotel Link’s Channel Manager syncs prices and availability across all platforms in real time, preventing overbookings and maximizing revenue.
In the digital age, reviews are the most powerful form of social proof. Coolcation travelers trust real experiences from previous guests. A strong review strategy includes:
Responding to all reviews professionally and personally
Encouraging satisfied guests to share detailed experiences
Using feedback to continually improve service
Showcasing positive reviews on your website and social media
The ability for hotels to aggregate and analyze reviews from all platforms helps hotels have a comprehensive view of their reputation and adjust their strategies in a timely manner.
Read more: Easier Guest Review Management with the New Feature “OTA Reviews”
Modern travelers no longer seek to “go far just to return” – they want to rediscover themselves. Peaceful, cool destinations disconnected from daily hustle offer the perfect mental recharge.
For hotels in mountainous, highland, or mild-climate regions, Coolcations are a golden opportunity to expand your market, build a strong brand, and achieve remarkable revenue growth.
Hotel Link is ready to support your hotel in tapping into and thriving within this travel trend. Contact our team today for a personalized consultation and discover how our digital solutions can help your property stand out and stay strong during the peak travel season!