Summer holidays no longer have to mean packed beaches and scorching sun. Travel agency Opodo has identified a growing trend it calls "coolcations", a blend of "cool" and "vacations", based on a survey of 10,000 travelers worldwide conducted by OnePoll and shared on May 26.
The findings show that 34 percent of respondents said they would prefer a nature detox holiday this summer, while 18 percent said they were seeking adventure activities to support their mental wellbeing. Travelers are increasingly combining open landscapes with activities such as kayaking, outdoor yoga, and wild swimming. Mountain resorts also tend to be more affordable in summer than in the winter season, the agency noted.
Cool Destinations Across Europe
Among the standout destinations, Opodo highlights the Bernese Oberland in Switzerland, home to Lake Oeschinen above Kandersteg, with its glacier-fed waters and striking colors. In Slovenia, the Julian Alps offer tranquility, and Lake Bohinj inside Triglav National Park is suited to swimming, kayaking, and hiking.
Sweden's Stockholm archipelago, where temperatures hover around 21 degrees Celsius, was also identified for wild swimming and water activities. Scotland's Highlands and the Isle of Skye appeal to road-trip enthusiasts, with the Quiraing rock formations and the Fairy Pools among the draws. Finland's unspoiled lakes round out the list of cool, relatively uncrowded options.
Hybrid Destinations for Those Who Want Both
For travelers unwilling to give up the sea, Opodo points to Mallorca in Spain, which pairs Mediterranean coves with the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range. Portugal's Azores combine volcanic beaches with green landscapes, and Cape Town in South Africa blends Atlantic coastal life with open countryside.
