As Earth continues to heat up, travelers are looking to cool down with their vacation choices, according to data from Trip.com Group, released in tandem with Earth Day.
“The global surface temperature has increased faster since 1970 than in any other 50-year period over at least the last 2000 years, with February 2026 recorded as the fifth-warmest, according to reports by the Copernicus Climate Change Service,” said Trip.com Group, a global service provider, which operates several online travel agencies.
“Experts project that overall temperatures will continue to climb, as global warming and climate change accelerate,” the company added. “Already, travelers are starting to recognize the effects of climate change, as more swap the sun and sand for cooler weather and activities, a trend known as ‘coolcations.’”
As a case in point, Trip.com Group data showed a 237% increase in searches for destinations with lower temperatures, compared to the same period last year.
So, which destinations are travelers eyeing to avoid the heat?
“Global flight booking searches for European destinations such as Iceland, Norway, Slovenia, Switzerland and Wales are seeing significant increases this summer, compared to the same period last year, based on Trip.com Group’s data,” the company said.
For example, Iceland, where summer temperatures average 11℃, has seen global flight booking searches increase by 85% this summer compared with the previous year, according to Trip.com Group's tracking data.
Norway is also witnessing increased demand, due in large part to cold-weather activities such as sea fishing, fjord cruises, and glacier hikes.
In Asia, travelers are eyeing destinations such as Inner Mongolia, an autonomous region in northern China; Sapporo, Japan; and Yunnan, China, according to the data.
“Yunnan, known for its snow-capped mountains and landscapes, is a popular tourist destination, with comfortable temperatures ranging from 23 to 25℃ during the summer months,” Trip.com Group said.
“Global flight booking searches for its largest city, Kunming, have grown by 44% year over year this summer, while package tours offering bundled visits to Kunming, Lijiang, Shangri-La and other scenic locations in the area are also in demand.”
All things considered, the coolcations trend goes beyond choosing destinations featuring lower temperatures.
“Coolcations are not just about escaping the heat. They also show that travelers are adapting their plans with environmental concerns in mind,” Trip.com Group said. “Research shows travelers are more concerned with responsible tourism. Forty-seven percent now prioritize environmental protection and 38% value cultural heritage preservation.”
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