What Are Coolcations?

Skip the sweltering beaches this year and swap your swimsuit for hiking boots on a coolcation to Norway, Alaska or Iceland. This growing summer travel trend delivers mild temperatures, epic outdoor adventures and 24-hour daylight in some of the coolest destinations on Earth.

Let a AAA travel advisor build your custom coolcation itinerary and get you booked with exclusive member perks today. Contact now.

Why Coolcations?

Summer brings long, relaxing pool days, bustling coastal towns and free time for family vacations. It also brings scorching heat. In New England, temperatures reach an average high of 85 degrees.

As temperatures climb, many travelers are rethinking their warm-weather getaways. Rather than seeking sunshine and crowded shorelines, they’re heading to cooler, quieter destinations. This growing trend, known as a “coolcation,” has travelers swapping their swimsuits for hiking boots and beach chairs for mountain views.

According to the Global Wellness Institute, northern destinations will increasingly receive more visitors during the summer months due to soaring temperatures, which will impact travel and tourism.

The coolcation trend is just getting started. Check out the destinations gaining popularity in the peak summer months.

Which Coolcation Destination Is Right For You?

Every coolcation spot brings its own flavor of mild-weather adventure. Here’s a quick side-by-side look to help narrow down your next escape.

Destination	Summer Temps	Best For	Signature Experience
Norway	Mild days, cool evenings	Fjord cruises and boutique city stays	Midnight sun over the fjords
Alaska	Mild with 24-hour daylight	Wildlife viewing and national parks	Flightseeing over glaciers
Canada	Warm, comfortable (May–Sept)	Iconic landmarks and city culture	Niagara Falls boat tours
Wyoming	70s–80s days, 30s at night	Mountain hiking and national parks	Yellowstone and Grand Teton wildlife
Iceland	50–59 degrees	Volcanic landscapes and geothermal spas	Snorkeling between tectonic plates

Alaska

Another beautiful destination to view the midnight sun and 24 hours of sunlight in June and July is Alaska. The combination of mild weather and unlimited sunlight makes for an amazing trip with ample time to explore.

Wildlife is abundant in the summertime, with bears waking up from their winter naps to hunt for a fresh catch of salmon as marine life swims along the coast.

A popular attraction in the state is flightseeing tours, offering unlimited access to the wilderness to take in the beautiful sights of the glaciers that can’t always be viewed from the ground. Or learn about the history of the Klondike Gold Rush by jumping aboard an old steam train for a scenic and historical journey with mountain views.

Book the 7-day Voyage of the Glaciers, including Glacier Bay, with AAA and Princess Cruises.

Canada

If skiing and snowboarding aren’t for you, take a vacation to Canada from May to September. In Ontario or Quebec, there’s always something fun to enjoy without having to deal with intense heat.

One of the most iconic Canadian landmarks, Niagara Falls in Ontario is a must-stop.

For a unique experience, stay overnight in a dome on the shores of Lac Cache at Chibougamau Adventure in Quebec while fishing and canoeing at sunset. Walk down cobblestone streets in Old Port while immersing yourself in history and partaking in summer festivals.

Book the 9-day Best of the Eastern Canadian Cities Tour with AAA Member Choice Vacations®.

Iceland

Looking to bundle up in a crewneck on summer break? Iceland’s average summer temperatures range between 50 and 59 degrees Fahrenheit. Iceland is filled with vibrant lava fields covered in moss, great for hiking or renting an off-roading vehicle to explore the highlands. Visitors will even spot volcanic rock formations and caves.

Boat tours offer views of nesting puffins and whales swimming offshore. Those seeking more adventure can snorkel directly between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates in Silfra. The Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa, has the world’s largest hot tub in the world’s coolest country for transformational spa experiences.

Book Iceland’s Midnight Sun: Glaciers, Geysers and the Golden Circle guided tour with AAA Member Choice Vacations®.

Norway

With mild temperatures, Norway brings sunny days and cooler evenings, perfect for hiking and exploring the mountainous terrain. Unique cruises exploring the fjords — deep sea inlets formed by glaciers — are a highlight of a summer visit, where the midnight sun brings 24-hour light to the water.  

Aside from the breathtaking views of the fjords and mountains, travelers can also relax in boutique hotels and dine at Michelin-starred restaurants in Copenhagen.

Book a 7-day Norwegian Fjords & Sognefjord cruise vacation with AAA and Holland America.

Wyoming

Take a deep breath and inhale the cool mountain air of Wyoming. The tall mountain ranges not only make the prettiest backdrop for photos, but also the best areas for climbing and hiking.

Check Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks off your bucket list while admiring Old Faithful and spotting wildlife roaming in the tall grass. Paddle along Jackson Lake and go white water rafting through the Snake River Canyon. For those not interested in exploring nature, experience the Jackson Hole Rodeo or dine at the restaurants around the town square.

In Jackson Hole, daytime highs stay in the comfortable 70s and 80s, while lows can drop to 35 degrees. The destination blends adventure and comfort through a mix of luxury resorts, such as the adults-only Hotel Yellowstone where guests are invited to experience adventure, and the Darwin Ranch, a historic dude ranch with horseback riding lessons across mountain ridges.

Book the 8-day American’s Cowboy Country guided tour with AAA Member Choice Vacations®.

Coolcation FAQs

What is a “coolcation”?

A coolcation is a vacation planned around cooler temperatures instead of typical summer heat. Travelers head to mild-climate destinations like Norway, Alaska or Iceland to swap sweltering beach days for hiking, wildlife viewing and outdoor adventure.

When is the best time to visit these coolcation destinations?

Peak season for most of these spots runs June through August, aligning with the warmest (yet still mild) weather and, in places like Alaska and Norway, near-24-hour daylight. Canada extends its comfortable window from May through September.

What should I pack for a coolcation?

Layers are key. Pack moisture-wicking base layers, a warm midlayer like fleece, a waterproof jacket and sturdy hiking boots. Evenings can turn chilly even when daytime temps feel comfortable, so a hat and gloves are worth the suitcase space.

Are coolcation destinations budget-friendly compared to traditional summer trips?

It varies. Destinations like Iceland and Norway tend to run pricier due to import costs and tourism demand, while Wyoming and parts of Canada offer more budget-friendly lodging and activities. Booking through a travel agent can help uncover package deals and member discounts.

Is a coolcation a good option for families with young kids?

Many of these destinations work well for families. Alaska’s wildlife tours, Canada’s Niagara Falls attractions and Wyoming’s national parks all offer family-friendly activities with milder weather that’s easier on kids than extreme summer heat.

You’ve Read About It — Now Experience It

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Have you ever been on a coolcation? What cool destinations would you like to visit in the summer months? Tell us in the comments.

Last updated on August 5, 2026 by AAA Staff