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04/12/2025 | by BedBooking

Coolcations – or vacations in colder areas of the world

Coolcations sound familiar? Or are you encountering the term for the first time? Either way, a brief introduction about what coolcations are. It’s an increasingly popular vacation trend of spending your vacation in colder areas of the world. If you’re tired of the heat, crowds and scorching sun, or simply like variety in your travel – this is the alternative for you. Imagine a vacation where the fresh, crisp air gives you energy and the landscapes are breathtaking. In addition – winter sports, activities that are not possible in warm countries – this is the magic of vacations in cold countries.

“Cool vacations”, or what exactly does the term “coolcations” mean? It’s a combination of the English words “cool” (cool) and “vacations,” meaning vacationing in places where the temperature is conducive to outdoor activities and nature impresses with its rugged beauty. More and more people are discovering that vacations in colder regions are not only an opportunity to get away from everyday life, but also a chance for unique experiences – from admiring the aurora borealis to winter hiking to relaxing in natural hot springs. There are those who don’t need convincing, but if you’re still hesitant – read on.

Why are coolcations a cool vacation?

Coolcations vacations are, first of all, a great alternative to the traditional overcrowded beaches of the tropics. Forget the crowds, the fight for sun loungers and the stuffy air – in cooler places, relaxation takes on a different dimension. You can enjoy the peace, quiet and natural beauty that is often hard to find in popular resorts. Then there’s the health aspect: fresh air! Outdoor activities improve fitness and mood. Any lover of this type of travel will confirm this statement.

If you are looking for something completely different and want your vacation to be not only relaxing, but also an active adventure, holidays in colder regions of the world are the perfect choice for you. In the following parts of the article, we will show you the best places to go and how to prepare for such a trip so that every moment is full of excitement.

Giving yourself an alternative and an opportunity to escape the heat and crowds, while allowing yourself to experience something unique, choose coolcations. It’s a fresh approach to vacations that is gaining popularity every year.

The northern lights over the hills of Scandinavia - a reason to travel to cold countries.
The magical aurora borealis – one of the most common reasons for traveling to cold countries. Photo by stein egil liland

Is it worth choosing a vacation in colder regions?

Vacations in colder areas of the world offer unique experiences that are hard to find on popular hot beaches – this is the most valid argument. If you are tired of crowds, heat and omnipresent noise, then colder climes are the ideal alternative for you. Fresh, crisp air that naturally regenerates the body and mind is a certainty on this type of vacation. Outdoor physical activity in such conditions is not only healthy, but also a pleasure – from leisurely walks in the snow to more demanding winter expeditions or winter sports: skiing, snowboarding and others. There is something for everyone.

Deciding to vacation in cold countries, you gain something you won’t find in crowded resorts – peace, space and true quiet. Fewer tourists means more relaxation, time for yourself and the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in nature. It’s the perfect opportunity to take a break from the daily hustle and bustle and recharge your batteries surrounded by wild, pristine landscapes. Just as sunny destinations allow you to get away from the gray everyday life, so do winter destinations that offer beautiful winter aura.

But that’s not all. Colder regions of the world offer spectacular and natural attractions that will delight even the most discerning travelers. Imagine a night under an illuminated sky with the aurora borealis overhead, exhilarating skiing, snowboarding, or relaxing baths in hot springs surrounded by snow. These are the kinds of experiences that will set your vacation apart from standard trips to warm resorts.

If you’re planning a winter vacation abroad, bet on something original that will set you apart from your friends. While they’ll be uploading more photos from the beach with the turquoise sea in the background, you’ll surprise them with amazing views of winter nature and activities not available on tropical islands. Choose a vacation in cold countries, and you will show that you can think outside the box and choose alternatively. It’s not just a vacation – it’s a lifestyle and a new way of looking at the world.

The best destinations for “Coolcations” – From Scandinavia to Canada!

Wondering where to go on vacation in colder regions, pay attention to such places as Norway, Iceland, Alaska or Canada. This is where you will find the most spectacular winter landscapes and attractions. These destinations are also a guarantee of desirable weather.

In Norway, the aurora borealis, fjords and mountain hiking trails of varying difficulty await you. Iceland in winter will delight you with glaciers and natural hot springs – perfect for warming up after an adventurous day in the cold. If you dream of true wilderness and wide open spaces, head to Alaska. Canada, on the other hand, is a mecca for skiing and snowboarding fans. Learn more about these destinations in guidebooks and travel blogs.

Whether you are planning a family, romantic or adrenaline-filled trip, winter travel to these areas will meet your expectations. Just remember to get the timing right – the best season is usually from November to March.

A skier skiing down a snow-covered slope during winter vacation.
Active skiing is a classic part of a coolcations winter vacation. Photo by Anselme Courau

What to pack for a vacation to colder areas?

Planning your packing for a cold-weather vacation requires special attention to appropriate clothing and equipment. Suitcases are bound to be a bit heavier than those for a hot vacation in the tropics. Remember that winter conditions are no joke – without warm, quality clothes and shoes it will be difficult to enjoy the trip.

Take with you thermal underwear, a jacket with warming layers, waterproof gloves and a hat. It’s worth having sturdy, waterproof boots that can handle snow and ice. If you’re planning winter sports, make sure you have the right equipment or access to rentals locally.

When preparing your luggage for winter holidays, don’t forget useful accessories – a powerbank, UV sunscreen (valid all year round) and sunglasses are a must-have, even in winter.

Traveling to cold countries with a child – what is worth remembering?

When traveling to cold countries with a child, it’s a good idea to prepare well so that the trip is comfortable and safe for the whole family. First of all, take care of appropriate warm clothing, as with adults, layered clothing, waterproof boots and hats and gloves are key. Remember that toddlers feel the cold faster, so it’s not worth saving money on this. Choose clothing with appropriate approvals, tested in harsh conditions.

Also remember to regularly hydrate and protect your child’s skin – cold air can severely dry it out, and the sun’s rays reflecting off the snow can cause burns. Take sunscreen and moisturizing lotions with you.

Plan age- and energy-appropriate activities for your child – vacations in colder areas should be enjoyable for all trip participants. Shorter walks, playing in the snow and warm breaks in cozy cafes or hot springs will help avoid overheating or getting cold.

It’s also worth choosing family-friendly accommodations that offer amenities and safety for the little ones. Road conditions can be challenging in winter, so plan your trip to avoid overnight drives, rush-hour rides and long stays in the cold.

A couple admiring a glacier in a cold climate during a winter trip.
Glaciers are one of the most impressive winter phenomena to see in person. Photo by Miriam Espacio

How to plan the perfect “Coolcations” – practical tips and advice

Planning a vacation to cold countries requires proper preparation to get the most out of ‘coolcations’. Start by booking tickets in advance – especially during the winter season, prices rise quickly. Be sure to have insurance to protect you from unforeseen situations.

What else should you keep in mind? It’s a good idea to use local guides and apps to help you find the best attractions, make public transportation easier and adjust your activity plan to the current weather conditions. Don’t forget to be flexible – planning a winter vacation sometimes requires last-minute changes, but that’s part of the winter charm and an excellent test for organizational skills.

Don’t forget your equipment – sports equipment can be rented locally, but photo-video equipment must be tailored to the conditions. Take care of covers and protection against moisture, getting your camera, camcorder, phone wet. Make sure your drone is suitable for weather conditions like high winds or freezing temperatures, and analyze the other equipment you’ll want to capture memories of your trip with.

Coolcations is an ideal option for those looking for an offbeat, peaceful and inspiring vacation in colder areas of the world. If you want to take a break from the crowds and heat, while still experiencing something special, this is your moment.

Choose a vacation in cold countries and experience something new. This growing trend – coolcations – is the perfect way to winter travel in 2025 – fresh air, amazing views and activities that will stay in your memory for a long time.

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