Latest news with #coolcation
Forbes
21 hours ago
- Forbes
This Coastal California City Makes A Great ‘Coolcation'
The rocky coastline at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve in Carmel, California getty We're officially at the point in summer when, across much of the United States, heat waves seem to be rolling in one after another. But for those seeking a reprieve from the triple-digit temps, a 'coolcation' is calling. Less about soaking up the summer sun, this breezy travel trend is all about cooling down mid-summer in a destination where temps hover around a comfortable 70 degrees Fahrenheit (or even a bit more chilly, should you prefer). The cold, nutrient-filled waters of the Pacific Ocean wash against the rocky coastline of Monterey, California. This scenic area of the west coast is home to extensive kelp forests. getty While Americans can find a number of spots across Europe to chill out, there's also a region close to home that's perfect for a coolcation: Monterey, California. Located on California's central coast along the Monterey Bay, the cool coastal temps prevail through August. In the summer months, temperatures are in the mid-to-high 60s along the coast and warm up by 10 degrees or so when you go inland. Here's your guide to the ultimate coolcation in Monterey, with the top things to do, plus where to stay, and where to eat and drink. From scenic drives and hikes that show off coastal views to witnessing California's marine life with binoculars in hand, visitors will find plenty of things to do in Monterey, California. Sea Otters floating in the water near Point Lobos Natural Reserve. getty Pack your hiking boots and hit the coastal trails weaving through Point Lobos Natural Reserve, which is known as the 'crown jewel' of California's park system and has been a favorite of famous photographers including Ansel Adams. Trails trace shorelines, revealing beautiful and craggy coves and harbor seals sunbathing on rocks. Monterey Cypress trees and fields of wildflowers add to the beauty. Pro tip: Dodge some of the crowds by arriving early in the morning and visiting on a weekday. Whale Watching in Monterey Bay A humpback whale dives in Monterey Bay. getty Monterey Bay is a top spot for whale watching, thanks to a 6,000-foot-deep submarine canyon just offshore, which is comparable in size to the Grand Canyon. This underwater canyon creates nutrient-rich cold-water upwellings that attract a wide variety of whales and seabirds, according to Monterey Bay Whale Watch, which offers a range of whale watching tours. Summer is a great time for whale watching in Monterey, when visitors have a chance to spot blue whales in Monterey Bay from July through October. See killer whales in Monterey Bay from late August throughout October and and again in mid-April to mid-May. Humpback whale sightings are possible year-round, with peaks in mid-March to November. Pro tips: Make reservations for tours in advance as they can book up quickly, especially during peak whale watching seasons. Take your sea sickness medication an hour prior to your journey so it's kicked in by the time you're out on the water. Dress in layers because the temperatures will drop when you venture out on the water. Drive Highway 1 Bixby Bridge along Highway One. getty Use Monterey as your jumping off point for famously scenic drives, including the 17-mile Pebble Beach Drive that shows off forests, beaches, and famous golf courses. Or, pack and picnic and wind up Highway One to Big Sur, a cinematic drive with scenic stops like Garrapata State Park, where you can stretch your legs on coastal hiking trails and take in views of towering redwoods, and a stop to see the Bixby Bridge, the world's tallest single-span bridge that's prominently featured in the scenic opening of Big Little Lies . It's about a 30-mile drive between Monterey and Big Sur, but plan for plenty of stops (and some potential traffic). Relax at Refuge Carmel Thanks to Monterey's cool temperatures and coastal fog, you might find yourself needing to warm up a bit during your coolcation. Just a short drive away in Carmel, Refuge Carmel offers a serene wellness retreat perfect for relaxing and recharging. Reserve a spot at the spa and enjoy amenities like a Himalayan salt wall sauna, eucalyptus steam rooms, hot pools with cascading waterfalls, and invigorating Nordic cold plunges. Refuge is designed for R&R, and, as such, phones are not allowed, and the resort maintains a silent atmosphere. Take in stunning views of the Santa Lucia Mountains as you unwind and enhance your visit with a facial or massage. Kayak in Monterey Bay Kayaking in Monterey Bay, near Lover's Point getty Paddle out on a guided kayak tour with Adventures By The Sea, or rent a kayak from the local outfitter and explore on your own. Kayakers get a shot at seeing sea lions, harbor seals, and California sea otters, which, once on the brink of extinction, are now thriving. See a Top Aquarium Monterey Bay Aquarium on Cannery Row. getty Cannery Row is a must-visit while in town and, along with seafood spots with live music and souvenir shops, the district is home to Monterey Bay Aquarium, which is one of the top aquariums in the United States. Sync up your visit with the sea otter feedings, see jellyfish rhythmically pulse through the water, and witness bioluminescence displays, learning how animals make their own light. The aquarium's outdoor deck is the perfect observation point for watching Monterey Bay's wildlife, from sea otters to humpback whales on the horizon. Where to Stay in Monterey, California The lobby at Monterey Beach Hotel, a popular spot for watching the fog roll in in the morning and sunsets in the evening. Monterey Beach Hotel For an enviable soundscape, check into the Monterey Beach Hotel and request a premium oceanview suite, letting the crescendo of waves crashing right outside of your door lull you to sleep. Rooms in this category are located on higher floors to improve your ocean views, which are framed by your windows. The rooms come with binoculars to encourage you to cozy up and survey the Pacific for whales, dolphins, songbirds and more. Originally built in 1967 during the 'Summer of Love,' the Highway 1 hotel stakes its claim as the only beachfront hotel on the Monterey Peninsula. After a dramatic restoration, the 188-room hotel reopened in summer 2024 under its original name and as a part of the Marriott Tribute Portfolio. Ocean view rooms are perched right above the waves. Monterey Beach Hotel It's positioned just 600 linear feet from the shoreline, and the hotel proudly arranges around those views, including the lobby which becomes a convivial spot in the late afternoon when guests can pour themselves glasses of local wines and position their armchairs to the ocean to take in the views. Keep the night going by gathering around the bonfire after the sun sets or heading up to the Lantern Room, where mermaid statuettes are perched on the fireplace mantle and you can order a belly-warming bowl of Monterey Bay Black Cod Cioppino (a seafood stew) with grilled bread. Other amenities include a heated outdoor pool and hot tub, complimentary e-bikes to take out along the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail, a fitness center and a grab-and-go market that's stocked with snacks and gifts from local purveyors and makers. Where to Eat and Drink in Monterey, California The dining scene in the Monterey area ranges from Cannery Row restaurants bidding for the best bowl of clam chowder to award-winning restaurants in the county, like Aubergine in Carmel-by-the-Sea, which has earned two Michelin stars for its contemporary California tasting menus. Start the day out right at Alta Bakery with fresh-baked pastries or something savory like a goat cheese fritta, paired with the latte of the month (think: chamomile and caramelized honey). For a casual lunch, grab a slice or calzone at Gianni's Pizza, a nostalgic pizza shop with family recipes from Sicily. Get a taste of the local beer scene at Alvarado Street Brewery, which has a brewpub in Monterey where you can sample West Coast IPAs, fruited sours and more. If you're feeling snacky, grab a charcuterie board loaded with local meats and cheeses and enjoy the breeze coming off the water at Tidewater, a beachfront courtyard at Monterey Beach Hotel, a great spot for sunset viewing. For a special dinner, sustainable seafood is on the menu at Passionfish, with dishes like scallops in a tomato-truffle butter and Alaskan halibut served with elote corn, ricotta, cilantro aioli, cherry tomatoes and a citrus vinaigrette. When it comes time for a cocktail, head to Pearl, a bar serving classic and inventive cocktails and inspired by John Steinbeck's Cannery Row: 'It is the hour of pearl—the interval between day and night when time stops and examines itself.'
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Travel + Leisure
15-07-2025
- Travel + Leisure
These Are the Best Summer 'Coolcation' Destinations in Europe, According to a New Study
Temperatures across Europe reached triple digits in June, while a simultaneous heat dome covered much of the U.S., bringing record-breaking temperatures on a world tour. Things are getting rather spicy when it comes to the weather, which may have you thinking about ways to chill out—enter the "coolcation." Just as the name implies, a coolcation is a getaway to a destination where the climate is always sweater-weather perfect. If that sounds appealing, you're not alone. Searches for "coolcations" spiked 624 percent over the last year, according to an analysis from Inghams Walking, a tour company based in the United Kingdom. To help people find the perfect place to go on their chillier getaway, the team at Ingrams evaluated nearly 100 different European destinations to find the top coolcation spots for 2025. To come up with the list, Inghams Walking assessed traveler "intent" by looking at online searches across general destination terms, hotel-related queries, and flight searches. The team then compared year-on-year searches to see which destinations experienced the largest increase in interest. And it turns out, the No. 1 destination is located in the heart of the land of fire and ice, with Akureyri, Iceland, taking the top spot. That designation is thanks to a 264 percent jump in popularity for the city. Akureyri is considered the capital of Iceland's northern region, according to Visit North Iceland. Despite its small population of about 19,000 residents, the city offers travelers an ideal mix of culture and nature all wrapped into one. Visitors can explore the Akureyri Art Museum, the Icelandic Aviation Museum, and the stunning modern Akureyrarkirkja church during their stay. Later, set off on an unforgettable whale watching adventure in the surrounding waters or go for a walk through the Akureyri Botanic Gardens, which opened in 1912 as Iceland's first public park. Joining Akureyri at the top of the list was Tisvilde, Denmark. The small seaside spot, which sits along what is known as the "Danish Riviera," is known for its miles of sandy beaches, tiny colorful beach huts, and quaint eateries that serve local delights. The area also happens to be a favorite destination among poets and creatives. It even played host to Hans Christian Andersen himself when he spent six weeks at the Hellebæk Inn, according to Visit Nordsjælland. Akureyi and Tisvilde were followed by other top coolcation destinations, including Nuuk, Greenland, which came in at No. 3 on the list. Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy; Lahemaa National Park, Estonia; Lucerne, Switzerland; Malmö, Sweden; Arlberg, Austria; the Belgian Riviera, Belgium; and Ghent, Belgium, rounded out the top 10. For the full list and to learn more, visit
Forbes
11-07-2025
- Forbes
The Hottest ‘Coolcation' Destinations, Jurassic Journeys And Other Travel News
. The 'coolcation' travel trend that started last year shows no signs of cooling down—particularly in summer, when cold-weather destinations often look very appealing. From the Austrian Alps to the lakes of Finland, here are some of the hottest coolcation destinations for summer—and beyond. . Putting its money where its mantra is, the Six Senses resort group recently launched a new women's wellness program at five of its properties. The new initiative—rolled out in Portugal, Italy, Switzerland, Vietnam and the Maldives—was developed with holistic wellness expert Dr. Mindy Pelz. The three-, five- and seven-day programs are built around each guest's hormonal stage and focus on nutrition, sleep, stress, movement and recovery. Other Six Senses locations are expected to be added the female wellness initiative later this year. . As summer travel continues to heat up, a new report reveals the cleanest swimming water in Europe. The testing is done by the EU Bathing Water Directive and ratings are based on four years' worth of data. An excellent rating indicates that the water meets the highest standards of cleanliness and safety, making it ideal for swimming and other recreational activities. From the shores of Slovenia to the lakes of Bulgaria, here are the European countries with the cleanest water for swimming. 'Only when the tide goes out do you discover who has been swimming naked.'This is the published version of Forbes' Passport newsletter, which offers a first-class guide to luxury travel. Click here to get it delivered to your inbox every Friday. . First-time cruise passengers often find some of the onboard rituals confusing. From sailaway parties to formal nights to hiding rubber ducks, here are five cruise traditions to help you find your sea legs. . It only feels like Hollywood has been making Jurassic Park movies for around 200 million years. With the seventh film in the series now in theaters, Tyrranosaurus-loving travelers are sure to get the urge to go digging for fossils of their own. That's where Dinosaur Trips comes in. Founded in 2022, Dinosaur Trips creates paleontology expeditions at some of the most famous fossil sites around the world. From Alberta, Canada to Patagonia, dig these fossil-hunting itineraries.
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Travel + Leisure
05-07-2025
- Travel + Leisure
10 U.S. 'Coolcation' Destinations to Beat the Heat This Summer
The "coolcation"—a trip centered around cooler climates and breezy destinations—is experiencing a fresh wave of popularity as more travelers look to beat the heat this summer. Rather than flocking to sweltering cities or sunbaked (and ultra-crowded) beaches, vacationers are heading for higher elevations, coastal escapes, and forested retreats where daytime temps stay comfortably mild, while mornings and evenings may even call for a light sweater. While most folks tend to equate coolcations with far-flung locales like Iceland or the Swiss Alps, they're not the only option. In fact, you can experience an epic coolcation right here in the United States—no passport required. From lakefront hideaways to mountain towns, these refreshing getaways offer all the adventure and charm of a classic summer vacation, minus the scorching heat. The historic barn in Teton National Park. Chris Marinaccio/Travel + Leisure "Jackson Hole is the perfect blend of rugged and refined," says Travel + Leisure A-list advisor Laura Asilis. Expect brisk mornings and evenings with pleasantly warm, often sunny afternoons that set the stage for activities like rafting, hiking, or wildlife spotting. Trips to nearby national parks like Grand Teton and Yellowstone are a must, as is a visit to the lively Town Square, lined with local haunts like Persephone Bakery and Jackson Drug. The nightlife scene is surprisingly buzzy, with local favorites such as the Silver Dollar Bar and Saloon and the iconic Million Dollar Cowboy Bar offering live music and a lively crowd. At the end of a long day (or night), retreat to Amangani, where, per Asilis, "the views are as spectacular as the service." Two fishing boats docked on land in the middle of the Alaskan mountains. Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure Whether you're traveling by cruise or on land, Alaska remains one of the country's top coolcation getaways. "Places such as Sheldon Chalet, Stillpoint Lodge, and several other remote places to stay are cool in the evenings, and the daytime temperatures are comfortable for activities such as fly fishing, hiking, rafting, and wildlife viewing," says T+L A-list advisor Kevin Jackson. For a truly memorable experience, the travel pro recommends chartering a yacht through the Inside Passage, a scenic coastal route known for glacier views and frequent wildlife sightings, including bears and whales. For a more affordable option, consider a cruise along the same route, offered by most major lines. The small downtown area of Adams in Berkshire County, Massachusetts. DenisTangneyJr/Getty Images Just a few hours from Boston, Asilis describes the Berkshires as "a classic Northeast retreat with cool evenings and cultural charm." She continues, "I love recommending it for couples or families who want art, music, and wellness all in one place." No trip to the region is complete without attending a summer concert at Tanglewood (where you can pack a leisurely picnic to enjoy under the stars), visiting the MASS MoCA and Norman Rockwell Museum, or enjoying spa treatments at wellness resorts Miraval and Canyon Ranch, both of which are located in the quaint town of Lenox. Take advantage of the summer weather with a visit to one of the region's lakes—Pontoosuc and Onota are two popular spots for swimming, kayaking, or simply relaxing by the water. Jagged peaked mountains in Telluride, Colorado. MarkWith its cool mornings, colorful wildflower hikes, and a thriving cultural scene, "Aspen in the summer is a dream," says Asilis. She continues, telling T+L, "The Maroon Bells are breathtaking, and I love enjoying a relaxed lunch at Betula after a gallery stroll." Music lovers, meanwhile, should plan their visit around one of the town's summer events: The Aspen Music Festival and School (July 2 through Aug. 24), Up in the Sky (Aug. 8 and 9), and the JAS Labor Day Experience (Aug. 29-31). In terms of accommodations, the travel advisor called The Little Nell her "go-to for its elegant atmosphere and unbeatable access to the mountains." The red rocks of the Grand Canyon stretch into the distance. You might not expect anywhere in Arizona to make a list of coolcation getaways, but the Grand Canyon's North Rim is a surprising exception. Sitting over 1,000 feet higher than the more visited South Rim, this remote area enjoys cooler temperatures and breathtaking views. "The forest is filled with aspen trees and ponderosa pines, and the views of the canyon are spectacular," says Jackson. While the Grand Canyon North Rim Lodge offers basic accommodations coupled with scenic views, the North Rim Campground is better suited for travelers seeking a more immersive, back-to-nature experience. A small beach outlet on Lake Tahoe. Amanda Blackard/Travel + Leisure "Lake Tahoe offers alpine air, crystal-clear waters, and a laid-back West Coast vibe," says Asilis. "Summer here is all about paddleboarding, hiking, and sunset cruises." The warm, sunny days are ideal for spending time on the water or exploring nearby trails, while cool evenings are perfect for stargazing or listening to live music: The 2025 summer concert series features a stacked lineup including Earth, Wind & Fire and Hozier. Prepare to be dazzled by the destination's stunningly clear waters, which are great for boating, swimming, or paddling; alternatively, post up by one of the pristine beaches. A mountain towering over a lake in Glacier National Park. Irjaliina Paavonpera/Travel + Leisure Located in northern Montana, this national park offers some of the most scenic hiking in the country. "When the Going-to-the-Sun Road opens, which is typically in early July, the hiking and access is incredible," says Jackson. Other outdoor activities abound, like fishing, rafting, and biking. For true coolcation vibes, consider exploring the park's east side; at an elevation of around 3,200 feet, it tends to be even cooler, especially in the mornings and evenings. According to the pro, most guests will stay in the town of Whitefish and drive to the park and use the access to Whitefish Lake as an option to stay cool and mix up the experiences. Alternatively, reserve a room at the historic Glacier Park Lodge. Located on the park's southeast side, the property stands out for its grand timber architecture and sweeping mountain views. A row of grape vines in Willamette Valley. Known for its 700-plus wineries, Oregon's Willamette Valley region is "really up-and-coming," says T+L A-list advisor Maria Diego. Sip vino in style at wineries like Soter Vineyards, Bethel Heights Vineyard, or Adelsheim Vineyard in between scenic hiking treks in Willamette National Forest, where you can, quite literally, chase waterfalls. The region is also dotted with charming small towns like McMinnville, which is known for its vibrant shopping and dining scene. Newberg is another popular base, and it's home to The Allison Inn & Spa, which comes highly recommended by Diego. Amenities include a holistic spa, an acclaimed restaurant that utilizes locally sourced ingredients (including some from the on-site garden), and spacious rooms featuring fireplaces and soaking tubs. And while daytime temperatures often warm up nicely, mornings and evenings can be brisk, so be sure to bring layers. Beautiful Sunset Fall Hike in Telluride, stunning mountain town sits 8,750 feet above sea level, where summer brings warm days in the low 70s and crisp, cool nights—perfect for outdoor adventure without overheating. While it's a hotspot for skiing and snowboarding in the winter, the summer months are prime time for mountain biking and hiking. Meanwhile, says Jackson, "The river is great for rafting and paddle boarding." The town also hosts several festivals throughout the summer, each catering to different interests—from baseball to jazz to mushrooms. View of cliffs over an ocean in Big Sur. Lauren Breedlove/Travel + Leisure Cruise along Highway 1 and embark on a scenic summer road trip through Big Sur, a 90-mile stretch of rugged coastline along California's Central Coast. During the summer months, daytime temperatures range from 60 degrees to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Those sunny days are well spent spotting sea otters and exploring hidden coves at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, hiking among the redwoods at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, snapping photos at iconic spots like Bixby Bridge, or relaxing on the fairy tale-worthy purple sands of Pfeiffer Beach, which are especially vibrant after a rainfall. While hotel options abound. Asilis counts Post Ranch Inn as one of her "favorite properties anywhere in the world, ideal for disconnecting and recalibrating in pure beauty."
Forbes
17-06-2025
- Forbes
The Coolcation Trend Is Heating Up, And The Numbers Prove It
The Norwegian fjords are an attractive coolcation option for travel in Norway. getty Once considered a niche escape for adventurers and cruise lovers, Norway is now a summer destination in demand. The rise of so-called coolcations is no longer just a talking point among media and travel influencers. The latest data shows the trend is real, measurable, and only gaining momentum. Coolcations are vacations to cooler climates, as opposed to a typical sun-soaked summer break. In Europe, it signals the move away from traditional Mediterranean resorts and towards Scandinavia. According to Scandinavian airline SAS, bookings from southern Europe to Norway have surged dramatically for the summer 2025 season. Compared with last year, flight bookings from France are up 22%, while Stavanger has seen a 38% increase in arrivals from Spain, Italy, and France. The southern city of Kristiansand is experiencing a 52% jump, pointing to a broader shift in how Europeans are planning their summer holidays. 'For many, Scandinavia's cool climate is no longer a disadvantage,' said Thomas Thessen, chief analyst at SAS, in an interview with Norwegian newspaper VG. 'In fact, it's become a key reason to book a trip.' It's not just airlines seeing the shift. A recent report from the European Travel Commission (ETC) found that 28% of European travelers now actively seek cooler-climate destinations in order to avoid extreme heat during the summer months. The change is especially pronounced among visitors from countries that were heavily affected by heatwaves in 2023 and 2024, including Spain, Italy, and Greece. Data shows 2024 was Europe's warmest ever year on record, with record temperatures in central, eastern and southeastern regions. Severe storms and flooding were widespread, claiming at least 335 lives. The term coolcation is a portmanteau of "cool" and "vacation", and it first entered use in mainstream travel media around 2023. But it was 2024 that saw the idea explode. Search interest in related terms has grown 300% year-on-year, and global travel network Virtuoso reported a 44% increase in bookings to cool-climate destinations like Norway, Iceland, and Canada. The appeal of Norway lies not just in the temperature, but in what it offers in contrast to the south. Think: glacier hikes instead of beach clubs, mountain cabins instead of mega-resorts and clean, quiet fjords instead of overcrowded coastlines. With long daylight hours and a growing number of sustainable tourism options, the country checks multiple boxes for climate-conscious travelers. Tour operators and airlines are responding accordingly. Norwegian Air is among several airlines to add new routes to Tromsø, while smaller cities like Ålesund, Bodø and Kristiansand are seeing a spike in both land-based and cruise arrivals. The implications go beyond summer 2025. 'We expect this trend to continue. Climate is becoming a primary factor in destination choice,' said Thessen. However, not everyone in Norway is happy about the developments. Mass tourism complaints are on the rise and have led to the upcoming introduction of a 3% tourism tax. However, Norway's issues are different from the ones facing major European vacation destinations such as Amsterdam or Barcelona. The biggest problem is pressure on nature. Popular hiking trails and remote fjord villages are seeing visitor numbers that far exceed their capacity to manage them sustainably. In places like Lofoten and Geiranger, locals have expressed concerns about traffic congestion, waste management, emergency vehicle access and the environmental impact of cruise tourism. That's not to say urban areas escape the issues completely. The influx of new flights to Tromsø led to a 15% increase in tourist arrivals between 2023 and 2024, with yet more expected in 2025.
