Latest news with #coolcations
Condé Nast Traveler
16-07-2025
- Condé Nast Traveler
The Best Coolcation Destinations in Europe: Where to Go to Beat the Heat this Summer
When it comes to wistfully plotting trips to Europe's sunniest destinations, we're as guilty as anyone. But as heatwaves and high temperatures spread across the continent, we've found ourselves searching for ways to beat the heat instead of actively seeking it out. The latest travel trend we're keeping an eye on is 'coolcations"—vacationing to countries where the temperature is lower and more manageable in the summer months. Based on the surge in travel searches for cooler summer destinations, new research by Inghams Walking reveals that coolcations are the new travel trend. The specialist tour operator tracked year-on-year search trends across general destination terms, hotel-related queries, and flight searches for nearly 100 cool-weather European spots. According to their findings, here are the top five emerging coolcation destinations in Europe, with number one recording the greatest popularity in travel searches. See the results—and inspiration for your next coolcation—below. Along the stretch of a wooden trail at Lahemaa National Park in Estonia Getty Images 5. Lahemaa National Park, Estonia Lahemaa in Estonia is not the only destination on this list that has the best hiking weather in the summer. With a maximum temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit, visitors can avoid having to plan their outdoor activities—namely, long walks and wildlife-spotting—to avoid the summer heat. It stays pleasant all day as its northern European location means that the worst of the heatwave won't quite reach it. Where to stay: To really immerse yourself in Estonia's rural landscape, take the one-hour drive to the tried-and-tested cabin in the woods, Mirror House, where one of our in-house editors set up camp for a few days of off-grid creative time. Read the full review here.
The Sun
11-07-2025
- The Sun
Is the Med too hot for you now? Our favourite sunny European holiday destinations with temperatures under 30C in summer
WHILE some sunseekers love basking in 30C and over heat, for some it is just too much. So, where should you head instead of the usual Costas? 6 The Sun's Sophie Swietochowski shares her pick of top coolcations for this summer where you can find some beautiful alternatives to your favourite holiday destinations, but the temperature is under 30C. Swap Algarve for Costa Verde, Portugal If you love the Algarve in Portugal then the Costa Verde will be right up your street. It's at the northern end of the country where the climate is cooler and with a higher rainfall that makes the landscapes feel somewhat lush and tropical. You can take the whole family to the eight-person Casa do Alto which is carved into the mountainside and offers epic views of the tumbling landscape and sea in the distance. If you're not content enough lounging by the large swimming pool, a sandy beach sits a fifteen minute drive away while the boozy city of Porto is a short train ride from the villa. Seven nights' self-catering costs from £237.25pp, based on eight sharing and for arrival on August 29 with Flights from London to Porto cost from £52 return with Ryanair. Swap Cannes for The Alps, France The French Alps during summer time make for an excellent escape where you can burn off endless steam. Once the snow melts, the mountains are littered with cyclists and adrenaline-junkies hurling themselves off the cliff-edge on a paraglider or navigating down a canyon. The Irish cable car that's only one that crosses open sea in Europe with incredible views, stone walls & €10 tickets Better still, temperatures peak in the mid 20Cs in this region meaning you'll have more energy to get stuck in. Although if it does heat up, there's plenty of watersports at the nearby lake. The easiest way to book is through Responsible Travel which rolls your accommodation and activities into one - although flights cost extra. You can pick from camping accommodation, self-catered apartments, traditional B&Bs and hotels. A seven-night trip costs from £447pp. 6 Swap Spain's Madrid for the Netherlands The Netherlands offers a different kind of getaway to a beachside fly and flop in Spain – but it's no less fun, especially when you're staying at one of Eurocamp's top holiday parks: Marvilla Parks Kaatsheuvel. The weather tends to be mild in the region of North-Brabant during summer, but temperatures can hit 23C in August, so there'll still be opportunity to flop by the pool which has a play area for kids, along with some twisty slides. If you're up for adventure, the sand dunes of Loon National Park border the resort. But kids and teens will likely prefer a visit to Efteling, a fairytale-inspired theme park just a ten-minute drive away. Seven nights' self-catering is from £146.18pp, based on six sharing a Premium three bedroom holiday home and arriving on July 4. 6 Swap Budapest for Zemplen Mountains, Hungary It's not just France and Italy that boast glorious mountain regions, Hungary is home to the striking Zemplén Mountains, a rugged stretch of landscape that's part of the inner volcanic belt of the Carpathian Mountains. The area may have once been home to a lava-spilling volcano, but things are much cooler nowadays - around 21C in summer to be exact. With very little signal, travellers can take the opportunity to switch off from the outside world with a digital detox. There's ancient oaks to stroll among, boating on silent lakes, and cycle routes along quiet mountain trails. To ensure you're truly immersed in nature, check into the Kőkapu Vadászkastély és Hotel & Apartments, which is several kilometres from the nearest village. One night's room-only is from £65. See Wizz Air flies from Luton to Budapest from £25.09 each way with Wizz Air. 6 Swap the Costa del Sol for Costa Verde, Spain Things are heating up in southern Spain already, but the tranquil Costa Verde, on the northern coast, stays at around 25C in summer, which means you can still take advantage of those gorgeous sandy beaches. Eurocamp's Playa Joyel has direct access to the shores where holidaymakers can get stuck into paddleboarding, kayaking or even surfing. Don't worry if you're a novice, that's what the Ris Surf School is for. On site there's a family pool, children's pool and a jacuzzi as well as a free kids club for those aged five to 12 (during high season). Plus, there's tennis, football, badminton and boules, all available to guests. Refuel afterwards with some cracking local grub at the on site restaurant – you won't regret it. Seven nights' self-catering is from around £268pp, based on a family of four sharing a Comfort XL two bedroom holiday home, for arrival on August 20. See 6 Swap the Rhine for the Baltic Sea, Germany Not just sandy beaches await on Germany's northern coast. The region is flooded with charming historic towns, backed by lush trees and dotted with colourful houses. This includes Travemünde, a former fishing town turned port that attracts a number of wellness enthusiasts who come for yoga on the beach and natural swimming pools. Kids, on the other hand, will love Beach Bay Adventure Promenade, home to a water playground, adventure golf, climbing wall and sailing school. Check into the Landal Travemünde which has modern and airy apartments and bungalows overlooking the harbour. They come with kitchens, but if you don't fancy cooking, head to Ahoi by Steffen Henssler, up the road, which does a cracking fish and chips as well as a classic schnitzel and a currywurst. A seven-night break costs from £321.25pp with Nine cheap and free hacks to stay cool WITH temperatures soaring to 30C across parts of the UK this weekend, here are nine simple, budget-friendly tips to help you stay cool, reports The Sun's Summer Maerason. Keep blinds and curtains closed: Drawing your curtains, especially lighter-colored ones, from 9am to 9pm can significantly prevent sunlight from heating your home. Employ the tin foil hack: Placing tin foil on windows (inside or out) or car windscreens can reflect sunlight and stop heat absorption. Optimise ceiling fan direction: Ensure your ceiling fan blades rotate counter-clockwise to push cool air down and create a refreshing breeze. Use night-time ventilation: Open windows on opposite sides of your home in the evening to create a 'night-flush ventilation' cross-breeze, allowing cooler air in and trapped heat out. Create a DIY 'Ice Fan': Position a bowl of ice cubes in front of a fan to generate a cool, misty breeze, especially effective in smaller rooms. Minimise heat-generating appliances: Avoid using ovens, dishwashers, and washing machines during peak heat. Opt for outdoor cooking, cold meals, or line-drying laundry. Hang damp sheets: Drape damp sheets or towels in front of open windows or a fan. As the water evaporates, it draws heat from the air, creating a cooling effect. Seal gaps and cracks: Block draughts around windows and doors with weather stripping, caulk, or even a rolled-up towel to keep hot air out and cool air in. Stay low: Hot air rises, so spend time on lower floors of your home. For a cooler night's sleep, consider placing your mattress directly on the floor. There are also seven top 'holiday destinations to watch' this year including little known Spanish city and quiet islands. Plus, pick your dream destination from our 2025 travel hot list. 6
Telegraph
23-06-2025
- Telegraph
The 10 best British holidays for people who hate the heat
This summer is starting to swelter. And there may be more extreme heat to come. According to a Met Office study published in June 2025, there's a rapidly increasing likelihood of record UK temperatures being hit. 'The chance of exceeding 40C is now over 20 times more likely than it was in the Sixties,' says Dr Gillian Kay, Met Office senior scientist. 'Because our climate continues to warm, we can expect the chance to keep rising.' Perhaps unsurprisingly, as the weather keeps getting hotter, so internet searches for 'coolcations' have also rapidly increased – up 300 per cent year-on-year. Destinations with brisker climes – Canada, Scandinavia, Iceland, the Alps – are trending. But there are ways to avoid the heat at home too. You just need to pick the right activity and the right accommodation in the right place. If you want to survive your staycation sweat-free, here are a few cool ideas. 1. Shoot the sea breeze on the Shetland Islands Summers on Britain's most northerly outpost are short, cool and breezy – ideal for the heat-averse, and for exploring the archipelago on foot. A wealth of wildlife likes to over-summer here too, so look for whales and dolphins as you stroll at Sumburgh Head, spot great skuas on the cliffs as you round the Ness of Hillswick, and see puffins up close on the isles of Yell and Unst – as far north as it's possible to go. Ramble Worldwide (01707 331133; rambleworldwide) offers a seven-night guided Shetland trip from £2,009 per person, half board, including flights from Glasgow; departing July 5, August 9 and September 6 and 20 2025. 2. Take the posh plunge in Shropshire What's cooler than staying in a stately home? Especially one with its own Georgian plunge pool. Salwey Lodge, near Ludlow, was built in the 1740s and has remained in the Salwey family ever since. Now it welcomes guests. Sleep in one of the four elegant bedrooms, share field-to-fork feasts in the dining room, explore the extensive grounds and dip in the 18th-century baths. There are also wonderful walks from the door, including into Mortimer Forest, a 1,000-hectare green space, perfect for forest bathing in the shade. Salwey Lodge (07766 545515; thesalweylodge) offers a two-night Ludlow Weekend package from £290 per person, full board. 3. Mix hills, vales and waves in Pembrokeshire North Pembrokeshire receives fewer visitors than the south, and offers many ways to escape the heat. Head to genteel Newport and stay at Y Sied – the cottage's thick stone walls should keep temperatures down. There are good spots nearby for sea dips: Newport Sands, Aberfforest, Pwllgwaelod. You can also take breezy walks in the Preseli Hills, which rise behind; perhaps seek shade beneath the 5,500-year-old dolmen of Pentre Ifan. Then explore hidden-away, fern-frilled Rosebush Quarry – one of Wales's best wild-swimming spots. Coastal Cottages (01437 765765; coastalcottages) offers a week at Y Sied, sleeping two, from £719. The Forest of Bowland may only be eight per cent trees, but it's still a good place to escape the heat. Orchard Glamping, set on a forest-edge farm, is a good-value, nature-immersed base. Head off on moorland and riverside walks into the National Landscape, or head to Wyresdale Park where a huge lake offers paddleboard hire and regular wild swimming sessions (£5.50). For a quirkier kind of cool, go to the Flower Bowl activity centre, home to England's only curling rink (taster session £22; theflowerbowl). Orchard Glamping (07725 185366; orchardglamping) offers pods, sleeping up to 6, from £200 for two nights. 5. Drink yourself chilled in East Sussex There's nothing more refreshing on a sweltering day than a chilled glass of something delicious, sipped amid the countryside from which it was made. The new Rother Wine Triangle trail links seven vineyards in the Rother Valley, between Rye, Hastings and Flimwell, all of which offer tours and tastings, and most of which offer accommodation overlooking the grapes (sussexwinelands). Alternatively, disappear into the nearby woods of Glottenham Castle estate: book Rosetti, a glade-tucked cabin with pre-Raphaelite styling, an outdoor shower and a tree growing through its middle. Canopy & Stars (0117 204 7830; canopyandstars) offers four-night stays at Rosetti, sleeping five, from £435. 6. Cool down on the coast in County Down Northern Ireland doesn't tend to get that hot. And even if it does, you'll get sea breezes from all sides at St John's Point lighthouse. Stay at one of the two 1830s keepers' cottages that sit beneath the beacon on this wave-surrounded headland, then visit Strangford Lough, the largest sea lough in the British Isles, where you can walk woodland and coastal paths, and explore by kayak or canoe – paddle over to the Boretree Islands to look for basking seals. Irish Landmark (00353 1 670 4733; irishlandmark) offers two nights at the St John's Point cottages, sleeping four, from £386. 7. Find calm on the canal in Staffordshire The Shropshire Union Canal is a cool corridor of green and blue space, stretching from Chester to the edges of Wolverhampton. It's a rural waterway, fringed by farmland, woodland and quiet countryside, offering an escape from both the heat and the modern world. Hire a boat from the historic market town of Brewood for a gentle journey to Market Drayton and back via deep cuttings, arched bridges, pretty villages, a handful of locks and towpath pubs before mooring up at Gnosall's Boat Inn for a refreshing pint. Drifters (0344 984 0322; drifters) offers a four-night August break aboard Sir Ulfius, sleeping four, from £1,097. 8. Live it up with the oaks in Devon For shadiness at its most English, head to Chevithorne Barton estate. This ancient patch, between Exmoor and the Blackdown Hills, is home to the UK's biggest collection of oaks, as well as a walled garden, bright summer borders and other rare trees. Visit on a free open day (July 7 to 13; August 4 to 8 2025) or, better yet, stay on site in the most tasteful of treehouses. Verte is a RIBA award-winning build of wood and glass where you can row on private lakes and live stylishly amid the trees. Unique Homestays (01637 881183; uniquehomestays) offers a week at Verte, sleeping 10, from £3,795. Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park is an untamed vastness, with miles of rivers, swathes of woodland and 22 lochs. A great way to explore is by hiking the 48km Great Trossachs Path, from Inversnaid to Callander. For the coolest take on the route, join a hike-swim trip that combines walks via waterfalls, RSPB reserves and lofty Munros with refreshing dips – a coach can help with your technique or you can simply float and enjoy the views. Responsible Travel (01273 823700; responsibletravel) offers a five-day guided Trossachs trip from £995 per person, B&B, including lunches, excluding flights; departing July 17 2025. 10. Embrace the cold in North Yorkshire Without the Gulf Stream to warm it, Britain's North Sea coast offers a brisker seaside break than the west. For a very cool break, stay at Saltmoore which, opened in 2024, sits on the edge of the North York Moors National Park. Its Sanctuary Spa offers a wealth of wellness, from a Brass Monkey ice bath to a cryotherapy chamber. It's only a 10-minute walk to Sandsend beach, a sweeping strand with views to Whitby Abbey, bracing swimming and good surf – you can hire surf boards, kayaks and paddleboards (whitbysurf).
