Earth is heating up: 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 (C3S). Experts project that overall temperatures will continue to climb, as global warming and climate change accelerates. 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.
Ahead of Earth Day, new data from Trip.com Group shows a 74 percent year-on-year (YoY) increase in searches for cooler destinations and coolcations since the start of this year, as travellers seek to escape the heat, shifting their attention to places that offer more comfortable climates and less overcrowding experiences. This figure is expected to peak further during the summer months, with a search volume growth of 237 percent from June to August last year compared to the same period in 2024.
Trip Moments, Trip.com’s community platform for travellers to share experiences and seek inspiration, has also seen a 15.4 percent YoY increase in content last summer that spotlights cool summer getaway destinations, as well as tips and tricks to beat the heat. Topics like “escape the heat”, “summer escapes” and “cool summer retreat” are trending, as travelers prioritise experiences away from the crowds and sweltering heat, amid climate change concerns.
Rising Coolcation Destinations
With climate change affecting temperatures worldwide, travelers are adapting their itineraries in favour of temperate destinations, especially during the summer months.
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. For example, Iceland, where temperatures average 11℃ in summer, has been growing in appeal as a destination, with global flight booking searches up by 85 percet YoY this summer. Tours to Iceland and Norway are growing in demand, as international travelers seek cold weather activities and experiences such as sea-fishing, fjord cruises and glacier hikes.
Likewise, a similar trend is observed in Asia, where cooler destinations such as Inner Mongolia, Sapporo and Yunnan, are experiencing a growing interest from international travelers. 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. Global flight booking searches for its largest city, Kunming, have grown by 44 percent YoY this summer, while package tours offering bundled visits to Kunming, Lijiang, Shangri-La and other locations in the area are also in demand.
Seeking Climate-Friendly Experiences
Coolcations are not just about escaping the heat, but also a sign that travelers are adapting their travel plans with environmental considerations in mind. Research shows that travelers are increasingly concerned with responsible tourism, with 47 percent prioritising environmental protection and 38 percent valuing cultural heritage preservation.
For more information, visit www.group.trip.com.
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