What’s a coolcation?

It’s cool to be cool, and next year more people will be choosing travel dates made more for overcoats and beanies than sun hats and bikinis. Dubbed the coolcation, holidaying during the cooler months i not just about avoiding the heat, and the crowds and costs that come with peak travel in hot spots like Greece, Spain and France in summer, but about the unique experiences that only happen in winter and autumn.

Expedia Group’s Sarah King says one of the big drawcards of a coolcation is natural phenomena. “Our recent Unpack ’25 report shows more than two-thirds (69 per cent) of Aussies are interested in experiencing the Northern Lights during their travels, with cool-climate destinations such as Norway, Finland, and Iceland offering this once-in-a-lifetime experience.”