As global temperatures continue to climb and summer heat waves intensify, travelers are increasingly seeking relief in cooler climates. Now known as the "coolcation," it’s become more common to pack extra layers and swap scorching temperatures for more moderate environments. In fact, new research from tour operator Inghams Walking shows that searches for "coolcations" rose 42 percent year-over-year, following a 462 percent surge the previous year and an extraordinary 3,500 percent increase since early 2024.
In a 2026 ranking compiled by Inghams Walking, Nuuk, the capital of Greenland took the top spot among coolcation destinations, as the small but vibrant Arctic city that saw the largest increase in travel interest over the past year, with searches rising by 48.39 percent.
No. 1 for good reason, summer temperatures in the city usually sit in the mid-40s from June through August, creating chilly but comfortable conditions for hiking, kayaking, and exploring the surrounding fjords. It also brings approximately 20 hours of daylight, which allows travelers to pack in plenty of fun into a single day. Complete with seemingly endless adventure, travelers can enjoy whale-watching, kayaking through glacier-fed fjords and hiking trails just outside town.
Despite its remote location just south of the Arctic Circle, Nuuk has become much easier to reach as the city opened an airport in late 2024. Specifically from the United States, United Airlines launched seasonal nonstop service from Newark Liberty International Airport last year—clocking in at under 4.5 hours flight time—with flights expected to return for summer 2026. Alternatively, U.S. travelers can also reach the Arctic capital via connections through Reykjavik or Copenhagen. Nuuk is also a popular port of call on cruise ships, especially expedition vessels exploring Greenland’s rugged coastline.
Top 20 "Coolcation" Spots Around the World
While Nuuk claimed the top spot, several other destinations are also gaining traction among travelers seeking cooler climates. Here are the top 20 emerging coolcation destinations for 2026, according to Inghams Walking:
- Nuuk, Greenland
- Les Contamines-Montjoie, France
- Beara Peninsula, Ireland
- Jotunheimen National Park, Norway
- Tasiilaq, Greenland
- Voss, Norway
- Lake Bohinj, Slovenia
- Lech, Austria
- Dolomites, Italy
- Arinsal, Andorra
- Tröllaskagi Peninsula, Iceland
- Wilderswil, Switzerland
- Kandersteg, Switzerland
- Balestrand, Norway
- Mürren, Switzerland
- Fiordland, New Zealand
- Sils Maria, Switzerland
- Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, Iceland
- Torridon, Scotland
- Cape Breton Highlands, Canada
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