The record heat that hit Europe at the end of June forced many travelers to reconsider their vacation plans. Instead of traditional Mediterranean resorts, tourists are increasingly choosing cooler destinations in the northern part of the continent. As reported by **Time Out**, a new travel trend is gaining popularity — **coolcation** (from the English words *cool* and *vacation*). The essence of this trend is to spend summer holidays in countries with a moderate climate and avoid extreme heat. According to meteorologists, July in several Southern European countries may also turn out to be abnormally hot. That is why many Europeans prefer to forgo trips south in favor of more comfortable regions. > "Coolcation is a conscious choice of northern destinations, where instead of scorching sun, tourists are greeted with picturesque landscapes, cool air, and comfortable temperatures," the publication notes. ### Leader — Gothenburg The first place in the ranking of the best destinations for a cool summer vacation is taken by the Swedish city of Gothenburg. The average air temperature here in August ranges from **+13 to +21 degrees**, making walks and excursions much more comfortable than in Southern Europe. The city's advantages include numerous canals, colorful wooden houses, a coastal shoreline, and the opportunity to travel by ferries to the islands of the southern archipelago. According to the travel service Opodo, interest in Gothenburg has increased by **33%** over the past year. ### Stockholm — Second Place Stockholm took the second spot, with demand increasing by **22%**. The Swedish capital is located on 14 islands, so water is always nearby. Tourists are recommended to visit Lake Hellasgården, the historic district of Gamla Stan, and the famous Stockholm archipelago, which includes more than 30,000 islands. ### Where Else Tourists Are Going The top ten most popular destinations for a "cool vacation" also includes: * Zurich (Switzerland); * Geneva (Switzerland); * Oslo (Norway); * Innsbruck (Austria); * Salzburg (Austria). These cities attract travelers with their milder climate, a greater number of parks, lakes, and mountain trails. Climate change is already influencing the travel preferences of Europeans. While the main summer destination used to be the beaches of the Mediterranean, more and more travelers are now choosing Northern Europe, where they can enjoy nature and excursions without the exhausting heat. Experts believe that the popularity of coolcation will only grow in the coming years.