Coolcations: Traveling North to Escape the Heat

Florida resident Kathy Pafunda, along with other travelers, is opting for cooler destinations like Norway and Alaska to escape rising summer temperatures. This trend, dubbed 'coolcations,' has led travel companies to increase offerings to temperate locations, with significant increases in bookings and travel routes for northern Europe and Alaska.

Florida resident Kathy Pafunda is among many travelers seeking cooler destinations to beat the summer heat. Following trips to Alaska, Utah, Minnesota, and Iceland, she is planning a Norway getaway next summer. The trend, known as 'coolcations', is driven by rising temperatures, with July 22 marking the world's hottest day on record.

Travel companies have responded by expanding offerings to northern Europe and Alaska. Norwegian Air has introduced 10 new routes, while Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings announced 13 new itineraries for Alaska, Canada, and New England. This shift is also reflected in increased bookings and accommodations for temperate destinations.

However, the extended travel season is affecting traditional tourist hotspots. Southern Europe continues to attract visitors, particularly during the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn. But as tourism spreads throughout the year, residents and companies face challenges such as increased traffic and labor shortages.

(With inputs from agencies.)