Baltic Travel Company Advisers Highlight the Growing Trends of Coolcations to the Nordics
Travellers are swapping beach holidays for Nordic “coolcations,” driven by overcrowding and a desire for nature-rich escapes
Experts in Nordic, Baltic and Scandinavian travel experiences, the Baltic Travel Company, have commented on striking changes to visitor priorities, with growing proportions of travellers keen to swap summer heat and beachside destinations with cooler and even wintery weather.
While much of the shift in guest expectations is down to interest in exploring areas off the beaten track, some of the changes are also thought to be linked to overcrowding, the prevalence of wildfires in popular resorts, and the impacts of stifling summer temperatures as heatwaves become more and more common.
Statistics Reflecting Changes in Global Travel Preferences
So-called coolcations have become a go-to for a broad range of travellers, according to the Baltic Travel Company, with destinations that were once perceived as ideal only for adventurers and active families now being picked by retirees, those with young children, and groups of friends.
Some of the data demonstrating the scale of demand for cooler travel experiences to cultural cities and outdoor regions around the Nordics, northern Europe and Scandinavia are as follows:
Google-based searches for holiday packages with cooler temperatures have risen 300%
Norway, Denmark, and Sweden have all recorded increases in international visitors, with 12% growth in the Norwegian tourism market.
Forecasts indicate that growth trends are not slowing down, with an annual average 6% increase in travellers choosing the Nordics, anticipated to generate over £20 billion per year for local economies.
Birthe Nielsen, Managing Director of the Baltic Travel Company says, ‘This summer is a great example of why so many guests want a holiday a little less ordinary, with record heat recorded in countless resorts, and with issues that range from discomfort and dehydration to sunburn and heat stroke.
Today’s travellers are very conscious of the impacts of global warming and the dangers of overexposure to the heat. Although many pick the Nordics to experience something completely new or to see the Northern Lights in the winter first-hand, it's also becoming common for customers to request recommendations where they’re guaranteed not to be overwhelmed by oppressive temperatures.’
Reasons Behind Growing Traveller Interest in Cooler Destinations
Birthe goes on to add that, ‘Coolcations aren’t just perfect for those who dislike extreme heat – they also carry huge appeal for travellers who have spent years visiting beach resorts and want something different from the time away they have been looking forward to.
That might mean looking for packages away from crowds and queues, wanting to immerse themselves in nature and awe-inspiring landscapes, or to visit remote islands where they can try snorkelling, hiking, river rafting or some of the other endless activities.
City escapes are also in demand, with some guests pre-booking far in advance to ensure they can spend time in December exploring the world-class Christmas markets in cities like Stockholm, Copenhagen and Helsinki, or planning breaks in the summer when the weather is pleasantly warm, and perfect for sightseeing, fine dining and joining in with local festivals.’
This summer, very high temperatures were also recorded in the UK, with areas in Kent reaching over 35°C in July, which is thought to have had an impact on travellers who had already experienced several weeks of heat and opted for alternative travel destinations.
Types of Nordic Travel Packages Attracting Strong Demand
Several popular Baltic Travel Company tours have been selling out at unprecedented rates, with additional flights added to cater to demand, both during the traditional summer travel period and the forthcoming winter.
These include fly-drive tours to the beautiful Faroe Islands, Arctic wildlife experiences, Northern Lights packages, summer iceberg cruises, and family escapes to rustic wilderness cabins in the midst of the Christmas season, complete with reindeer, snow and Santa’s grottos.
Birthe advises that, ‘We work incredibly hard to ensure every guest has an unforgettable experience, and we’re already gearing up for a busy autumn and winter – but there remain some amazing packages available, including last-minute breaks if you find yourself with a weekend or half term free!
The best recommendation is to either browse our Nordic packages through the Baltic Travel Company website or give us a call – we don’t use automated services, and you can speak with a real person who will offer first-hand advice about the best holidays that meet all your criteria!’
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About Baltic Travel Company
We specialise in crafting unique, tailor-made travel experiences that showcase the diverse wonders of Europe and the Baltic region. With over 15 years of experience, our dedicated travel experts are committed to providing exceptional service and unparalleled expertise to ensure your Baltic adventure exceeds your expectations. From cultural city breaks to the inspiring northern lights and breathtaking natural landscapes, our carefully curated itineraries highlight the very best of the Nordic Region, Scandinavia, The Baltic Region, Poland, Slovakia and more. Whether you're a solo traveler, couple, or group, embark on a journey of discovery with Baltic Travel Company – your ultimate travel partner in exploring the hidden gems of the Baltics.
Media Contact:
Birthe Nielsen
Baltic Travel Company
Tel:+44 (0)2082332875