Heatwaves spur 'coolcations' trend in Europe

European holidaymakers are choosing cooler northern destinations like Sweden, Copenhagen, Dublin, Oslo, and Helsinki over Mediterranean hotspots due to recurrent heatwaves reaching nearly 40°C.

Searches for Copenhagen on Hotels.com France rose 246% after France's first May heatwave; Dublin searches increased 151%.

Booking growth for Oslo was 154% year-over-year and Helsinki 124%, according to Fora Travel's Jonna Robertson.

Mountain resorts in France's Jura region are gaining popularity as higher altitudes offer cooler evenings and nights.

Despite the trend, southern Europe remains popular due to lower prices, and it's unclear if 'coolcations' are a lasting shift.