SEOUL, South Korea, July 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As intense heatwaves extend across the globe this summer, South Korea is enduring its most severe heatwave in 117 years. With rising temperatures, travelers are increasingly seeking cooler destinations to escape the oppressive conditions. Digital travel platform Agoda has responded by curating a list of refreshing “cool-cation” spots ideal for those looking to experience a respite from the heat.
If you wish to avoid the heat, consider the Southern Hemisphere, where winter prevails during our summer months. New Zealand and Australia offer snowy landscapes in July and August. For those who prefer not to completely reverse the seasons, high-altitude destinations in the Northern Hemisphere, such as Canada, Austria, and Switzerland, provide the perfect combination of cool temperatures and summer ambiance.
New Zealand has become the top destination for escaping the heat, with searches from South Korean travelers increasing by 379% compared to last year. Renowned as a winter sports haven in July and August, it also boasts breathtaking glacier views and invigorating alpine hot springs for a distinctive hot-and-cold experience.
Australia is also attracting interest, with a 28% rise in searches. Here, travelers can exchange their sunscreen for ski goggles in the snowy mountains, or enjoy the delightful Penguin Parade on Phillip Island—a truly charming way to beat the heat.
Canada is excelling with a 91% surge in searches. With its mild summers and abundant outdoor adventures, it offers an ideal cool-cation retreat. Imagine walking on the Athabasca Glacier or paddling through the serene waters of Algonquin Park—a truly refreshing getaway.
Austria is enhancing its reputation as a cool-cation destination with a 44% increase in searches. Visitors can hike or cycle along beautiful alpine trails and then take a refreshing dip in crystal-clear lakes such as Wolfgang, Hallstatt, and Achensee. It is akin to stepping into a postcard, made even more special by the immersive experience.
Switzerland, long recognized as a premier destination for cooling off, continues to thrive with a 4% uptick in searches. Travelers can ride scenic trains to snow-capped peaks, explore enchanting ice caves, or sail across pristine glacial lakes. It remains a versatile and timeless choice for a vacation.
Jay Lee, Country Director for South Korea at Agoda, stated, “With summer arriving swiftly following an early end to the monsoon season, travelers are focused on finding relief from the heat. At Agoda, we are committed to making it easy to discover and book the ideal spot to cool down, relax, and momentarily escape the heat back home.”
Ready to cool off? Agoda offers over 6 million accommodations, 130,000 flight routes, and 300,000 activities. Your perfect cool-cation is just a click away at Agoda.com/deals, or download the Agoda app for exclusive deals on the go.
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