TAKE 2 Europe
COOLCATIONS Switch-sell sizzling Med hotspots
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for cooler climes, so clients can still get their fix of France, Spain or Italy, writes Rhodri Andrews
raditional summer destinations have witnessed soaring temperatures over
the past few years, with popular Mediterranean hotspots such as Cyprus, Crete and Sicily regularly seeing the thermometer pass 40C during the peak summer months of July and August. Some travellers have been feeling the heat, choosing to shift their visit to the shoulder seasons of autumn and spring instead. But for those who still like to get away during the summer, switching to a destination with a milder climate – known as a ‘coolcation’ – might be the answer.
travelweekly.co.uk
While many assume this means swapping a sunny Mediterranean spot for somewhere in northern Europe and having to go back to the drawing board to find a destination that appeals, you might not need to look quite as far afield. There are often plenty of alternatives within the same country – think tapas in northern Spain, historic towns in the Italian Lakes and wonderful walks in the French Alps – that come with the added benefit of fewer tourists and lower prices, even during peak season. Here are a few coolcations to offer clients searching for an alternative to the most popular summer spots.
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DESTINATIONS COOLCATIONS | SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL
LIKE THIS? FRENCH RIVIERA
Drenched in sun-soaked glamour, the French Riviera, aka the Côte d’Azur, has been a playground for the rich and famous for more than 200 years. Names such as Cannes, St Tropez and Monaco roll off the tongue, while the proliferation of Belle Époque architecture makes it feel just as pretty as the pictures – plus, this region is a fantastic spot for strolls along the seafront and countryside hikes.
HEAD GREEN
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HEAD GREEN FRENCH ALPS
We say: Chamonix is traditionally seen as one of the French Alps’ most prominent winter ski hubs, but summer offers clients the chance to see the Alps anew, with walking trails weaving through wildflower-speckled meadows. In fact, research by Inghams Walking discovered the nearby Alpine commune of Les Contamines-Montjoie has had the second-largest rise in Google searches this year among emerging ‘coolcation’ destinations. They say: Laura Mason, Inghams’ head of destinations, says: “This is the second consecutive year the team at Inghams Walking has researched the coolcations with the biggest rise in traveller interest, and once again, we’ve seen growth across the board. As temperatures continue to rise, travellers are seeking respite from their typical go-to summer holiday destinations. Instead, more people are opting for places that offer more-comfortable conditions for connecting with nature, personal wellbeing and outdoor exploration.” Book it: Inghams offers seven nights’ half-board at the Hotel Pointe Isabelle in Chamonix from £1,298 per person, based on an August 8 departure. The price includes flights from Bristol, transfers and two guided walks.
inghams.co.uk
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TRY THIS
PICTURES: Shutterstock/Neirfy, Creative Travel Projects
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