Earth is heating up: Experts project that 2026 is likely to be among the four hottest years on record, as global warming and climate change accelerates. Already, travellers are starting to recognise the effects of climate change, as more swap the sun and sand for cooler weather and activities – a trend known as coolcations.
New data from Trip.com Group shows a 74% year-on-year (yoy) increase in searches for cooler destinations since the start of this year 1 . As travellers seek to escape the heat and adapt their travel plans, here are five coolcation destinations that are on the rise among Malaysian itineraries 2 – plus tips to make planning a getaway a breeze.
Yunnan, China
Known for its snow-capped mountains and landscapes, Yunnan is an increasingly popular tourist pick, with comfortable temperatures ranging from 23℃ to 25℃ during the summer months. Flight booking searches by Malaysians to the destination have grown by 158% yoy, as interest grows in visiting one of China’s most ethnically diverse provinces – with package tours offering bundled visits to Kunming, Lijiang, Shangri-La, and other scenic locations across the region.
Inner Mongolia, China
Inner Mongolia boasts stunning natural landscapes alongside a rich nomadic culture, and mild summers make June to August one of the best times to visit its vast, rolling grasslands. With hotel searches by Malaysians for Inner Mongolia rising nearly 360% yoy, this hidden gem is quickly gaining traction among travellers seeking unique destinations.
Need a dash of inspiration to plan the trip? From traditional yurts and all-inclusive eco-friendly resorts, to centuries-old temples, desert adventures, museums, and more, Trip.Best offers a curated list recommending places to stay and things to do based on real traveller data.
Sapporo, Japan
While world-famous for being a winter wonderland, Sapporo is growing in popularity as a summer destination among Malaysians too, as hotel searches climb 380% yoy. Beyond shopping, dining, and historical landmarks, outdoor activities abound, including beer gardens, summer festivals, open-air art, hiking trails, and parks.
As the capital of the Hokkaido region, Sapporo also serves as the gateway to many surrounding cities – travellers can easily book Sapporo day tours to experience everything the region has to offer.
Australia
June to August marks winter in the Southern Hemisphere, and despite being a low travel season in Australia, Malaysians flight searches still increased by 88% yoy.
Australia’s varied climate offers plenty of choice – snowy adventures and ski trails await in the south, while the country’s northern areas enjoy pleasantly dry, balmy weather. With moderate temperatures and plenty of sunshine, this is a great time for a trip to the Great Barrier Reef, the Outback, or even a whale-watching cruise.
New Zealand
Malaysians are turning their attention to New Zealand’s winter experiences, with flight searches surging by 316% yoy. Thrilling snow sports, breathtaking glaciers, stargazing experiences, and hot pools rank among the more popular activities, alongside winter festivals and Matariki, the Māori New Year celebrations.
Guides, tips, must-see attractions, and more are posted on Trip Moments, Trip.com’s community platform where users can share experiences and seek inspiration with fellow travellers.
Planning a Cooler, Smarter, and More Responsible Holiday
Trip.com Group continues to expand its more sustainable travel options across its suite of products to help travellers make informed choices. Travellers looking to book their next trip with minimal fuss while being mindful of their global footprint can explore some of these features available on Trip.com:
- Look for cool summer destinations or hidden-gem travel inspiration via Trip Moments, or Trip.Best, which offers theme-based destination recommendations such as the Cool Water Escapes List.
- Create customised journeys with Trip.Planner which offers local travel tips including weather and estimated trip budget.
- Choose lower-emission travel options offered on Trip.com, including lower-carbon flights and electric vehicles for car rentals and airport transfer services.
- Book sustainable hotels certified by GSTC-accredited Certification Bodies. Launched in 2024, the “Certified Sustainable” feature on Trip.com helps travellers identify hotels with credible sustainability certification more easily.
- Consider local activities that promote cultural heritage. For example, Trip.com Group’s Country Retreats project across China offers local cultural activities such as paper cutting, bamboo weaving and leaf carving.
