Specialist tour operator Powder Byrne, renowned for their deep knowledge of luxury ski, sun and adventure holidays, are anticipating a rise in “Coolcations” in 2026. After a summer of widespread European heatwaves, and with climate change increasingly shaping travel decisions, travellers are moving away from traditional Mediterranean beach breaks in favour of cooler, northern destinations.

According to Powder Byrne, this shift is also being driven by a growing desire for authenticity. Guests are seeking Alpine villages where mountain life remains firmly rooted in tradition, seasonal cuisine shaped by local produce, and guided experiences that reconnect families with nature and with each other. Supported by Powder Byrne’s on-the-ground teams and exclusive children’s programmes, these holidays go beyond scenery, offering everything from expert-led hikes and mountain biking to lake-based adventures designed for all ages.

Powder Byrne CEO Edward Byrne says “In 2026 we believe Coolcations will be the new benchmark for meaningful travel and Powder Byrne’s Mountain Summer programmes sit squarely at the forefront of the trend. As savvy travellers trade heatwaves for high-altitude calm, the Alps are emerging as the ultimate antidote to tightly scheduled, digital lives. Here a slower pace of life is the default. Days unfold between crystal-clear lakes and tree-lined trails. Fresh mountain air and wide-open horizons naturally invite a digital detox.”