Klook Reveals the Rise of Coolcations This Year-End
Klook Reveals the Rise of Coolcations This Year-End
According to leading travel and experiences platform Klook, more travelers are choosing “cool”cations — escapes that are climatically cool or socially cool — to wrap up the year.
Climatically Cool
As the year draws to a close, travelers are wrapping up their year amid crisp air, snowfall, and festive lights. The year-end period signals peak time for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding in snow-blanketed destinations.
| Where It’s Cold To Be: Klook Users’ Top 3 Year-End Hotspots Japan Japan continues to top travelers’ lists this winter, drawing visitors to its iconic onsen towns and enchanting snow festivals. From Hokkaido’s world-famous ice sculptures to Nagano’s powdery slopes, travelers are embracing the country’s mix of tradition and adventure. With hot springs, gourmet winter bites, and vibrant seasonal events, Japan offers a truly immersive winter escape. And among Malaysian travelers, ski tours in Japan saw a 131% year-on-year increase in ski activity sessions! South Korea South Korea is a favorite for travelers seeking both excitement and comfort this season. Its world-class ski resorts, winter theme parks, and steaming Korean stews create the perfect blend of thrill and warmth. Beyond the cities, snow-capped temples, scenic islands, and national parks showcase the country’s serene winter beauty. Switzerland The quintessential winter destination known for its dramatic alpine landscapes and picturesque mountain towns. Travelers are drawn to its exceptional ski slopes, festive Christmas markets, and cozy chalets tucked amid snow-laden peaks. With each snowfall, Switzerland transforms into a timeless postcard of European winter elegance. |
Cool-er in the Tropics
For Southeast Asian travelers who chose to stay within the region’s tropical warmth this year-end, it’s about finding cool-er ways to explore.
Klook data shows a growing interest in experiences that offer escape from the heat — from river cruises in Singapore and Thailand, to adventures in nature like waterfall day tours and canyoneering in Indonesia and the Philippines.
Night activities are also gaining popularity. From exploring historic palaces after dark — perfect for history lovers who prefer slow strolls in the cool evening air — to joining locally guided night tours or glamping under the stars, travelers are discovering new ways to experience destinations after sundown to beat the heat.
And for those dreaming of a true winter scene without leaving Southeast Asia,there is a place that offers just that — Sapa, Vietnam. This charming mountain town north of Hanoi is known for its terraced rice fields and peaceful atmosphere. It transforms between December and February into a mist-shrouded winter wonderland, occasionally blanketed in velvety snow. Definitely a rare sight in Southeast Asia.
Socially Cool
“Cool” isn’t just about the climate, but it can be about the vibe too. More Klook users are venturing beyond capital cities to uncover hip, authentic destinations that have yet to draw the crowds. These spots may be slightly off the beaten path, but they are still reachable by car, bus, train or a short flight.
And for travelers who make the extra effort, the reward is what we call the “socially cool” factor — the satisfaction of discovering a place before everyone else does.
| Where It’s Cool To Be: Klook Users’ Top 3 Year-End Hotspots *Year-on-year comparison: Q3 2024 versus Q3 2025 Lijiang, China (+463% sessions year-on-year) Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, Lijiang enchants with its cobblestoned Old Town, winding canals, and Naxi heritage. Snow-capped Jade Dragon Mountain forms a stunning backdrop, while nearby Shuhe Village and Lugu Lake offer serene escapes steeped in culture and nature.Engage travel consultants to design a unique travel itinerary at $0 (link)Immerse in a cultural show with the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain as the literal backdrop (link)Enjoy a royal feast, fit for a king, complete with song and dance (link) Chiang Rai, Thailand (+241% sessions year-on-year) Northern Thailand’s hidden gem, Chiang Rai captivates with its surreal temples — white, blue, and black — each a masterpiece of local artistry. Beyond the city, tea plantations and mountain views make it a serene yet culturally rich escape.Visit a local market, pick fresh ingredients, and cook like a local (link)Master the art of Muay Thai where it all began (link)Pick the temple tour that fits best (link) Phu Quoc, Vietnam (+95.8% sessions year-on-year) Cradled in the Gulf of Thailand, Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s island gem known for its turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and laid-back tropical vibes. Beyond its picture-perfect shores, the island dazzles with lush rainforests, vibrant night markets, and a growing eco-luxury scene that keeps travelers coming back for more. Soar above the sea on the world’s longest cable car (link)Meet exotic wildlife up close at (link)Dive into thrills and wonders at (link) |
Cool in Climate and Culture: Mainland China
Few destinations capture cool— in both climate and culture — as fully as Mainland China. From the icy landscapes of Harbin to the creative enclaves of Shanghai, travelers are rediscovering China through a fresh lens shaped and shared on social media.
The destination’s expanded visa-free policies and improved connectivity have made travel easier than ever. Local governments are investing in new attractions and infrastructure, while enhanced bilingual services and digital booking systems have made it smoother for international visitors to explore.
Klook is seeing this momentum, with rising sales of the China Rail Pass and growing demand for customized private tours. These flexible options allow travelers to craft itineraries with professional driver-guides, perfect for exploring Mainland China’s lesser-known cities and scenic escapes at their own pace.
Seamless Journeys to All Cool Places
Getting to cool destinations has never been easier. Klook’s users are increasingly turning to multi-destination transport passes that simplify movement between cities and countries.
More are purchasing the Swiss Travel Pass, which offers unlimited travel by train, bus, and boat to top destinations like Zurich, Lucerne, and Mount Titlis, along with free access to mountain adventures and over 500 museums.
Eurail Pass sales have also climbed, granting unlimited train travel across 33 European cities. Demand for high-speed rail travel in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Japan increased by more than 140% quarter-on-quarter, reflecting stronger year-end travel momentum.
Whether by scenic rail, alpine funicular, or riverside ferry, these passes make it easier for travelers to embark on their own “cool”cation — from seamless online booking to smooth transfers on the ground.
“Cool”cations: The New Year-End State of Mind
From chasing snow to chasing new scenes, “cool”cations are redefining how travelers close out their year, blending comfort, curiosity, and creativity. Whether it’s finding cool weather or cool experiences, travelers are rewriting what it means to end the year on a high.
The gateway to your “cool”cation starts here.
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