What Are 'Glowcations'? Everything You Need To Know About The Growing Travel Trend

If you've been looking out for some of the wellness travel trends gaining popularity in 2026, you may have come across the word "glowcation". But what does that word even mean? A glowcation is basically a kind of vacation with the main goal of ensuring you come back home looking and feeling healthier. These types of trips often revolve around self-care, wellness, and beauty, incorporating healthy eating, spa treatments, and skincare routines. So, it's not just about sightseeing or relaxation, but in fact a holistic way of ensuring you feel deeply refreshed overall and return home with that rejuvenated glow.

Glowcations are now considered among the fastest growing travel trends, as more and more people are diving into wellness-based travel activities, such as the European floating sauna experience which is now gaining ground in the U.S. These days, some travelers choose to specifically go to places known for wellness and beauty culture. Per Money-Tourism, about 80% of travelers are projected to show interest in getting a glowcation in 2026. And, actually, this trend seems to resonate more with the younger generations, especially Gen Z, as they continue to redefine what modern travel can look like. Given that stress, burnout, and digital fatigue are real issues people are facing on a daily basis, it only makes sense that glowcation is a desirable option for any traveler who wants to feel better both inside and out.

By now, it's clear that glowcation is a deliberate combination of wellness, relaxation, and new experiences. While you may decide to visit some of the most iconic destinations in the world on your next glowcation, you'll also be actively looking out for those places that offer wellness treatments. Once you're at your destination, you might decide that your morning will be scheduled for a trip around that new city you visited, while you spend your afternoon getting a facial, lounging in a spa, or even trying out meditation.

No two glowcations are the same as it's largely about individual needs and choices. You may want to go for AI skin analysis, hydration therapies, or custom wellness routines. Others might opt for mindfulness sessions, plant-based meals, and hotel rooms designed to optimize sleep. In fact, resorts and hotels have been picking up on this trend, and some of them now offer packages that prioritize self-care as part of the benefits of your stay.

One of the most popular glowcation spots is Seoul, and this can be linked to South Korea's internationally recognized K-beauty industry. In this capital city, you can find professional face treatments and skin consultations. France is another glowcation hotspot where you can visit thermal spa towns like Vichy and Aix-les-Bains. Paris is also a popular spot for its beauty pharmacies and shops selling popular skincare brands. If you're looking for countryside retreats with a historic touch, Italy is another great destination. Also, you can't leave out Kerala, India, where Ayurvedic therapy awaits with herbal treatments and oil massages. Whichever place you choose, it's certain that a glowcation helps you bring home healthier skin, clearer mind, and more energy as the ultimate souvenirs.