Why Everyone is Booking a "Glowcation"

We used to need a vacation to recover from our vacation. You know the feeling: you book a trip, wake up at 6 AM to see the sights, walk 20,000 steps, and return to work more tired than when you left.

But in 2026, the data shows a massive shift. The "sightseeing" trip is out. The "Glowcation" is in.

Search volume for "wellness retreats" and "sleep tourism" has doubled this week. Here is why this is the defining travel trend of the year and how you can plan one.

What is a "Glowcation"?

A Glowcation is a trip designed with a single ROI: Physical Improvement. The goal isn't to see ten museums. The goal is to return home with glowing skin, lower cortisol levels, and a reset nervous system. It is travel as an investment in your biology.

Why Now?

After the "revenge travel" boom of the last few years (where we tried to go everywhere at once), we are collectively burned out. High-performers are realizing that time off is useless if it doesn't actually restore them.

• The Vibe: Less nightlife, more morning light. Less alcohol, more hydration. Less scrolling, more sleeping.

How to Curate Your Own

You don't need to spend $10,000 at a Swiss clinic to get the effect. You just need to change your itinerary.

• 1. Sleep is the Itinerary: Choose a hotel based on its blackout curtains, not its proximity to a nightclub. "Sleep Tourism" is real.

• 2. Nature over Cities: Pollution stresses the skin and lungs. 2026 is about "Forest Bathing" and high-altitude air.

• 3. The "Do Nothing" Day: Schedule at least one full day where the only plan is to read a book and drink water.

What to Pack

The Glowcation uniform is different from a standard holiday wardrobe.

• Comfort First: Pack fabrics that breathe. Linen sets and soft cotton loungewear are essential for regulating body temperature.

• Skin Protection: A high-quality hat and oversized sunglasses are non-negotiable.

• Hydration Tech: A reusable, aesthetic water bottle is the most important accessory you will carry.

Summary

The era of the exhausting holiday is over. This year, travel to heal. If you come back looking like you haven't slept, you did it wrong.

Get ready for your reset with the Prelish Travel Edit.