‘Glowcation’: The 2026 Travel Trend as Gen Z Emphasizes Skincare
The year 2026 has ushered in a transformative new travel trend – “Glowcation”. This trend sees travelers prioritizing rejuvenation, skincare, and beauty treatments as a pivotal part of their holiday experiences. Recent data from Skyscanner reveals that over half of all travelers now incorporate beauty and wellness-related activities into their holiday itinerary.
Driving this trend significantly is Gen Z. A notable 38 percent of Gen Z travelers plan to indulge in skincare treatments or beauty shopping abroad. This is in stark contrast to the mere 20 percent of Baby Boomers who do the same. Young travelers are increasingly tailoring their travel plans around skincare practices, luxury spa experiences, facial treatments, and beauty product shopping.
Destinations that have embraced the glowcation trend include:
- Seoul for K-beauty facials,
- Kerala for Ayurvedic treatments, and
- Places like Aruba that offer specialized skin restoration programs using natural ingredients such as aloe vera.
According to Booking.com’s 2026 travel trends report, a whopping 80 percent of global travelers are open to taking a glowcation this year. This marks a significant shift in how people approach their holidays.
Modern holidays are no longer solely about cultural exploration or sightseeing. Instead, they are designed to offer visible results, from clear skin to improved mental wellbeing. This combines relaxation with self-improvement activities, making for a truly rejuvenating experience.
Source: Travel and Tour World