Young Adventurers Turn to Glowbirding to Beat the Winter Blues

If the dimming days and frosty nights are starting to dampen your mood, you’re not alone and you’re definitely not stuck. A new wave of travelers, mostly Millennials and Gen Z-ers, are saying goodbye to the winter slump with a rising wellness-inspired movement called glowbirding.

Think of glowbirding as the younger, more health-conscious cousin of traditional snowbirding. Instead of retiring to Florida or Arizona, glowbirds are swapping gray skies and bundled layers for sunny destinations that support physical and emotional well-being. With the freedom of remote work and a growing focus on mental health, young people are rethinking how and where they spend winter.

What Is Glowbirding, Exactly?

Glowbirding is the practice of relocating during the coldest, darkest months of the year usually January through March to enjoy more sunshine, stay active, and avoid the winter blues. Unlike snowbirding, which is often associated with retirees and relaxation, glowbirding emphasizes intentional wellness, mental clarity, and mood-boosting routines.

“It’s not just about warm weather,” says Connor Smith, VP of brand strategy at IHG Hotels & Resorts. “It’s about managing seasonal affective disorder and taking proactive steps toward emotional well-being.”

Why Glowbirding Works for Winter Wellness

Our energy levels, mood, and sleep cycles naturally fluctuate with the seasons. In fact, research shows that people tend to need more sleep and rest during winter. Combine that with shorter daylight hours and freezing temps, and it’s no wonder many people feel sluggish, unmotivated, or even mildly depressed.

Glowbirding works by disrupting that pattern:

• Sunshine exposure helps regulate circadian rhythms and boosts serotonin

• Warm climates make it easier to stay active outdoors year-round

• Anticipating a trip (even before you go) can increase dopamine and overall happiness

A 2020 survey from the Institute for Applied Positive Research found that simply planning a vacation can improve mental health so whether or not you actually go, just having something to look forward to can lift your mood.

Fitness Without Freezing

Another reason young people are turning to glowbirding? Access to year-round outdoor exercise. While gyms and boutique studios fill up fast in colder cities, warmer destinations offer more flexibility and freedom to stay active outside. Surfing before your 9 a.m. Zoom meeting or ending the day with sunset yoga? Yes, please.

Plus, glowbirds often find themselves immersed in cultures that prioritize movement and mindfulness from Costa Rica’s beachside workouts to Tulum’s sunrise meditation sessions. It’s a lifestyle that helps many avoid the cabin fever that comes with weeks of indoor-only routines.

Best Destinations to Glowbird This Winter

Whether you're planning a long-term escape or a weekend reset, here are a few glowbird-friendly destinations to consider:

• Tulum, Mexico: Known for yoga retreats, crystal-clear beaches, and wellness-centric resorts

• Santa Teresa, Costa Rica: A laid-back surf town perfect for digital nomads craving nature

• Sedona, Arizona: Offers mild winters, hiking galore, and a strong spiritual wellness scene

• Oahu, Hawaii: Plenty of sunshine, outdoor adventure, and island vibes

• Palm Springs, California: Desert sun, mid-century charm, and a surprisingly calm off-season

• Lisbon, Portugal: A Europe-based option with mild weather, vibrant culture, and coastal breezes

Even if you’re not able to get away for months at a time, a week or two in the sun can provide a welcome mood reset. Booking in early winter before the spring break rush can help you save on travel costs and secure the best accommodations, especially through platforms like VRBO that cater to extended stays and wellness-focused amenities.

Glowbirding on a Budget

You don’t need a luxury travel budget to try glowbirding. Consider:

• Workcations with flexible lodging options like co-living spaces or home shares

• Off-season deals in warm locales before spring crowds hit

• Swapping homes or subletting your space while you're away

• Group trips to split the cost and make it a shared experience

Bottom Line

Glowbirding is more than a travel trend it’s a lifestyle shift that encourages us to embrace wellness and take charge of our seasonal mental health. If you’re dreading another round of 4 p.m. sunsets and slushy sidewalks, this could be your sign to trade in the snow boots for sandals, even just for a little while.

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