The beauty industry is taking the world by storm, including everything from rigorous skincare routines to beauty-branded clothing collaborations—but it doesn’t stop there.
Beauty is now making its way into our travel plans, helping shape how and where we choose to travel. Various beauty travel trends are predicted for 2026, including travelling specifically for cosmetic treatments and with skincare in mind, with a plan to stock up on products in destinations like Japan and South Korea.
According to Skyscanner, conversations around travel planning and advice within beauty-related subreddits have grown by 215% year over year. In addition, 36% of Gen Z travellers are planning to seek out beauty treatments and skincare experiences while travelling in 2026—a significant jump compared to just 10% of baby boomers.
Where Are People Travelling for Medical Tourism?
South Korea
One of the most popular destinations for cosmetic procedures is South Korea – offering everything from advanced skin rejuvenation, thread lifts, laser therapies, and even more complex surgeries, usually at significantly lower prices than in the U.S. or Canada.
Turkey
Turkey is quickly becoming one of the fastest-growing destinations for hair transplants, cosmetic procedures, and dental care, all offered at competitive prices. Many areas of Turkey also include what are known as “recovery hotels,” which provide services like nursing care, transportation and food to support the recovery process.
UAE (Dubai/ Abu Dhabi)
The UAE is also gaining traction for high-end medical care; from oncology to orthopedics, with integrated medical tourism services and luxury recovery experiences. It’s definitely a destination worth considering!
Beauty Travel Trends for 2026
Outside of medical tourism, there’s an entirely separate category of “beauty travel” emerging. In 2026, a new generation of travellers will be looking for personalized skin-focused experiences while exploring different beauty treatments and rituals around the world.
Glowcations
Ever wished your “post-vacation glow” could last forever? Lucky for you, “glowcations” are travel experiences centered on skincare and wellness. These trips often include hydration treatments tailored to your skin type, climate-adapted regimens, and visits to cult beauty brands and clinics that you might not have access to at home.
Skincare Shopping Abroad
Duty-free and skincare-known cities are hotspots for discovering:
- Korean beauty essentials (South Korea)
- Japanese hair care (Japan)
- French pharmacy gems (Paris)
- Middle Eastern luxury serums (Turkey)
Non-Invasive “Beauty Treatments”
Not all beauty travel involves surgery. For the coming year, travellers will continue to look for non-surgical beauty treatment services while abroad, including:
- Laser resurfacing
- Chemical peels
- Microneedling with PRP
- Lymphatic massages
- Hair spas
- Advanced facials using clinical-grade devices
If you’re a skincare or beauty fan, these beauty trends are worth keeping in mind when you’re deciding on your next destination. As with any trip, always do your due diligence, and be sure to do thorough research well before your trip.
Heading to South Korea? You may want to stock up on your skincare essentials! Visiting Paris for a quick getaway? Don’t forget to visit a Parisian pharmacy before you leave!
Wherever you go, remember that beauty travel can be transformative, but travelling informed makes all the difference.
Safe travels,
Linnea
