I know this is a travel blog but stay with me here. Let’s talk about sleep. Not the kind where you crash on your couch after a long day — I mean deep, soul-refreshing, uninterrupted sleep. As a travel writer and content creator who’s spent the past nine years chasing sunsets and adventure, I’ve learned the hard way that running on fumes doesn’t exactly make for a sustainable lifestyle. Add in my partner, who happens to be a certified sleep coach with plans to open her business, Nap Bar, in airports worldwide, and you can see how sleep and travel have become a major topic in our home. Our worlds intersect in ways I never imagined, especially after experiencing burnout from years of constant movement.

These days, I’m all about finding that balance — thrill and chill, as I like to call it. And apparently, I’m not alone. Hilton’s 2025 Travel Trends report names sleep tourism as one of the top travel trends, and for good reason. HTF Market Intelligence projects the sleep tourism industry will grow over $400 billion by 2028 as more of us realize that rest is just as essential as adventure. So, what exactly is sleep tourism? Let’s dive in.

What is Sleep Tourism?

At its core, sleep tourism is about traveling to places specifically designed to help you get better sleep. Basically, it’s a vacation for your body and mind, where the itinerary revolves around rest and relaxation instead of nonstop sightseeing. Instead of returning from your trip feeling like you need a vacation from your vacation, you come back genuinely refreshed and ready to tackle life.

Whether it’s checking into a luxury hotel with cutting-edge sleep amenities or escaping to a serene retreat for uninterrupted naps, sleep tourism is changing how we think about travel. And honestly? It’s about time.

Why Sleep Tourism is Having a Moment

So why is everyone suddenly talking about sleep? Several reasons:

1. Burnout is Real: Let’s be honest. Between the 24/7 hustle culture and constant connectivity, most of us are running on empty. Sleep tourism offers an escape — a chance to unplug and recharge.
2. Post-Pandemic Priorities: After years of chaos, people are rethinking what’s important. Wellness-focused travel is booming because health and self-care are now top of mind.
3. Tech Overload: Our phones, tablets, and screens have made it harder than ever to get quality sleep. Sleep tourism provides the perfect excuse to log off and reset.
4. It’s Big Business: With projections reaching billions of dollars, sleep tourism is an industry powerhouse.

Sleepcation vs. Napcation: What’s the Difference?

While sleep tourism is the big picture, you’ve probably heard terms like sleepcation and napcation thrown around. Here’s the lowdown:

• Sleepcation: A longer getaway designed to help you reset your sleep routine. Think luxury accommodations like this one with noise-proof rooms, blackout curtains, and personalized wellness programs.
• Napcation: A quick escape focused on rest, like booking a day-use hotel room, visiting a nap bar (shoutout to my partner’s vision!), or taking a weekend trip to relax and recharge.

Both are about rest, but they cater to different needs and schedules.

Why Sleep Tourism Works

It’s not just hype — sleep tourism actually delivers. Here’s how:

1. Better Sleep Quality: Specialized sleep environments make it easier to achieve deep, restorative sleep.
2. Stress Reduction: Getting away from daily stressors and focusing on rest helps your mind and body relax.
3. Boosted Productivity: A well-rested person is sharper, more creative, and more focused.
4. Improved Health: Quality sleep is tied to a stronger immune system, better heart health, and more energy.
5. Mental Clarity: Taking time to rest can help clear brain fog and improve your mood.

Where to Go for the Ultimate Sleepcation

If you’re ready to give sleep tourism a shot, here are some top spots to consider:

Luxury Hotels

• Six Senses Hotels and Resorts: Known for their sleep-focused retreats with everything from personalized sleep consultations to wellness screenings.
• Mountain Shadows Resorts: A hotel that provides an assortment of amenities specifically to help you sleep — including Golden Moon Milk at bedtime.

Wellness Retreats

• Miami Hotels Carillon Miami Wellness Resort: This place offers holistic wellness experiences, tailored sleep programs, and serene oceanfront accommodations for the ultimate rest and rejuvenation.
• Lanserhof Lans, Austria: A medical spa offering cutting-edge sleep therapies and wellness practices.

Quick Napcation Options

• Nap York, New York City: Need a nap in the city that never sleeps? This spot has private pods for some quick shut-eye.

Planning Your Sleepcation or Napcation

Ready to dive into the world of sleep tourism? Here’s how to plan a trip focused on rest:

1. Pick the Right Destination: Research places that prioritize sleep. Look for features like noise-proof rooms, wellness programs, and serene settings.
2. Unplug: Leave work and screens behind. Sleep tourism is your chance to disconnect and focus on yourself.
3. Stick to a Routine: Use your trip to establish good sleep habits, like going to bed at a consistent time and winding down before sleep.
4. Incorporate Relaxation: Add yoga, meditation, or spa treatments to help you fully unwind.
5. Invest in Comfort: This is your opportunity to splurge on things like luxurious bedding or high-quality sleep accessories.

The Future of Sleep Tourism

As more people realize the importance of rest, the industry is poised to grow even further. Hotels and travel brands are investing in sleep-focused experiences, from AI-driven sleep diagnostics to fully immersive rest retreats. And let’s not forget the role of entrepreneurs like my partner, whose Nap Bar vision could transform how we rest while traveling.

This trend also reflects a broader shift in how we approach travel. People are saying no to doing the most and are leaning into finding experiences that truly nourish us. And sometimes, the best adventure is a good night’s sleep.

Final Thoughts

If you’re like me and tired of returning home from trips feeling more drained than before, sleep tourism might be just what you need. Whether you’re planning a long sleepcation or a quick napcation, the goal is the same: prioritize rest and come back recharged.

So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your rest-focused getaway today. Because in a world that glorifies hustle, choosing to rest is the ultimate power move.

PLANNING A TRIP?

• Book your accommodations with Expedia, Vrbo, or Hotels.com and earn OneKeyCash with every stay!
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• Don’t forget these winter packing essentials.

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