Young Travelers Are Embracing ‘Glowbirding’ to Escape Winter Blues—Here’s Exactly How (and Where) to Do It, Too

When you hear the word “snowbird,” you likely think “retiree.” For years, before remote work became more widespread, the only ones with the privilege to relocate for the chilly dregs of winter were those no longer tethered to an in-person office—usually the over-65s who had already waved goodbye to corporate life. But increasingly, some digital nomads can complete their 9-to-5s with just a laptop, Internet connection, and the willingness to hop on Zoom at an unholy hour just to keep the off-time more satisfying. As the seasons shift, VRBO reports that many Gen Z-ers and Millennials have started doing as the snowbirds do and ditching their (possibly freezing) states for tropical temps, boosted mental health, and better wellness outcomes by booking extended stays in warmer destinations. Who says we have to stick around for the sunlight blues?

Enter, glowbirding, which is similar to traditional snowbirding, but with a wellness twist. If you talk to a glowbird, they’re likely more focused on wellness itineraries or physical activity to improve their mental health during the darkest days of the year. “The ‘snowbirding’ trend has been popular amongst older demographics for years as a means to escape harsh winters,” says Connor Smith, vice president of masterbrand strategy and awareness of IHG Hotels and Resorts. “What we’re seeing now is an increase in interest amongst younger travelers who are also tired of the cold. But [this travel] isn’t just about finding warmer weather, it’s also a way to manage seasonal affective disorder.”

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), is a mental health condition that causes symptoms of depression typically during fall and winter seasons in climates where the days are shorter and colder. Glowbirding is all about cultivating emotional stability while escaping the cold weather during the 4-5 months per year in which affected individuals notice winter’s chilling effects on mood. It can be empowering to know your negative thoughts and feelings are cyclically related to the climate rather than factors related to you—why not skip it entirely?

If the sun dimming around 5 p.m. or—oh gosh—closer to 4 p.m. is starting to make you moody, consider a daydream beyond hibernation mode and join the flocks of young travelers seeking the sun. Here’s everything you need to know about glowbirding, and where to try it yourself.

The benefits of glowbirding

We often forget that we’re not meant to operate at full capacity throughout the entire year. Just like our body follows circadian rhythms throughout the day and night, we also operate seasonally. Sure, maybe not to the extent as the napping black bear hoarding snacks in their den, but studies do point to us needing more sleep and rest during winter, which is why some of us might feel withdrawn and become more introverted.

That’s where glowbirding comes in. First, planning a trip can be beneficial to your mental health. Just the anticipation of the impending winter blues can often be just as harmful as the season itself and can trigger preemptive seasonal affective disorder.  On the flip side, anticipating your sunny escape can flood your brain with dopamine and other feel-good neurotransmitters that boost your mood and energy, according to studies and surveys conducted by researchers from the Institute for Applied Positive Research.

@alexiatravels When I booked my backpacking trip to Guatemala last winter, the timing was FULLY inspired by the dipping Canadian temperatures When that first snowfall came down last November, my anaemic body said absolutely not! Winter is a difficult time for many living in cold-season countries as the snowy, icy conditions can impede daily and outdoor activities, reducing your overall well-being. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) likes to make an appearance as shorter days and less daylight can trigger a chemical change in the brain. It can lead to lack of energy, sadness, oversleeping and more. Being in Guatemala, I felt my energy and overall happiness increasing, as I sunbathed and became more active — swimming in lakes, hiking volcanoes. I realize not everyone has the time, funds, etc, to travel right now, and there are definitely other accessible ways to combat SAD. But if it is in your means, travelling to a warmer country can be a helpful winter blues anecdote. Do you have travel plans to somewhere warm this winter? Where are y’a headed? #millennialsnowbird #snowbird #travel #canadiantravellers #canada #winter #seasonalaffectivedisorder #solotravel #blackwomentravel #blacktravel #winterblues #solobackpacking #blackgirlsolotrip #solofemalebackpacker #solofemaletraveler #travelguatemala #trave