In the recent years, travelling has continuously transformed and changed. It’s ever-evolving. Gone are the days of pure sightseeing and selfies — now, people travel for self-care and beauty! The rise of beauty tourism destinations have become central to personal lifestyles and beauty enthiusiasts.
Where you go, of course, depends on the kind of aesthetic you don or beauty trend you follow. As a girly girl myself, I proclaim that skincare, spa rituals, and aesthetic treatments are just as important as cultural landmarks.
Now, where do these beauty jet-setters travel for their glow?
South Korea: The Global Capital of Skincare Innovation
South Korea undoubtedly stands at the forefront of beauty tourism destinations. It is well-known globally for its pioneering K-beauty industry and advanced dermatological care. Heard of face masks and 10-step Korean skincare? Yeah, those ones.
Seoul has become a skincare mecca, attracting hundreds – if not thousands – of beauty seekers from around the world.
What to experience:
Rejuran Healer Injections
Rejuran Healer is a skin rejuvenation treatment using polynucleotides (PN), derived from salmon DNA, which are injected into the skin to stimulate natural healing and regeneration. It aims to improve skin texture, elasticity, hydration, and overall appearance.
Laser Toning Treatments
Laser toning treatments, popular in Korea, are non-invasive procedures used to improve skin tone, texture, and overall radiance. They utilise lasers to stimulate collagen production, address pigmentation issues, and achieve a “glass skin” effect. Popular options include Pico toning and the Baby Face Laser.
Korea’s beauty culture is synonymous to science-backed innovation. You can’t argue with Science.
Morocco: Hammams and Ancient Rituals for Radiance
For a more grounded, cultural beauty experience, Morocco is top-tier in the array of beauty tourism destinations. Its centuries-old wellness traditions, which you can experience in old cities such as Marrakech and Fez, will offer a holistic reset for the mind, body, and skin.
What to experience:
Traditional Hammam Rituals
A personal favourite of mine! The hammam ritual starts with a steam soak in a warm chamber, allowing pores to open up and stress and tension to melt away. The hammam therapist will delicately massage the body with Moroccan black soap also named beldi soap. This is something easily accessible now wherever you may be in the world, but no one does it like the Moroccans.
Pure Argan Oil Treatments
Shop for pure argan oil treatments when in Morocco. They are beneficial for both skin and hair due to their rich composition of fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamin E.
Morocco’s beauty treatments are rooted in natural ingredients and ancestral techniques.
Switzerland: Luxury Anti-Aging Sanctuaries
Among Europe’s most exclusive beauty tourism destinations, Switzerland reigns supreme in the luxury wellness space. It’s famous for its alpine serenity and clinical precision. A trusted favourite in my experience, Switzerland caters to travellers who value age-defying treatments (ahem, like me).
What to experience:
Stem Cell Facials and Cellular Therapy
Stem cell facials and cellular therapies, popular in Switzerland, offer skin rejuvenation and other medical treatments using stem cells. These treatments aim to improve skin vitality, reduce wrinkles, and potentially address various medical conditions. Clinique La Prairie is one of the best clinics that offer this treatment.
Premium Skincare Brands
I am pretty guilty of this one. Almost all of my skincare products have been purchased from Switzerland. I can’t lie, it’s the only thing my skin responds positively to. Personally, it works because of the use of high-quality, natural ingredients from the Alps and the Swiss’ strict quality control standards.
You can’t beat clinical innovation stemming from tranquil settings.
Japan: Minimalist Beauty Meets Timeless Wellness
If your ideal beauty getaway consists of simplicity and meaningfulness, Japan is a beauty travel dream.
What to experience:
Onsen Baths
An “onsen” in Japan refers to natural hot springs and the bathhouses that utilisethem. These baths, often found in hotels, ryokans (traditional Japanese inns), or public bathhouses, provide a relaxing and therapeutic experience. Onsen are typically separate by gender and require nudity, where you’ll have to wash before entering the bath.
Gua Sha Facials and Anma Massage
Gua Sha facials and Anma massage are actually both Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practices that can improve skin health and overall well-being. They have now soared in popularity in Japan and everywhere else globally. Gua Sha is a technique that uses a quartz stone tool to scrape the skin, promoting lymphatic drainage, circulation, and muscle relaxation. I have to admit, it takes discipline to do this — I forget to do mine and apparently you’re meant to do it every day!
Japan’s holistic approach emphasises inner balance and external grace where your purity and inner beauty are prioritised.
Planning Your Beauty Getaway at one of the Beauty Tourism Destinations
Always check the local treatment regulations and licensing requirements before you decide on purchasing any treatment. Book consultations in advance, especially for medical-grade services as these usually need professional evaluation to determine your suitability. It also ensures availability, as reputable clinics can book out weeks or even months ahead especially in popular beauty tourism destinations.
Don’t forget to factor in recovery time for more intensive procedures! You don’t want to be walking in public with open pores and sore skin. Yikes.
Right, what are you waiting for, then? Pack your bags, book that facial, and get out there. It’s beauty time, baby!
Rachel is an intrepid world traveller, lifestyle connoisseuse, and the resident beauty advisor at Girls Who Travel. A true ocean lover with a soft spot for flowers, films, and storytelling, she also has a growing collection of medium-sized tattoos. When she’s not immersed in her next adventure, Rachel shares stories from her travels along with practical tips and insights to help other women make the most of their journeys.
