‘Sweat-Jetting’ Trend Fuels Global Fitness Travel Boom
Josue De Paz blurred his vision with sweat and tears as he crossed the finish line of the 2025 TCS Sydney Marathon, having traveled nearly 26 hours to complete the 26.2-mile race on the opposite side of the world. De Paz is part of a burgeoning trend known as ‘sweat-jetting,’ where individuals travel internationally specifically to pursue fitness, athletic, and exercise retreats.
Travel Industry Sees Surge in ‘Workout Vacations’
TripAdvisor’s Trendcast identified ‘sweat-jetting’ as the #1 travel trend for 2026, and Accor Hotels reports a significant 50% increase in interest in “workout vacations.” De Paz, CEO and co-founder of Honor Your Dreams in New York City, describes the experience as “the best tour of Sydney that I bet not many people get to see,” noting his marathon completions in Chicago, Tokyo, and Sydney, alongside training in Paris, Barcelona, Madrid, Copenhagen, and Mexico City. “It’s been my absolute favorite way to get to know a city in a more intimate way,” he stated.
Global Races and Retreats Drive the Movement
In 2025, Langham Hotels launched its inaugural Pink Run, a 10-city global event raising funds for charities, open to hotel guests, employees, and community members. “Our Pink Run was so popular that we’ve made it an annual key community event,” said André Jacques, regional director of marketing, Pacific of Langham Hotels. Further afield, Iceland’s Kerlingarfjöll Ultra presents a challenging 37.3-mile course through geothermal valleys and volcanic mountains, attracting travelers who build entire journeys around the race. “Events like the Kerlingarfjöll Ultra speak to how travelers want to experience this otherworldly terrain at its absolute purest,” commented Ingi Þórarinn Friðriksson, general manager at Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll.
Beyond the Extreme: Mindful Retreats Also Gain Traction
The trend extends beyond intense races. In Hoi An, Vietnam, Emma Sothern, a yoga and mindfulness teacher at Om with Em, leads retreats offering a balance of guided activities – yoga classes, breathwork, sharing circles, and meditations – alongside free solo time for reflection. “The ideal yoga retreat includes a balance of guided activities with plenty of free solo time for reflection and integration,” Sothern explained.