More travelers are prioritizing quality sleep on vacation, and the rise of sleep tourism proves just how much rest has become a travel essential.
From sleep-focused hotel rooms to wellness retreats designed for optimal rest, the travel industry is adapting to a new demand: vacations that help people sleep better.
At the same time, a surprising trend is gaining traction—sleep divorce. Studies show that many travelers prefer separate sleeping arrangements from their partners or children while on vacation, embracing solo rest as a way to truly recharge.
The Rise of Sleep Tourism
In 2024, sleep tourism became one of the biggest travel trends, with hotels and resorts introducing specialized sleep experiences to meet growing demand. Many travelers now book accommodations based on sleep-friendly amenities such as:
- Blackout curtains for uninterrupted rest
- Soundproofed rooms to block outside noise
- Specialized mattresses and pillow menus for customized comfort
- Aromatherapy and meditation programs to encourage deep sleep
For luxury travelers, wellness rooms are becoming a preferred option, offering sleep-enhancing technology, air purification systems, and circadian lighting designed to help guests reset their body clocks.
With over half of global travelers reporting that they sleep better in hotels than at home, sleep tourism is quickly transforming into an essential part of wellness travel.
Sleep Divorce: A Growing Trend Among Travelers
Beyond sleep tourism, the concept of sleep divorce is becoming more common among couples and families traveling together. Studies show that 63% of travelers sleep better when they sleep alone, and 37% prefer to book separate beds from their partners on vacation.
For parents traveling with children, the numbers are even higher—three out of four parents prefer sleeping separately from their kids while on trips. Whether it’s to avoid snoring, tossing and turning, or different sleep schedules, many travelers now book hotel rooms with confirmed connecting options or separate sleeping spaces to ensure a restful vacation.
New Ways Travelers Are Prioritizing Sleep
Hotels and wellness resorts are taking notice of the sleep divorce trend, offering more flexible sleeping arrangements to cater to solo sleepers, couples, and families. Some of the most in-demand features include:
- Rooms with two separate beds instead of one king-size bed
- Suites with separate sleeping areas for partners or children
- Luxury accommodations offering sleep-focused services, like bedtime spa treatments
Additionally, more travelers are using sleep-enhancing technology, such as sleep-tracking apps, white noise machines, and guided meditation programs, to improve their rest while on the road.
As sleep tourism and sleep divorce continue to gain popularity, hotels and travel brands are adapting to this shift by creating more personalized sleep experiences. Whether it’s a wellness retreat designed for deep relaxation or a family vacation with separate sleeping arrangements, the message is clear: rest is now a top priority for travelers worldwide.
