Vacations are no longer necessarily associated with relaxation and inactivity. More and more travelers are organizing their trips around the experience they want to have, from a marathon and a hiking route to surfing, cycling or a yoga retreat. This trend, known as Sweat Jetting, is creating new opportunities for property owners, as fitness travelers are increasingly looking for accommodation that can support the way they travel.
What is Sweat Jetting
The term Sweat Jetting comes from the combination of the words sweat and jet-setting and describes a different travel model. Exercise, adventure and wellness are not simply activities added to a trip, but can be the main reason why a traveler chooses a particular destination.
The logic is essentially reversed. Instead of choosing a destination first and then looking for what they can do there, travelers start with the experience they want to have and look for the right place to make it happen.
A marathon, a long hiking route, a cycling trip, surfing, climbing, padel or a yoga retreat can now become the starting point for planning an entire vacation.
The rise of fitness travel
Tripadvisor highlighted Sweat Jetting as one of the major travel trends of 2026 as early as January. As the year progresses, interest in trips that combine exercise, wellness and outdoor experiences remains strong.
21% of travelers worldwide say they plan to take a fitness-focused vacation in the next 12 months, up 11% year over year. At the same time, fitness vacations, such as cycling holidays and yoga retreats, increased by 10%, while active trips, such as surfing and climbing, rose by 8%.
The impact of major sporting events is particularly notable. According to Tripadvisor data, demand around the Chicago Marathon was 300% higher than the destination’s average demand, while demand for the Boston and Berlin marathons increased by 228% and 222%, respectively. This shows that a major sporting event can create significant demand peaks, even beyond a destination’s traditional tourism season. Races can become a standalone reason to travel, as visitors are not simply traveling to discover a destination, but to take part in a specific experience.
How hosts can adapt their properties
Sweat Jetting appeals to a wide audience, from runners and cyclists to travelers choosing hiking, yoga, Pilates or outdoor activities. For villas and larger properties, this means they can make use of existing amenities, such as a pool, garden, outdoor areas or spaces for relaxation. The goal is not to turn the property into a fitness retreat, but to highlight features that make an active traveler’s stay easier.
Listing optimization
Use terms such as “near hiking trails,” “bike-friendly accommodation” or “marathon accommodation” and mention distances from trails, beaches and sports facilities.
Wellness amenities
A small area with yoga mats, foam rollers and Pilates balls, as well as a jacuzzi or sauna in larger properties, can enhance the experience.
Equipment storage areas
A secure space for bicycles, surfboards and other equipment, along with basic tools, a pump and cleaning facilities, is an important advantage.
Local partnerships
Partnerships with yoga instructors, trainers, physiotherapists and massage therapists can add personalized services to the stay.
Digital activity guide
Recommend routes for running and cycling, hiking routes, swimming spots, outdoor gyms and healthy food options.
Sporting events
Monitoring marathons, triathlons, padel and other events allows hosts to adjust pricing and minimum stays when demand increases.
Recovery and wellness are also particularly important. Tripadvisor data shows increases of 42% in massage bookings, 37% for day spas, 38% for saunas and 74% for hammams, indicating that wellness is an important part of the active traveler experience.
The property as a base for an active travel experience
Sweat Jetting shows that a property can function as a base for the travel experience rather than necessarily being the destination itself. This direction is also reflected in Airbnb’s new services and experiences, which include options around fitness, wellness and outdoor activities. For hosts, the opportunity lies in making better use of the location, amenities and local knowledge, so that the property meets the activities and travel style sought by active travelers.
