Glowbirding: escape the winter blues
Glowbirding: escape the cold and prioritize your wellness
With the surge in "GlowbirdingOpens in a new window" this winter, more and more travelers are heading to sunny locales like Palm Springs in California and the Algarve in Portugal. With thousands of homes offering discounts for weekly and monthly stays, Vrbo makes it easy to work remotely while escaping the cold. Prioritize your wellness this winter by exploring these warm destinations and enjoying a glowbirding adventure.
Trending glowbirding destinations
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Phoenix (and vicinity)
16,225 vacation rentals
Long Stays in Phoenix, Arizona
Showing deals for:Apr 10 - Apr 24
Image gallery for Central Phoenix Guest house - The Bee Hive
Central Phoenix Guest house - The Bee Hive
Phoenix
Long Stays in Scottsdale, Arizona
Showing deals for:Apr 10 - Apr 24
Image gallery for New Indigo Retreat - Old Town Scottsdale
New Indigo Retreat - Old Town Scottsdale
Scottsdale
Long Stays in Palm Springs, California
Showing deals for:Apr 10 - Apr 24
Image gallery for Beautiful boutique lodge on creek, full bath, WiFi, hot tub, ac & heating
Beautiful boutique lodge on creek, full bath, WiFi, hot tub, ac & heating
Idyllwild
Long Stays in Hilton Head, South Carolina
Showing deals for:Apr 10 - Apr 24
Image gallery for Casual Island Living in this Comfy 2-bedroom Villa
Casual Island Living in this Comfy 2-bedroom Villa
Hilton Head Island
Long Stays in Tucson, Arizona
Showing deals for:Apr 10 - Apr 24
Image gallery for Sonoran Sunset! Rolling hills paradise w/ pool!
Sonoran Sunset! Rolling hills paradise w/ pool!
Tucson
Long Stays in Algarve, Portugal
Showing deals for:Apr 10 - Apr 24
Image gallery for Orange Grove Residence
Orange Grove Residence
Silves
Long Stays in Barcelona, Spain
Showing deals for:Apr 10 - Apr 24
Image gallery for Beautiful studio near the Sagrada familia and the beach
Beautiful studio near the Sagrada familia and the beach
Barcelona
Long Stays in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
Showing deals for:Apr 10 - Apr 24
Image gallery for Brand New, PRIVATE, beach house with tropical garden 200 meters walk to beach
Brand New, PRIVATE, beach house with tropical garden 200 meters walk to beach
Cóbano
Long Stays in Hawaii
Showing deals for:Apr 10 - Apr 24
Image gallery for Ocean view on Kona coast Alii Dr, condo full kit, Pool, Jacuzzi, BBQ, fast Wi-Fi
Ocean view on Kona coast Alii Dr, condo full kit, Pool, Jacuzzi, BBQ, fast Wi-Fi
Kailua-Kona
Long Stays in Charleston, South Carolina
Showing deals for:Apr 10 - Apr 24
Image gallery for Beautiful Oceanfront Condo New to the Rental Market!
Beautiful Oceanfront Condo New to the Rental Market!
Isle of Palms
Discover your perfect glowbird rental
Goodbye, gray winter weather—hello, bright blue skies. If you're looking to bring a ray of sunshine into your life during the chillier months, glowbirding is the wellness travel trend you need. Beat the winter blues with a sun-drenched escape, be it solo or with your significant other, and swap dull days for sunnier climes.
The benefits of glowbirding
- Boost your mental health: Longer, sunnier and warmer days can help to improve your mood, lower your stress levels and leave you feeling more energized.
- See the world: Whether you opt for a glowbird rental within the continental US or somewhere further afield, an extended trip is the perfect opportunity to explore a new place and enjoy a change of scenery.
- Continue your career: Thanks to the wonder of remote working, you might be able to jet off on your glowbird getaway without using up any PTO—just be sure to pack your laptop.
- Stay fit: Swap indoor workouts for long runs on the beach during your glowbirding stint. The warm weather makes it even more enjoyable to head outside for some exercise.
- Make unforgettable memories: Get a fresh perspective on life. Escape the daily grind and turn your winter into one you'll remember forever.
The best places to be a glowbird
- Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona: As some of the sunniest places in the US, these cities are tailor-made for glowbirds looking to catch some rays—or stretch their legs on the miles of trails crisscrossing the nearby Sonoran Preserve.
- Palm Springs, Florida: Sun, sea, and sand await in southern Florida, making it the perfect place for beach bums to book a glowbird rental and capitalize on the long, golden days.
- Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Glitz and glamor await in this luxe destination in the UAE. Warm weather is guaranteed, of course—but so too are all the amenities you'll need for working remotely, thanks to the city's advanced infrastructure.
- Guatemala: Need a total change of scenery? With less than one day of rain a month during winter and a vibrant culture to discover, Guatemala might just offer the glowbirding reset you need.
- The Algarve, Portugal: Temperate climes and European charm await on Portugal's southern coast. Known for its impressive cliffs, sandy beaches and fresh seafood, The Algarve provides a dreamy escape from the cold.
What to look for in a glowbird rental
If you're planning to work remotely during your glowbirding stint, it's worth looking for accommodations with a dedicated workspace or, at the least, plenty of table space and Wi-Fi. Don't forget about amenities like laundry facilities or a kitchen, either: After a couple of weeks away from home, you'll be grateful for the opportunity to wash your clothes or cook yourself a simple meal. But you don't want your glowbirding trip to be all work and no play, so we recommend choosing somewhere with a pool or near the beach so you can take a refreshing dip and unwind after a busy day.
Tips for glowbirding on a budget
Glowbirding doesn't have to break the bank—and one of the easiest ways to save is by booking your rental well in advance to make the most of lower rates. Plus, you can take advantage of long-stay rentals via Vrbo's “Monthly discount” filter: Travelers save an average of 19% when booking month-long stays*. Feeling adventurous? Consider booking a newly listed property. Not only will you enjoy the feeling of being one of the very first people to stay there, the first three guests at select new properties can save 20%*.
*Based on analysis of Vrbo booking and occupancy data for 2024 stays.
Glowbirding FAQs
What is glowbirding?
Glowbirding involves temporarily relocating to sunnier climes during the chilly winter months. This wellness travel trend is particularly popular among young travelers who work remotely and want to make the most of the flexibility that this offers—all while boosting their mental health, staying fit, and making new memories.
What are glowbirding rentals?
Glowbirding rentals are long-stay vacation rentals in destinations that offer a warm climate during the winter months. Usually, they'll include amenities favored by glowbirds, such as a dedicated workspace, fast Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and a kitchen. Properties with shared communal areas, like a pool or gym, are also popular among glowbirds traveling solo and looking to make friends while on the road.
What is the difference between glowbirding and snowbirding?
SnowbirdsOpens in a new window—often older travelers—have been heading south in search of winter sun for years. Glowbirds are their younger, wellness-focused counterparts. While snowbirds often travel as a couple, many glowbirds jet off on their adventure solo. Glowbirds will also often continue to work remotely during their stay, whereas snowbirds are usually retired. Both groups, though, appreciate the well-being benefits of a warmer climate and seek to make the most of being in a sunnier location.
How can I become a glowbird?
Start off by deciding where you'd like to go: Somewhere sunny, of course—but would you prefer a destination within the US or further afield? Once you know where you're going, it's time to book your vacation rental. Make sure you opt for somewhere with all the amenities you need, like a desk and fast Wi-Fi for remote work, plus laundry facilities so you can refresh your clothes midway through your trip. Accommodations sorted? Turn your focus to your itinerary: While you may well be working, it's important to balance this with some well-earned downtime, such as hiking, yoga or reading on the beach. Finally, think about what to pack—remember your travel adapter, if required, and clothes suited to a warmer climate than you might be experiencing at home.
What are the best warm places to work remotely from?
Some of the best places to workation are to be found within the US: Tucson, Arizona, for instance, offers the perfect blend of winter sun, warm weather, and a friendly, welcoming community with plenty of activities to keep you busy. Further up the East Coast, Hilton Head, South Carolina, promises beaches galore—ideal for all swimmers, snorkelers, and sunbathers looking for a glowbird getaway. Wanting more of an adventure and a dose of Caribbean charm? Belize could be right up your street. When choosing where you stay, don't forget to consider the time zone: If you have to be online during specific hours, it's easier if you stay in a time zone that's similar to the one at home.
Do I have to pay for my reservation all at once?
Thanks to Vrbo's Affirm vacation plans*, there's no need to fork out all the cash before you head off on your glowbirding trip. That gives you the flexibility to save up and settle the bill at a time that's convenient for you, upgrade for a swankier stay, or pay in installments. Plus, Affirm has no hidden or late fees.
*Payment options through Affirm are subject to an eligibility check and are provided by these lending partners: affirm.com/lenders. Options depend on your purchase amount, and a down payment may be required. For licenses and disclosures, see affirm.com/licenses.
Does Vrbo offer discounts for long stays?
Yes, Vrbo bookings are frequently available at lower cost if you stay for an extended period of time. Travelers will often be able to find discounts on long-stay accommodations, be it for weeklyOpens in a new window or monthlyOpens in a new window rentals. That means your glowbird adventure could end up costing less than you'd expect—leaving you with more cash in your pocket to make the most of your sun-soaked destination.