You must be living under a rock if you haven’t yet discovered the Love Island effect on travel trends. The controversial web-series not only influenced people to book flight tickets to Mallorca, an island in Spain where the series is filmed, but also made them book appointments with their aestheticians abroad. The show popularised a phrase, ‘pretty boy with Turkey teeth’ and there’s a reason behind it. Do you know Turkey is known for its cheap dental procedures or a place to get that Hollywood smile on budget! That’s how the term Turkey Teeth was coined and since then an increasing number of people travel to Turkey to get dental procedures. 

All the surgery-seeking cosmetic fanatics are changing the idea of travel. While you might have sightseeing, exploring new culture and food on your itinerary, it’s probably a great time to put your beauty agendas on the list too. No, we are not just talking about walking into Sephora or Watsons with your partner but booking an appointment for a cosmetic treatment with an aesthetician. And it’s more than going for a Hamam in Budapest or mud bath in Israel’s Dead Sea. Cosmetic or beauty or medical tourism, whatever you choose to call it, is on the rise right now and it’s not a joke. 

A quick search on the Internet will show the story of a Colorado woman, Bryn Elise Wright, who saved almost $40,000 on various cosmetic treatments by travelling to different countries for the procedures in over three years and these included hair transplant, dental procedures, injectables, and botox. The trend is not limited to just women, an increasing number of men are hopping on the bandwagon by travelling abroad for hair transplant. If you are one of those who consider holidays also as a way to unwind at a wellness centre or with a facial, read on to know what your next travel destination should be. 

Seoul, South Korea 

There’s a reason why it’s called ‘plastic surgery capital of the world’! South Korea is known for surgical and minimally invasive treatments including hydra facials, 15-step scalp treatment, facial contouring derma fillers, skin botox, aqua peels, personal colour analysis, and AI analysis of the skin. The K-beauty wave that took the world by storm is just limited to products and trends. In-clinic treatments, aesthetics and procedures make for a whopping share of the country’s beauty and wellness industry. Why should you trust getting any treatment there? The country is known for its skilled doctors and aestheticians, advanced infrastructure and technology. While a botox or filler session might cost you between $300 and $600 (up to Rs 50,000), a customised mix of a few facial treatments can be around Rs 21,000 or more. 

Melbourne, Australia

This one is for those who define relaxation in terms of bespoke wellness experiences, meditation, and a cup calming chamomile tea. Towards the south of Melbourne, on the picturesque stretch of Mornington Peninsula, located are the series of thermal springs that offer breathtaking views and relaxing experiences at geothermal pools which must not be missed. From a series of geothermal pools, saunas, steam rooms, to meditation centres and healthy meals, these thermal spring destinations offer curated packages ranging from a day to two to enjoy the property and benefit from the medicinal value of hot springs. If you are looking for residential facilities along with thermal springs, try checking in at a boutique hotel that also offers the experience inside the property. While the prices at each property may vary, a one-day package can cost around Rs 50,000 or more. 

Turkey, Istanbul 

Apart from being popular for dental procedures, Turkey is one hot spot for aesthetic procedures like rhinoplasty (nose job), hair transplant, breast augmentation, liposuction and facelifts. The factors that contribute to its appeal as a beauty tourism destination are highly skilled surgeons, budgeted but effective procedures, quality healthcare infrastructure, and diverse treatment options. A quick search on the Internet is enough to show the place's popularity among beauty enthusiasts as it ranks among the top few destinations to get cosmetic treatments. Turkey’s credibility for its skilled and the number of plastic surgeons also adds to its popularity as a beauty tourism destination. However, be ready to spend a couple of lakhs if you plan to opt for treatments like a face or neck lift or hair transplant.  

Dubai

Dubai has been a spot of fashion, beauty, and luxury. A stroll in one of the malls in Dubai is enough to know that the country is way ahead on the list when it comes to advanced technology, skills, creativity, and innovation. Needless to say, it’s also becoming a popular spot among beauty enthusiasts. With top stylists, brow experts, and aestheticians choosing Dubai as their favoured spot for business, people from across the world are now taking notice. World-class infrastructure, healthcare facilities, and strict regulations make Dubai a popular spot for treatments like face lift, eyebrow lift, laser treatments, celebrity-inspired treatments and face contouring procedures. With that enjoy popular wellness and spa chains nestled among the boutique hotels and wellness properties. However, be ready to splurge if you choose to take up any treatment in Dubai; a simple lip procedure (filler or injectable) can cost around Rs 30,000 or above. 

Japan 

Japan’s rising popularity as a wellness destination can be credited to multiple factors–history of traditional medicine and wellness culture, healthy cuisine, culture of harmony and balance, cutting-edge stress relieving therapies. These factors make it a perfect destination to unwind, relax, de-stress and rejuvenate. While you plan your Japan trip around cherry blossoms and sightseeing, don’t forget to add Japanese massage, hot spring, meditation, Shinrin-Yoku (forest bathing) which is a powerful way to destress, sand bathing to detoxify and improved circulation, Onsen (Japanese hot springs formed over 100 years ago), Shiatsu (pressure point massage), and Shukubo (spiritual retreat).