Why Gen Z collectors are now planning vacations around blind boxes
For a new generation of travelers, the next passport stamp could be inspired not by a famous monument, but by the chance to unbox something they can’t find anywhere else.
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For a new generation of travelers, the next passport stamp could be inspired not by a famous monument, but by the chance to unbox something they can’t find anywhere else.
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Sea Salt & Coconut Flavoured Popsicle.
THE MONSTERS – Butter Cookies.
XIAO Long Bao.
TWINKLE Twinkle Dreamy Banana Pastry.
TWINKLE Twinkle Twin Popsicles.
TANGY Coconut Mousse.
Shopping is no longer just a side activity while traveling. For many young travelers, occasionally such as myself, hunting for limited-edition collectibles has become one of the highlights of the trip.
The rise of designer toys and blind boxes has turned destinations into pilgrimage sites for collectors chasing exclusive releases and immersive fan experiences. There are exclusive releases not available in the Philippines, so grabbing them overseas is a must, especially if you have FOMO (fear of missing out).
Riding this wave, Pop Mart has opened a new two-storey destination at Resorts World Sentosa, combining shopping, dining and character experiences under one roof, further giving fans yet another reason to add Singapore to their travel bucket list.
The new attraction is also home to Southeast Asia’s first Pop Bakery, where desserts inspired by the brand’s beloved characters are served alongside Singapore-exclusive treats. Leading the concept is Singaporean pastry chef Sherie Quek, a veteran with more than two decades of experience. The founder of Madame Patisserie and former head pastry chef of a five-star luxury hotel, Quek brings her signature craftsmanship and classical French pastry techniques to a menu created exclusively for the Singapore launch.
On the ground floor, collectors can browse store-exclusive merchandise, including items from the Go Around With Pop Mart series and limited-edition Twinkle Twinkle collectibles that are available only at the Resorts World Sentosa store.
The experience goes beyond retail. Twinkle Twinkle, one of Pop Mart’s fastest-growing characters, is making Singapore its first overseas residency, with scheduled meet-and-greet sessions giving fans a rare opportunity to interact with the beloved character. Visitors can also meet renowned Pop Mart artists Agee, Yep and Hanna during exclusive signing events held to celebrate the store’s opening.
It’s a reflection of how youth travel is evolving. Instead of planning itineraries around landmarks alone, many Gen Z travelers are now building entire vacations around exclusive drops, artist appearances, themed cafés and limited-time pop culture experiences that cannot be replicated online.
With exclusive collectibles, chef-crafted desserts and interactive attractions all in one destination, Resorts World Sentosa shows how blind box culture has grown beyond a hobby. For a new generation of travelers, the next passport stamp could be inspired not by a famous monument, but by the chance to unbox something they can’t find anywhere else.
