In a world where we’re constantly nudged to “do more, see more, share more,” it might feel counterintuitive—almost rebellious—to slow down, unplug, and step away from the noise. But that’s exactly what a growing number of travelers are doing. They’re not just taking vacations—they’re seeking a deeper, more intentional kind of rest. Enter JOMO: the Joy of Missing Out.

Unlike its anxiety-ridden cousin, FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), JOMO is a mindful movement. It’s about feeling content with where you are, fully present, and not concerned with what you’re not doing. In the travel world, JOMO is showing up as a new kind of luxury: the luxury of less. Less pressure to tick off every sight. Less digital distraction. Less obligation to perform vacation happiness for others.

For modern travelers—especially those juggling demanding jobs, digital overload, and the feeling of always being “on”—JOMO travel offers something priceless: space to breathe, reflect, and just be.

What Is JOMO Travel?

At its heart, JOMO travel is the conscious choice to disconnect from the chaos and reconnect with yourself and the world around you. It’s not about missing out on great experiences—it’s about choosing what matters most to you, not what’s trending on social media or topping travel “must-see” lists.

Imagine a trip where:

• You don’t feel the urge to document every moment for Instagram.

• You pass on the 12-hour tour day and opt for a slow morning with coffee and a good book.

• You visit one local artisan market instead of racing through five museums.

• You skip the jam-packed group excursion and wander on your own, following curiosity instead of a strict itinerary.

JOMO travel is about quality over quantity. It’s about presence, not pressure.

Why Is JOMO So Appealing Right Now?

There are a few cultural currents pushing travelers toward this slower, more mindful approach to travel:

1. Burnout is Real

Many people are traveling to escape stress—but when your vacation is just as hectic as your workweek, you return home exhausted, not refreshed. JOMO travel is a gentle reminder that rest is productive. Sometimes the best thing you can do on vacation is… nothing at all.

2. Digital Detox Desperation

We’re more connected than ever, but often feel less present. With screens dominating our attention, JOMO travel invites us to unplug and be fully where we are—whether that’s hiking in the Dolomites or lounging in a hammock in the Caribbean.

3. Post-Pandemic Priorities

After global lockdowns reminded us how precious our time and connections are, many travelers are rethinking how and why they travel. Authenticity, slowness, and simplicity are back in fashion.

4. Overtourism Fatigue

Crowds, noise, long lines, inflated prices—some destinations can leave travelers feeling more drained than delighted. JOMO-style travel often leads people to off-the-beaten-path places, giving them more personal space and deeper experiences.

Who Is Choosing JOMO Travel?

While JOMO travel appeals to a wide range of people, it tends to resonate especially with:

• Busy professionals and entrepreneurs looking to truly disconnect and recharge.

• Mindful travelers who prioritize meaning, reflection, and presence over performance.

• Solo travelers who enjoy the freedom to choose their pace and path.

• Wellness seekers drawn to retreats, nature escapes, and digital detoxes.

• Families looking to reconnect without the distractions of devices or packed itineraries.

• Retirees and empty nesters seeking calm and connection in place of packed tours and early wake-up calls.

This isn’t about being anti-activity or anti-adventure—it’s about intention. JOMO travelers may still hike mountains or explore cities, but they’ll do so on their terms, resisting the urge to “do it all.”

What Does a JOMO Trip Look Like?

There’s no single blueprint, but here are some examples of how JOMO might shape your next journey:

✦ A Quiet Cottage in the Cotswolds

Instead of rushing through London’s landmarks, you book a week in the English countryside. Your days are filled with local walks, farmer’s markets, cozy pubs, and conversations with the locals. You read, you write, you nap. You don’t miss the crowds one bit.

✦ A Wellness Retreat in Costa Rica

You attend a yoga and meditation retreat with limited Wi-Fi. Meals are fresh and shared with new friends. Your body moves gently, your mind slows down. There’s no pressure to post—just permission to breathe.

✦ A “Slow Travel” European Getaway

Rather than hopping between five countries in ten days, you spend a full week in a single small town in Italy. You learn a few Italian phrases, visit the same café daily, and truly sink into the rhythm of local life.

✦ A Cruise Without Excursion Overload

You take a cruise—but instead of booking back-to-back excursions, you choose one or two that feel meaningful, and spend the rest of your time savoring the view from your balcony, enjoying spa treatments, and journaling under the sun.

How to Plan a JOMO-Style Trip

If this sounds like your kind of travel (and it just might be!), here’s how to start planning with a JOMO mindset:

1. Set an Intention

Before you book anything, ask yourself: What do I really need from this trip? Rest? Inspiration? Connection? Simplicity? Let that guide your decisions.

2. Choose One “Anchor” Experience

Pick one meaningful activity—a cooking class, a hike, a concert—and let everything else be optional. Free yourself from overbooking.

3. Embrace “Slow Travel” Principles

Stay in one place longer. Walk instead of taking taxis. Talk to people. Take your time.

4. Disconnect to Reconnect

If possible, go somewhere with limited cell service or intentionally unplug. Let yourself be off the radar. The world will wait.

5. Reframe the “Missed” Moments

If you skip the Eiffel Tower or don’t get the perfect photo of Santorini at sunset, remind yourself: you’re not missing out—you’re choosing something better for you.

The Real Souvenir of JOMO Travel

Here’s the beautiful irony: when you travel with the intention of doing less, you often walk away with more. More energy. More clarity. More peace. More genuine memories.

By embracing the Joy of Missing Out, you’re not only creating a vacation—you’re creating a space to realign with your values, rediscover your curiosity, and remember what it feels like to be truly present.

It’s not about escaping life—it’s about learning how to live it better, one quiet, joyful moment at a time.

So the next time you’re planning a trip, ask yourself: What if I don’t try to do it all? What if I just do what feels right? That’s the heart of JOMO travel. And honestly, it might just be the most fulfilling journey you ever take.