The age-old party crasher known as FOMO, or the “Fear of Missing Out,” has finally met its match: JOMO, the “Joy of Missing Out.” Think of JOMO as FOMO’s cooler, self-assured cousin who opts out of that overcrowded rave to sip tea on a porch under the stars. In 2025, JOMO isn’t just an acronym; it’s a movement reshaping how we travel. It’s about ditching the chaos, embracing the calm, and relishing in the simple act of existing in the moment—without feeling the need to Instagram it.
Here’s a look at how JOMO is rewriting your travel playbook.
Understanding JOMO: A New Era of Mindful Travel
Defining JOMO in the Context of Travel
If FOMO holidays were the equivalent of a high-speed buffet—cramming in as many destinations and activities as possible—JOMO vacations are the sit-down dinners where you savor the food. JOMO in travel is about simplicity. It’s trading packed itineraries for long walks on quiet beaches and off-grid cabins and noticing your coffee’s taste without scrolling through notifications.
This philosophy encourages slowing down—embracing fewer activities with more substance. Skip the 20-city loop through Europe and settle in a single village. Go deep, not wide. Intrigued? Discover how the JOMO approach aligns with humanity’s shift to slower, purposeful travel.
Why JOMO is Resonating with Travelers
Why is everyone jumping on the JOMO train? We’re all exhausted—burned out by the relentless pace of life, social media overload, and the pressure to document every waking second. According to recent trends highlighted by Admiral Travel, it’s not just about disconnecting from screens but reconnecting with ourselves, nature, and meaningful experiences.
Consider this: the idea of squeezing into tourist-packed sites like a sardine processing plant is losing its charm. People want authenticity. They want wellness over chaos and digital detox over digital defaults. JOMO validates the idea that staying put and savoring the present is not just acceptable—it’s aspirational.
Key Trends Shaping JOMO-Inspired Travel in 2025
Rise of Remote and Secluded Destinations
Remember when everyone wanted to “see and be seen”? That’s officially uncool. In 2025, places like Iceland, French Polynesia, and New Zealand are taking center stage as sanctuaries for solitude and serenity. No Instagrammable neon signs, no lines—just nature, quiet, and possibly you questioning why you didn’t try this sooner.
St. Moritz’s ski resorts are perfect for snowy introspection, and Costa Rica’s quiet beach towns are ideal for losing track of time. It’s about more than just being away; it’s about being somewhere that invites pause. Explore how these destinations cater to restful, reflective travelers.
Focus on Slow and Sustainable Tourism
The future of travel, courtesy of JOMO, is decidedly unhurried. It’s advocating for extended stays—not because the hotel has complimentary breakfast but because spending a week in one place lets you get to know it. Imagine savoring Norwegian fjords over days instead of a single harried boat tour.
Sustainability is also a critical element. Travelers are more eco-minded, choosing local, ethical experiences that foster genuine connections rather than one-size-fits-all tours. Learn about the growing appeal of slow tourism for mindful explorers.
Digital Detox and Technology-Free Vacations
Here’s a provocative thought: leave your phone on airplane mode for the duration of your trip. Radical, right? JOMO-inspired travelers are embracing vacations as excuses to cut the digital cord. The idea isn’t entirely Luddite; it’s about using the time away to focus on what matters—you, the present moment, and maybe staring at absolutely nothing for once.
From lodges in Finland’s dense forests to Japanese ryokans (traditional inns) where the Wi-Fi is as unreliable as your drunk uncle’s karaoke, these escapes are perfectly designed for tech-deprived peace-seekers. Find out how disconnecting can redefine your vacations.
Practical Tips for Embodying JOMO in Your Travels
Planning Trips Around Relaxation and Reconnection
First, ditch the mega resorts that feel more like airports in disguise. Instead, look for boutique accommodations or cozy, independently owned vacation homes. Think mountain cabins with crackling fireplaces or bungalows perched by turquoise waters.
Choose locations that value calm—like Iceland’s remote wilderness or a countryside retreat in Tuscany. Bonus: you’ll come back refreshed, not more tired than when you left.
Creating Unstructured Itineraries
Ever notice how some itineraries are less vacation and more military operation? It’s time to throw that nonsense out. Build your days around “doing nothing” as an actual goal. Wandering aimlessly in a new city? Perfect. Sitting on a dock for hours at a lake house? Nobel-worthy.
Leaving chunks of time open creates space for spontaneous, unplanned joy, such as an unadvertised local festival or a blissful nap under a tree.
Utilizing Travel as a Means of Self-Care
There’s a reason why spa resorts are making a killing with their zen-like offerings. JOMO-oriented travel isn’t just about escaping. It’s about recharging. Take yoga classes overlooking the sea or hike forest trails where the loudest sound is probably your breathing.
Make wellness rituals—think morning stretches, journaling, or taking deep breaths—a top priority on your itinerary. Yes, it might sound cheesy, but self-care is the unspoken love story at the heart of JOMO.
To Conclude
JOMO isn’t just a travel trend; it’s an attitude adjustment. In 2025, a vacation isn’t measured by the number of passport stamps or selfies but by how relaxed and enriched you feel by the end. By prioritizing quiet, meaningful experiences and defying the constant pressure to do more, JOMO isn’t just rewriting the travel narrative—it’s giving you the permission slip to exhale.
So, let’s make this clear: JOMO is an elegant rejection of the noise, the rush, and the superficial glamour of “been there, done that.” It’s not just joy in missing out but in finding what matters. Think about how much fun you’ll have telling people, “No, I didn’t see the Eiffel Tower this time. I was too busy actually enjoying Paris.”
