Is JOMO Travel the Key to an Unforgettable Vacation?

“Gig-tripping.” “Sleepcations.” “Hush trips.” The travel industry’s list of catchy phrases and emerging trends continues to expand. Recently, a fresh concept has gained attention: JOMO travel.

As we move through spring break and approach summer, those planning vacations might want to explore the JOMO mindset. But what exactly does JOMO travel entail, and how can it be applied?

Travel experts analyze the advantages and drawbacks of this trend and offer tips on how to incorporate it into your upcoming journeys.

“Many people recognize FOMO, the ‘fear of missing out.’ JOMO is its counterpart — the ‘joy of missing out,’” Melanie Fish, a travel specialist and head of global PR for Vrbo, explained to HuffPost. “The JOMO philosophy centers on safeguarding your peace and personal priorities instead of constantly staying busy and feeling pressured to do everything.”

Unlike FOMO, JOMO encourages redefining what truly brings happiness and valuing what genuinely matters.

“For me, JOMO means the freedom to slow down, reject the pressure to ‘do it all,’ and fully savor what really counts,” said travel blogger Sean Lau. “It’s about being mindful and purposeful — not feeling obligated to be everywhere or see everything just because it’s popular.”

He feels that prioritizing “presence over pressure” leads to a more satisfying life.

“I’m a supporter of the Chinese ‘lying flat’ movement, which advocates living simply and opting out of the socially conditioned hustle and work culture,” said travel journalist and content creator La Carmina. “JOMO aligns well with ‘lying flat’ — both emphasize simple pleasures and stress reduction. To me, JOMO is about recognizing the futility of climbing the social capitalist ladder, especially now when purchasing power and rewards for grinding are diminished.”

“For travelers, JOMO means giving yourself permission to skip a packed schedule and experience a place more naturally,” said travel blogger Esther Susag. “It’s choosing to linger longer at a local café instead of rushing to the next tourist spot — embracing your current surroundings instead of worrying about what you might miss elsewhere. I learned this after years of cramming too many sights into my trips and realizing I wasn’t truly experiencing any of them.”

This concept clearly resonates with many. In fact, the latest travel trends from Vrbo, Hotels.com, and Expedia identified “JOMO Travel” as a leading trend for 2025.

“Travelers are seeking rest and relaxation rather than the usual sightseeing and crowded tours,” said James Barnett, general manager at Deer Path Inn. “We’ve noticed guests opting for slower-paced experiences that allow them to enjoy peaceful moments and stress-free activities — providing a much-needed break from the hectic pace of life.”

Daily life can be tiring enough. You don’t want your vacation to feel like another source of stress.

“We’re all overstimulated, and the pressure to have an Instagram-worthy vacation is intense,” said Annette Richmond, creator of the blog Fat Girls Traveling. “Often, popular tourist spots are too crowded to genuinely enjoy. JOMO has gained popularity because it removes the pressure to check off every item on your itinerary and encourages you to appreciate where you are.”

Instead of concentrating on bucket lists, JOMO travel focuses on your personal happiness.

“Unlike some travelers, I’ve never been a ‘country counter’ aiming to visit as many countries as possible just to cross them off,” La Carmina said. “JOMO is about slowing down and enjoying your trips rather than expending energy on logistics and consumption. For example, I was planning a trip to Mexico and considered adding Costa Rica, but when I realized it involved expensive flights with layovers, long drives to the rainforest, and costly tours and hotels, I prioritized my peace of mind.”

What are the advantages of JOMO travel?

“When it comes to benefits, I’ve had far more meaningful and personal travel experiences,” Lau said. “I connect more deeply with the places I visit, feel less exhausted, and genuinely enjoy my trips instead of rushing through them. It’s slower travel, but richer in every aspect.”

JOMO travel also enables visitors to better understand local communities and even make new friends. Instead of rushing to see every attraction, you can pause, engage with locals, and be spontaneous.

“Locals are often passionate about sharing their way of life,” said travel blogger Isabel Leong. “This opens the door to discovering destinations in a refreshing and authentic way.”

She also notes that JOMO travel can be more affordable since you’re not trying to cram in activities daily. You might also be more inclined to stay with local hosts or in budget-friendly accommodations away from tourist hubs.

“JOMO travel helps you avoid the hassle of spending excessively, navigating logistics, and dealing with crowds at popular landmarks,” La Carmina said. “For me, this approach allows me to enjoy local culture without bending over backwards.”

Indeed, a recent survey from Vrbo, Hotels.com, and Expedia revealed that 62% of travelers believe JOMO travel lowers stress and anxiety, while 47% said it improves quality time with loved ones.

Adopting JOMO also means releasing the urge to capture perfect social media moments. Instead of trying to see and photograph everything, simply be fully present.

“The greatest benefit is truly enjoying your trip rather than just documenting it,” Susag said. “My most vivid travel memories come from unplanned moments — chatting with a family in South Africa, discovering a hidden beach in Cyprus, or stumbling upon a local festival in Australia. These weren’t on any checklist, but they made those trips special.”

Are there any drawbacks to JOMO travel?

“The main downside is that you might not experience a destination exactly as you imagined the first time, but it offers plenty of reasons to return,” Richmond said.

However, not everyone can revisit destinations multiple times.

“This lifestyle might not suit those with limited vacation days, and if your time off is scarce, you might feel you can’t ‘afford’ to JOMO,” Leong said.

JOMO travelers often cover less ground.

“To be honest, you might miss something incredible,” Susag admitted. “But realistically, you can never see everything. I’ve been to over 40 countries and haven’t seen 100% of any. Accepting that limitation is freeing. Shifting from ‘I must see everything’ to ‘I want to truly experience what I do see’ has made my travels far more meaningful.”

Balance is possible. You can enjoy calm, relaxed days mixed with busier sightseeing or alternate JOMO trips with more action-packed adventures to immerse yourself in new cultures.

“There’s a difference between embracing JOMO and being passive or lazy,” La Carmina said. “Right now, I need a chill JOMO vacation, so a simple beach getaway suits me. But I won’t say no to adventurous trips in the future. It’s important to push yourself beyond your comfort zone.”

How can you best experience JOMO travel?

“If you want to try JOMO on your next trip, my top advice is to leave room in your schedule, be open to surprises, and don’t hesitate to put your phone away,” Lau said. “Let go of the need to do everything.”

You can create a loose itinerary and book a few activities but leave entire mornings, afternoons, or even days free.

“Choose quality over quantity,” Susag recommended. “Pick one ‘must-see’ each day, then wander freely. Plan less! Ask locals where they spend their time, not where tourists go.”

If possible, she suggests booking accommodations for a day or two beyond your planned activities to avoid feeling rushed.

“Take time to observe everyday life,” Susag added. “Some of my favorite travel memories come from people-watching at local cafés or parks.”

You might even take a more extreme approach by planning only your transportation and lodging, opting for flexible, cancellable bookings.

“Allow yourself to settle in, get a feel for the place, and decide daily whether to stay in, explore nearby, or join an activity,” Leong said. “This removes the pressure to always have a plan and rush from one spot to another.”

Richmond suggested traveling during shoulder seasons or joining group trips to embrace JOMO.

“The best part of group trips is you don’t have to plan — just show up,” Richmond said. “You don’t know what you’re missing, and you get to fully immerse yourself in the culture.”

The same applies to your destination choice. Instead of focusing on popular cities like Tokyo and Kyoto in Japan, consider visiting lesser-known towns with peaceful shrines, scenic landscapes, soothing onsens, and better prices.

“Think about off-the-grid, remote locations away from the hustle and bustle,” Fish advised. “Peaceful leisure spots near beaches, lakes, rural areas, or mountains offer escapes surrounded by nature and tranquility.”

She recommends choosing accommodations that encourage “doing nothing,” such as lake houses, countryside cottages, beachfront homes, or cozy mountain lodges. Amenities can also enhance the experience.

“It’s easier to disconnect when you can relax in a sauna or steam room, lounge by a private pool, curl up with a book in a stocked library, or enjoy nature from a front porch with a view,” Fish said.

If you want to avoid the stress of overplanned travel without feeling isolated, hotels can offer balance.

“Another way to enjoy JOMO is booking a hotel with activities you can enjoy for hours,” Richmond said. “Hotels with large libraries, art collections, or spa and wellness services let you escape life’s pressures.”