Goodbye FOMO, Hello JOMO: Why 2025 Travel Is All About Missing Out

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Jamie Scalici

Director, Public Relations
01.16.2025

In a world where we’re constantly connected, sometimes the best thing you can do is disconnect. 2025 is set to be the year of JOMO—the Joy of Missing Out— a trend that celebrates the quiet moments and serene spaces that allow travelers to tune it all out. Expedia reports that in 2025, travelers are shifting away from chasing popular tourist spots, opting instead for experiences that offer personal fulfillment and connection with nature. A striking 62% of travelers say staying in a peaceful setting would help reduce their stress, while 85% are interested in taking a vacation to unplug. This is a sharp turn from the rush of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) travel of past years, where jam-packed itineraries were the norm. 

JOMO reflects a deeper shift in travel–seeking experiences that connect travelers not only to new destinations but to themselves. Let’s unpack eight trends we’re tracking for clients that will define the industry and our 2025 strategies:

  1. AI-Powered Travel Meets Digital Detox: AI-powered travel platforms will provide a seamless experience with smarter itinerary suggestions, tailored bookings, and biometric check-ins, making travel faster and more efficient. However, travelers are also seeking a balance between technology and tranquility. While there’s a rising interest in tech-free trips for digital detox, innovations like keyless entry and mobile check-ins will continue to meet the demand for convenience. This intersection of tech and tranquility reflects a growing trend where travelers want both the ease of technology and the opportunity to unplug and unwind.

  2. Good Vibes Travel: Travelers will prioritize destinations that align with their values, choosing socially responsible tourism that positively impacts local communities and the environment. Sustainability will remain a top priority, especially among Gen Z, and regenerative tourism will rise. More travelers will seek eco-conscious accommodations, volunteer opportunities, and destinations that promote positive political and environmental climates—what some call “good vibes destinations.”

  3. Female Solo Travel: Female solo travel will continue to rise in 2025 as women embrace independence and empowerment through travel. Whether it’s cultural immersion or adventure tourism, solo female travelers prioritize safety, flexibility, and self-discovery. As destinations and hospitality companies cater to the unique needs of this market, more women are opting for self-reliant trips, with less emphasis on social interaction. Expedia research shows that women are more likely to explore new places. This is an opportunity for travel companies to adjust their marketing strategies, ensuring communications avoid assumptions about destination familiarity and provide clear, welcoming guidance for first-time visitors.

  4. Astro and Noc Tourism: Travelers are embracing the allure of the night. Destinations with clear, dark skies—far from the light pollution of city living—will become hotspots for stargazing and lunar observations. Popular locations like desert regions, remote mountains, and secluded islands will offer travelers the chance to experience the sky in its purest form. This growing fascination with the cosmos also gives rise to “Noctourism,” a new trend focusing on dark skies and cooler temperatures, including “cool-cations” for stargazing and other nocturnal activities.

  5. Sleep Retreats and “Hurkle Durkling”: It is clear that travelers want to rest. According to Hilton’s 2025 Travel Trends report, one in five global travelers indulge in “Hurkle-Durkling,” the Scottish phrase for lounging in bed all day while on vacation, and more than a quarter of travelers will book a spa or wellness treatment to enhance their sleep. Consider how your destination offers a chance for rest and reset, and lean into that driver to spark more business consideration.

  6. Accessible Adventure Travel: More travelers are seeking inclusive experiences that accommodate all abilities. From adaptive gear for outdoor adventures to wheelchair-accessible hiking trails and adaptive climbing experiences, destinations are focusing on making adventure tourism accessible to a wider audience. This trend reflects a shift toward inclusivity in the travel industry, ensuring that no one is left out of the thrill of exploration.

  7. Mindfulness & Self-Care: Wellness tourism will evolve to cater to emotional and mental well-being, with more travelers seeking mindfulness retreats and digital detox programs. These destinations will offer holistic experiences, allowing travelers to recharge mentally, physically, and emotionally, supporting a balanced and mindful lifestyle.

  8. Work From Anywhere: The surge in remote work continues to fuel the “work-from-anywhere” trend. More professionals are blending work with travel, extending their stays to explore new places while staying productive. This trend is blurring the lines between business and leisure, with destinations offering coworking spaces, high-speed internet, and amenities designed for remote workers.

The future of travel is clear: it’s about finding meaningful, authentic, and transformative experiences. With a focus on wellness, sustainability, and JOMO, 2025 presents endless opportunities to explore the world in ways that align with your values and desires.

Hey! Our name is pronounced Mōw-rrr, like this thing I’m pushing.