It's a JOMO takeover!🐢 Time to savor the moment, not the itinerary.

In a world saturated with the pressure to see, do, and share everything, a refreshing counter-movement is gaining significant traction: the intertwined trends of JOMO (Joy Of Missing Out) and slow travel. Moving away from the frantic pace of jam-packed itineraries and the constant fear of missing out on the latest experiences flooding our social media feeds, these philosophies champion a more intentional and present way of exploring the world. JOMO encourages travelers to embrace the contentment of choosing their own pace and experiences, free from the obligation to tick off every "must-see" and instead savoring the moments they are experiencing. This aligns perfectly with the principles of slow travel, which emphasizes deeper immersion in a destination, fostering connections with local culture, and prioritizing quality over quantity, ultimately leading to a more enriching and fulfilling journey.

JOMO-friendly destinations right here in the USA, focusing on places that encourage slowing down, disconnecting, and savoring the present moment:

Big Sur, California: The dramatic coastline, redwood forests, and misty cliffs invite mindful drives, quiet hikes, and simply gazing at the ocean. Limited cell service in many areas naturally encourages digital detox. Think scenic overlooks, leisurely coastal walks, and enjoying the raw beauty of nature.  

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park (North Carolina & Tennessee): Miles of hiking trails, misty mountain views, and the sounds of nature provide a tranquil escape. Focus on gentle walks, wildlife spotting, and enjoying the peacefulness of the mountains. Consider a cozy cabin stay for deeper immersion.

Olympic National Park, Washington: Diverse ecosystems from rainforests to alpine meadows and rugged coastlines offer varied opportunities for slow exploration. Spend time in the Hoh Rainforest listening to the dripping leaves, hike to a serene mountain lake, or wander along a quiet beach.  

Sedona, Arizona: While known for its spiritual energy, Sedona's stunning red rock formations also invite quiet contemplation and mindful hikes. Focus on gentle trails, enjoying the views, and perhaps a quiet moment of reflection by Oak Creek.  

Taos, New Mexico: This artistic town with its adobe architecture, rich cultural heritage, and stunning desert landscapes encourages a slower pace of life. Explore art galleries, wander through the historic plaza, and savor the unique Southwestern vibe.  

Charleston, South Carolina: With its historic streets, charming architecture, and Southern hospitality, Charleston invites leisurely strolls, enjoying delicious Southern cuisine, and soaking in the city's atmosphere without rushing. Think horse-drawn carriage rides, relaxing on a piazza, and savoring sweet tea.  

Savannah, Georgia: Similar to Charleston, Savannah's moss-draped squares, historic homes, and riverfront offer a relaxed and atmospheric experience. Enjoy slow walks through the squares, savoring Southern comfort food, and perhaps a gentle riverboat cruise.  

Kennebunkport, Maine: This picturesque coastal town offers a charming and relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy leisurely walks along the harbor, browse local shops, and savor fresh seafood.

Asheville, North Carolina: Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville has a laid-back vibe, a thriving arts scene, and access to beautiful natural areas. Enjoy exploring local breweries at a relaxed pace, browsing independent shops, and taking scenic drives.  

Orcas Island, Washington (San Juan Islands): Accessible by ferry, this island offers a slower pace of life, stunning natural beauty, and opportunities for whale watching and kayaking. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and the absence of big-city hustle.

The Florida Keys (Lower Keys): While some parts of the Keys can be lively, the Lower Keys (like Big Pine Key and Marathon) offer a more laid-back, "island time" vibe. Focus on fishing, kayaking, enjoying the turquoise waters, and disconnecting from the mainland rush.

A Scenic Train Journey: Consider a multi-day train trip through the Rockies or across the country. This allows you to slow down, enjoy the changing landscapes, and disconnect from the pressure of driving or flying.

International destinations that perfectly embody the JOMO spirit and lend themselves beautifully to slow travel:

The Scottish Highlands, Scotland: Imagine mist-shrouded lochs, rugged mountains, and vast, empty landscapes. The Highlands invite leisurely hikes, cozy evenings by a crackling fire in a remote cottage, and a deep connection with nature's grandeur. Focus on exploring a specific region deeply, perhaps the Isle of Skye or the Cairngorms National Park, rather than trying to see the entire Highlands in a rush.  

The Cotswolds, England: Picture rolling green hills dotted with charming stone villages, tranquil footpaths winding through fields, and cozy pubs perfect for a long afternoon. The Cotswolds encourage slow exploration by car or on foot, stopping to admire the idyllic scenery and soak in the quintessential English countryside.  

Tuscany, Italy (Off the Beaten Path): While popular areas can be busy, venturing into the lesser-known parts of Tuscany, like the Garfagnana region or the Maremma coast, offers a chance to savor the rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves at a relaxed pace. Enjoy local food and wine, explore small medieval towns, and simply soak in the dolce vita without the crowds.  

The Greek Islands (Smaller, Less Touristy Ones): Instead of the bustling islands like Mykonos or Santorini, consider smaller gems like Folegandros, Amorgos, or Ikaria. These islands offer a slower pace of life, stunning natural beauty, and a chance to connect with local culture without the intense tourist crowds. Enjoy leisurely swims, quiet taverna meals, and unhurried exploration of charming villages.  

The South Island of New Zealand (Focus on Specific Regions): While the entire South Island is breathtaking, choose a specific region like Fiordland National Park or the Nelson Tasman region for a JOMO trip. Focus on immersive experiences like multi-day hikes, kayaking in serene fjords, or simply enjoying the stunning scenery at a relaxed pace.

Kyoto, Japan (Focus on Specific Neighborhoods & Experiences): Instead of trying to see every temple and shrine, dedicate time to exploring specific neighborhoods like Gion or Arashiyama deeply. Participate in a traditional tea ceremony, wander through bamboo groves at a leisurely pace, and savor the exquisite details of Japanese gardens.  

Luang Prabang, Laos: This laid-back town in Southeast Asia exudes a sense of tranquility. Enjoy the gentle pace of life, witness the daily alms giving ceremony, explore serene temples, and take a slow boat trip down the Mekong River.  

Copenhagen, Denmark (Embrace "Hygge"): Focus on the Danish concept of "hygge" – coziness, contentment, and enjoying the simple things. Explore charming neighborhoods by bike, linger in cozy cafes, visit local design shops, and savor the relaxed atmosphere.  

Buenos Aires, Argentina (Neighborhood Immersion): Instead of rushing through all the major sights, dedicate time to truly experiencing the character of different barrios (neighborhoods) like San Telmo or Palermo. Enjoy leisurely tango lessons, spend afternoons in local cafes, and soak in the vibrant yet unhurried atmosphere.  

Lisbon, Portugal (Alfama District): Focus on getting lost in the narrow, winding streets of the Alfama district, listening to Fado music drifting from small tavernas, and savoring the city's melancholic charm at a relaxed pace.  

Slovenia (Beyond Lake Bled): Explore the Julian Alps at a slower pace with hut-to-hut hiking, discover the charming medieval towns like Škofja Loka, or relax by the tranquil Soča River.  

The Azores, Portugal: These volcanic islands offer stunning natural beauty, from lush green landscapes to dramatic coastlines, perfect for hiking, whale watching, and enjoying a slower, more authentic island experience.  

The Cyclades (Smaller Islands), Greece: As mentioned before, but worth reiterating, the smaller Cycladic islands offer a more authentic and less crowded Greek experience.

The Dalmatian Coast (Smaller Towns & Islands), Croatia: While Dubrovnik and Split can be busy, explore smaller coastal towns like Korčula or Hvar's less crowded areas, or hop between the quieter islands for a more relaxed Adriatic experience.