Written by Alexandria Hilton
2025 is the year of JOMO Travel
It’s likely you’ve heard the acronym “FOMO” — you yourself may have even used the acronym once or twice. Constructed from the first letters of the four words, “Fear of Missing Out,” FOMO is something you either do or don’t have — you have it not the way you possess something like a purse but rather the way you contract something like an illness. Some would consider FOMO to be contagious and, like any infliction, its effects vary in degree on an individual basis.
Marketers have learned to leverage their audiences’ fears of missing out; fear is, after all, a strong motivator.
Can joy be just as strong a force?
JOMO, the acronym for ‘Joy of Missing Out,’ is predicted to drive destination and activity trends in travel for the upcoming year. If the phrase FOMO summons images of huge crowds and flashing lights and loud music, JOMO should invite something like the sound of falling waters or the smell of baking bread. FOMO is to “selfie!” as JOMO is to *sets phone to do not disturb for 7 days straight.*
Many places that have labeled themselves as wellness resorts may come to mind — places that offer activities like a silent dinner or reiki healing sessions or cacao ceremonies, just to offer some examples, may spring to mind. But it doesn’t have to be all woo-woo and witchy! All of that can sound quite intimidating with no context or prior knowledge.
JOMO travel can (and should) be rooted in your own reality (and JOY! DUH!), a feasible option for those who are looking to connect with a destination and return home feeling rested.
One JOMO travel tip I found is “Don’t overschedule yourself,” which I think is worthy advice!
Additionally, though, remember that this doesn’t mean you can’t make any plans at all. I think it is possible to choose a destination and a date based on a specific event and still experience the joy of missing out. For example, you have always wanted to travel to Mexico during Dia de Los Muertos at the beginning of November; you have always wanted to experience the festival firsthand and get a real taste of the cultural significance of the holiday. This can still be JOMO travel! Stay realistic about your time, your goals, and what really interests you and you are bound to dive deep instead of stretch yourself too thin.
Another tip that popped up in my trend search directs the reader to
“Find accommodation in nature.“
While excess greenery would certainly be my first choice for a getaway, some folks are too terrified of spiders or just too keen on 24/7 room service to go book a bed in a treehouse and that is okay! Boutique properties, hotels with limited Wi-Fi connectivity, and all-inclusive resorts are a few examples of some of the types of accommodation I would place at the intersection of “joyful” and “not too much going on.”
If JOMO travel sounds like everything you need and more (everyone) (it’s everything everyone needs and more) here are some recommendations from team ATI:
Find unrivaled wellness value in Thailand like the cast of White Lotus Season 3.
Go for a stay-cation! A micro-cation! You may only need to drive across the state to find some place you can fully disconnect and recharge.
Steal a page from the book of that Netflix blue zones documentary and head to Costa Rica — let us know what the fountain of youth tastes like…
