You wake up in a quiet mountain cabin. The sun is rising, casting a warm glow through the window. Outside, the valley is calm. There’s no alarm clock, no rush to be anywhere. You take your time, stretch a little, stay under the blanket, and enjoy the peace. Maybe later you’ll make a cup of tea or go for a short walk. But for now, you’re just happy to be still.
In everyday life, we often feel the pressure to keep up, to always be doing something. That feeling is called FOMO, which stands for the Fear of Missing Out. It’s what drives us to make packed schedules, visit every popular spot, or keep checking our phones to see what others are doing. It can make travel (and life) feel more stressful than enjoyable.
But here, in this slow, quiet moment, that feeling is gone. Instead, you feel relaxed and content, even though you're not doing much.
That’s where JOMO comes in. JOMO means the Joy of Missing Out. It’s the opposite of FOMO. It’s the choice to slow down, step away from pressure, and enjoy your time in a way that feels right for you. It’s not about avoiding experiences, it’s about being okay with doing less, and truly enjoying what you’re doing without comparing it to everything else you could be doing.
JOMO travel is all about that feeling. No stress. No rush. Just being present, peaceful, and happy with exactly where you are.
JOMO vs. FOMO: A Quick Comparison
To understand the difference between JOMO and FOMO in travel, it is helpful to examine the mindset behind each. JOMO, or the Joy of Missing Out, is about being fully present and finding contentment in the moment. Travellers who embrace JOMO often choose slow travel, taking their time in one place, exploring at their own pace, and enjoying simple pleasures without rushing. They often prefer eco-friendly stays that are quiet, nature-connected, and low-impact, allowing them to relax and feel at one with nature. The focus is on quality over quantity, connecting deeply with the local culture, environment, and oneself. These experiences are mindful and peaceful, with less screen time and more real presence, often leading to a greater sense of fulfilment and well-being.
In contrast, FOMO, the Fear of Missing Out, is driven by the worry that something better is happening elsewhere. Travellers with a FOMO mindset tend to pack in as many attractions as possible, follow tight schedules, and stay glued to social media. The goal often becomes ticking off must-see spots rather than truly enjoying them. While FOMO creates stress and burnout, JOMO invites a slower, more meaningful way to travel, one that’s kinder to yourself and to the planet.
Why JOMO Travel Matters For You
Travel culture is changing fast. We now know that overtourism crowds 80% of people into just 10% of popular spots, often harming the very places we want to enjoy. JOMO travel pushes back: it encourages travellers to choose less-travelled routes, spreading out the impact and savouring every stop.
Rather than chasing the same landmarks as everyone else, JOMO travellers seek Slow Travel. They often take longer, slower stays, truly immersing in one place. For example, instead of a whirlwind tour of Paris’s top sights, a JOMO trip might mean spending a week in a countryside cabin reading by the fire or learning local crafts in a village experience with deeper meaning than a selfie at a famous monument.
This mindset also responds to our fast-paced, content-driven era. With smartphones at hand, it’s easy to be anxious about “posting the right photo” or seeing what friends are up to
JOMO travel offers a counterbalance: travellers report that unplugging reduces stress and anxiety. In fact, a recent Expedia survey found 62% of travellers believe staying in a peaceful setting helps lower stress, and 85% say they want a vacation where they can completely unplug. Another report noted JOMO trips gave people more quality time with loved ones and overall better mental health. Slow travel results in ditching the rush; you reconnect not just with new places but with yourself, returning home refreshed instead of drained.
Crucially, JOMO aligns with eco-conscious travel values. By taking more time in fewer places, JOMO travellers naturally seek out eco-friendly holidays in the UK, leaving a lighter footprint. They’re more likely to pick local, eco-friendly stays and activities. Choosing an eco-friendly stay, like a forest cabin or coastal yurt, lets you experience JOMO and slow travel while helping preserve natural places.
As travel expert Antoinette Turner observes, today’s travellers “prioritise experiences that resonate on an emotional level”dailynews.co.za – something JOMO trips deliver by design. In short, JOMO travel isn’t just a trend; it’s a healthier, more sustainable way to explore our world.
What a JOMO Trip Feels Like
So you’re sitting on a quiet beach at sunrise with a paperback book in hand. The sand is cool under your feet, and gentle waves lap nearby. There’s no rush to snap photos for Instagram or dash to the next tour bus, just you, the soft breeze, and your thoughts. Maybe a stray dog wanders by, or a fisherman heads out to sea, but mostly there’s peace. JOMO is about “appreciating the moment”. In moments like these, every detail feels richer: the salty air, the pattern of shells underfoot, the warmth of the morning sun. Instead of feeling like you’re missing out, you realise you’ve chosen exactly what matters: stillness and simple contentment.
Later in the day, you might take a quiet walk through a pine forest. Birds call from above, and sunlight comes through the trees. You stop to watch a squirrel or sit for a few minutes to read. There's no one rushing you or telling you what to do. You just walk, take your time, and notice things: the smell of the trees, the shade, the breeze. It feels calm and easy. That’s what JOMO travel is really about: taking a break from the rush and enjoying the moment for what it is. It’s not about being bored; it’s about being blissfully satisfied.
As evening falls, you might share a simple meal by candlelight: a homemade stew or fresh bread from a local bakery. No crowds, no rush – perhaps just quiet conversation or the comfort of reading under a patchwork quilt. As darkness deepens, you step outside the cabin and see a sky full of stars, unspoiled by city lights. You feel grateful, calm, and completely present. This deep sense of satisfaction isn’t a picture-perfect snapshot – it’s a feeling. And that, more than anything, is the reward of a JOMO journey: discovering that sometimes not doing something can bring the greatest joy.
JOMO Travel Essentials
Packing light and thoughtfully can help you slide into JOMO mode even before you leave home. Here are some essentials in an eco-friendly way for a JOMO getaway:
- Journal or Sketchbook: A small notebook to jot down thoughts, paste souvenirs, or sketch scenes. Turning inward creatively is key to appreciating slow moments.
- A Good Book: Whether it’s travel literature or a novel, having a physical book or an e-reader loaded with reads will encourage you to unwind without looking at social media.
- Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated as you explore and reduce waste. (A filtered bottle is ideal, so you can fill up anywhere
- Solid Toiletries: Shampoo, soap, and conditioner bars save space and avoid plastic bottles. They’re eco-friendly and remind us that even little choices can be mindful.
- Comfortable Layers: Pack versatile clothing for all weather (a light rain jacket, a warm fleece, comfortable shoes). Being prepared keeps you relaxed if plans change or the weather shifts.
- Daypack or Tote: A simple bag to carry your book, water, snacks, and journal. Enough for your day’s essentials, nothing more.
Optional: A compact camera or binoculars can help you quietly capture nature. A travel-sized blanket or hammock (if practical) can make any outdoor spot feel like home.
Each item here supports a slower, more grounded journey. You won’t need extra tech or fancy gadgets – the goal is to pack what helps you enjoy the moment, not keep up online. In Slow travel, less is more: a light pack aligns perfectly with the JOMO spirit.
Experience JOMO with My Eco Escape
Missing out on the frenzy can feel surprisingly rewarding. When you prioritise JOMO travel, every sunrise, every quiet trail, and every local conversation grows in significance. Travel writer Nadine from Good Travel sums it up: “Nothing negative will happen if we don’t do that one thing on vacation that we’ve read about everywhere… Life goes on. If this now feels good, why even think about what might feel even better?” Those few words capture the transformation: travel is no longer a competition against others, but a personal journey of presence and joy.
If this sounds appealing, consider exploring JOMO travel and Slow travel through My Eco Escape. Our platform specialises in eco-friendly escapes from secluded Wooden Cabins to glamping pods by the coast – all chosen to help you unplug and recharge. Think of it as your launchpad for mindful travel. Browse our listings for a stay that allows mornings like the one above, days of gentle discovery, and nights under starry skies.
The next time you plan a getaway, remember: finding joy in missing out can lead you to deeper adventures. With My Eco Escape, you have the guide and the green accommodations to make JOMO your reality. Slow down, breathe, and savour the journey. Your adventure path might just be one quiet moment at a time.