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Friends all off snowboarding in Japan? Planning European adventures together? In the words of podcaster Mel Robbins, let them. It’s time to say goodbye to FOMO and hello to its chill cousin JOMO – the joy of missing out.

Scotts Head JOMO
JOMO Life Unhurried

In a world where ‘busy’ is worn like a badge of honour, JOMO travel is here to remind us that less is more. It’s about slowing down, sinking in, and swapping that hectic checklist for a little peace of mind.⁠

Think tranquil stays, deeper connections, and the kind of experiences that don’t need a highlight reel—because they’re just that good.⁠

This isn’t just a trend; it’s a mindset shift. And honestly? We’re here for it.⁠

Gleneagle Tasmania Travel Guide

“JOMO is about intentionally stepping back, disconnecting, and embracing the freedom that comes with saying “no” to constant activity,” says Peter Chapman, CMO of Reflections Holidays

In the past couple of years, Peter has witnessed travellers purposefully choosing destinations that offer opportunities for mindfulness and connection with nature, and then many times, extending their stay to keep the slow vibes flowing.

“We’ve seen over the past 12 months a number of incidents of overtourism affecting travellers and I think many are asking themselves whether these trips are worth the additional cost and stress that they bring,” he says.

“We’ve definitely witnessed both in our booking numbers but also anecdotally that Australians are keen to explore their backyard more, both from a budget perspective and also recognising the benefits of embracing quieter locations.”

JOMO vanlife

The antithesis to FOMO (fear of missing out), JOMO is your permission slip to be occupied with you – not what everyone else is doing, eating, saying or sharing. It’s about intentionally cultivating time for disconnection and finding peace in not being preoccupied with the noise around you. And it’s an especially useful mindset to adopt when making holiday plans. 

Think fewer checklists, more naps. Fewer must-sees, more must-feels.

It’s soft travel with a side of soul. Doing less, feeling more, and swapping the Insta-worthy hustle for peaceful, memory-worthy moments.

In their Unpack ‘25 Report, holiday home platform Stayz found travellers will embrace JOMO this year with relaxation-focused getaways. Two-thirds (86%) of Aussies say these types of trips reduce stress and anxiety, and nearly half say that it enhances quality time with loved ones. As if to further prove the point we’re all stretched beyond our capacities, nearly a quarter (24%) of their respondents feel that they need a JOMO holiday once every few months.

Surf Shack in the dunes Wooli NSW Australia

“JOMO has gained attention and traction as a response to the hyperconnectivity and busyness of modern life,” says Peter. “The constant pressure to stay “plugged in” and participate in every event we get invited to has left many feeling burnt out. 

“Travellers are now choosing to prioritise mental health and emotional well-being, finding peace in slowing down and disconnecting.” 

Reflections Holidays’ collection of 40 nature-immersed campgrounds across New South Wales have become a favourite of those travellers looking to kickstart their chill era, as have the properties in our curated Slow Stays directory – the majority of which are in small regional towns, deliberately away from the hyperconnected hustle of the cities.

In making the switch from fear to joy, travellers can claw back the most precious resource we’re all so short of – time. 

Celeste Mitchell

Travel journalist and Life Unhurried co-founder, Celeste Mitchell, has managed to fuse her love of travel and telling stories for 20 years, and is regularly published in Escape, Travel + Luxury, and Australian Traveller, among others. While once she would have easily flitted across the globe several times in a month, these days she favours a much slower pace of exploration (having two kids under five will do that to you, too).

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