A new way to vacation: the Joy Of Missing Out

Forget ‘revenge travel.’ Forget those ‘jam-packed’ holiday trips. Now, there’s a new mindset taking hold and reshaping how people think about vacation: the Joy of Missing Out (JOMO).

Unlike tightly packed trips driven by the Fear of Missing Out (FOMO), where travellers raced to check off bucket-list destinations and capture every moment for social media, JOMO embraces a slower, more intentional approach.

According to a new survey conducted by YouGov on behalf of Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), over 70% of travellers are moving away from fast-paced sightseeing toward more restorative, meaningful escapes that prioritize personal well-being, flexibility and choice.

While FOMO fuels a culture of “doing it all” and often leaves travellers needing a vacation from their vacation (49%), JOMO celebrates the art of doing less, more meaningfully.

Although over two thirds of respondents (71%) prioritized ticking off as many landmarks and attractions as possible during their previous vacations, over one third (35%) admitted they returned home feeling more exhausted than refreshed. Now, 77% say they plan their upcoming vacation deliberately to be relaxing and slow-paced, choosing presence over pressure and simplicity over schedules. JOMO travel is not about missing out, it’s about opting into what truly matters.

This shift is especially pronounced among travellers fatigued by hustle culture and hyper-connectivity. For the majority (67%), JOMO-style travel is a form of self-care offering the chance to unplug and enjoy life at a slower pace (45%), escape the pressure to “see and do everything” (40%), take time for themselves (38%), embrace spontaneity over fixed plans (34%) and experience nature (32%).

These preferences align closely with what travellers say they value most in a JOMO-style vacation: freedom from obligations (52%), time in nature (48%), and the ability to spend their days at their own pace (39%).

More than half of travellers (54%) agree that cruises offer the ideal environment for a JOMO-style vacation, making them a standout choice alongside spa retreats, beach escapes, and nature-based getaways.

The Caribbean (30%) emerged as the leading region for JOMO travel, thanks to its laid-back rhythm, natural beauty, and abundance of opportunities to unwind. With its warm climate, tranquil beaches, and easy access to nature, the Caribbean offers the perfect setting to embrace the joy of missing out — without missing a thing.

Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., observed that: “We’re seeing a meaningful shift in how people want to travel moving away from rigid travel agendas and toward more intentional and restorative experiences.”

Sommer continued: “The Joy of Missing Out travel is about choosing what matters most, and at NCL, we make that easy. From thoughtfully designed onboard offerings that invite guests to slow down and savor each moment to our year-round Caribbean voyages that offer the perfect setting to unplug and recharge, we’re proud to offer the freedom and flexibility travelers are nowadays longing for.”

NCL’s Caribbean itineraries, ranging from four to fourteen days, almost always include calls to either Great Stirrup Cay or Harvest Caye, the cruise line’s resort-style private islands. Both destinations offer travellers the chance to unwind in exclusive island settings designed for relaxation and reconnection.

As this new mindset takes hold and travellers embrace the Joy of Missing Out, NCL is empowering them to slow down and reclaim their vacation. Not by doing nothing, but by doing less of what’s expected and more of what feels meaningful to them. To give travellers that JOMO experience, NCL offers:

• More Freedom, Flexibility and Ways to Unwind
• Unmatched Caribbean Offering Year-Round
• Private Island Bliss on Great Stirrup Cay and Harvest Caye
• Onboard Sanctuaries to Unplug and Refresh
• Cruising Made Easy: Dining, Drinks, WiFi and More Included

Sail on over to www.ncl.com for more.