Small-Town Travel & JOMO: The Ultimate Guide to Slow Travel and Detour Destinations in 2025
The Rise of Townsizing and Small-Town Travel
The travel landscape is shifting dramatically in 2025. Some 63% of travelers said they are likely to visit an off-the-beaten-track destination on their next trip, marking a significant departure from traditional tourism patterns. This movement, known as townsizing, represents a conscious choice to explore smaller, lesser-known destinations rather than crowded tourist hotspots.
Understanding JOMO Travel: Joy of Missing Out
JOMO travel—the Joy of Missing Out—has emerged as 2025's defining travel philosophy. Two-thirds of UK travellers say these types of trips reduce stress and anxiety, and nearly half say that it provides a sense of escape from daily life. This approach prioritizes quality over quantity, encouraging travelers to slow down and truly connect with their destinations.
Slow Travel: The Art of Meaningful Exploration
Slow Travel—immersing oneself into a destination for an extended time as a local to fully experience the culture—is gaining popularity. This methodology transforms the traditional rushed vacation into an immersive cultural experience. By 2025, the way we travel is about to get a whole lot chiller. That's right, slow travel is becoming the new "in" thing – and it's all about ditching the rush of typical vacations for something more about the vibes and less about the schedule.
Detour Destinations: Hidden Gems Worth Discovering
Detour destinations are "less well-known and less crowded than tourist hot spots", offering authentic experiences away from overtourism. These locations can serve as primary destinations or enriching side trips that add depth to your travel experience. Try skipping jam-packed Amsterdam for smaller, quintessentially Dutch towns like Breda, swap Barcelona for Bilbao in Spain, and try Norfolk instead of Cornwall for your staycation.
Small-Town Retreats: Where Relaxation Meets Adventure
Small-town retreats offer the perfect blend of tranquility and discovery. These destinations provide opportunities for land snorkelling—a term describing the exploration of terrestrial environments with the same wonder and attention to detail as underwater exploration. Think guided nature walks, wildlife observation, and immersive outdoor experiences that connect you deeply with local ecosystems.
The Psychology Behind Slow Living Travel
The appeal of slow living through travel stems from our increasingly fast-paced world. Solo travel is on the rise, with individuals specifically focused on soft travel–or slower paced trips that prioritize leisure and wellbeing. This trend reflects a broader desire to disconnect from digital overwhelm and reconnect with authentic experiences.
Planning Your Small-Town Travel Adventure
Successfully embracing small-town travel requires intentional planning:
Choose Your Destination Wisely: Research towns that align with your interests—whether that's artisan communities, agricultural regions, or coastal villages.
Extend Your Stay: Instead of rushing through multiple locations, spend 4-7 days in one place to truly experience local rhythms.
Connect with Locals: Visit community centers, farmers markets, and local businesses to gain insider perspectives.
Embrace Spontaneity: Leave room in your itinerary for unexpected discoveries and conversations.
Benefits of JOMO Travel and Small-Town Exploration
The advantages extend beyond mere relaxation:
- Authentic Cultural Exchange: Meaningful interactions with local communities
- Economic Impact: Direct support for small businesses and local economies
- Environmental Benefits: Reduced carbon footprint through slower, more localized travel
- Personal Growth: Enhanced mindfulness and self-reflection opportunities
- Budget-Friendly: Often more affordable than mainstream tourist destinations
Conclusion: Embracing the Future of Travel
Small-town travel, JOMO philosophy, and slow living represent more than trends—they're a reimagining of how we experience the world. As we move through 2025, these approaches offer antidotes to travel fatigue and overtourism while providing deeper, more meaningful connections with places and people.
The future of travel isn't about checking destinations off a list; it's about savoring each moment, supporting local communities, and returning home genuinely refreshed and inspired.
Sources:
- Hilton 2025 Trends Report
- Expedia "Unpack '25" Travel Trends
- Euromonitor International Travel Analysis
- CNBC Travel Survey 2024
- The Star Travel Trends Report
