Latest news with #JOMO
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Travel + Leisure
15-06-2025
- Travel + Leisure
Charging Ahead: How an E-bike Made My Portugal Vacation Amazing
'Have you guys heard of JOMO? It's the joy of missing out!' It was a reminder from guide Lander Crissman about the laid-back mindset we should be keeping on our e-biking adventure in southwestern Portugal organized by the outfitter Backroads. On this trip, there would be no time for work anxieties or type-A chasing of personal bests. Instead, our six-person group, along with two guides, would be spending six leisurely days biking through cork and olive groves, doing a touch of hiking, trying our hand at surfing, and kayaking the famous sea caves of the Algarve. We'd be staying at two beyond-luxurious hotels—each with a deluxe spa—and covering between 3½ and 27 miles a day. If that sounds like minimal mileage for a cycling tour, it is: Backroads calls this multisport itinerary a Dolce Tempo, or 'sweet time,' departure. We'd also get a boost in the form of custom-built pedal-assist e-bikes. From Left: The author on her e-bike adventure in Portugal; kayaking the sea caves of the Algarve. Kathy Roberson; Backroads I'm something of an overplanner when it comes to travel, so I was glad to leave all the decisions and logistics to the pros. What's more, the trip would be something of a callback to my younger days, when I took an annual bike trip for seven years straight. The desire not to be left behind was good motivation to hit the gym consistently throughout the year. But my idea of a workout is a low-impact yoga or Pilates class or, more often, pedaling an exercise bike while watching TV. With that kind of fitness routine, I'd always wind up underprepared (and the terrain would always have more hills than I'd thought). I'd find myself trailing behind, legs burning, feeling lonely and discouraged. I'd repeat a favorite saying of my yoga teacher: 'The body wants to move.' Well, it didn't. When, I would ask myself, would that support van be coming along? The physical stress of these trips was often accompanied by some social awkwardness, too. Most participants would be there with a partner, friend, or family member; I was always on my own. I would push myself to be more outgoing, but I found it hard to insert myself, particularly because I was usually the only person interested in taking it easy. One year, while cycling the Eastern Shore of Maryland—what must be some of the flattest terrain in the U.S.—I was not so much exhausted by the mileage as the monotony of the days. After pedaling for hours, I'd have only the time to shower, wash my sweaty outfit in the sink, and eat dinner before going to bed. My next group trips were out of the saddle: one was camping and kayaking in British Columbia; the other a week of rafting and hiking around Costa Rica. Still, there's a deep sigh of contentment and the sense of a completely empty mind that I can only find while on a bike. So I took another look at cycling trips, hoping to find a new (and flat) destination in which to pedal. Instead, I was encouraged to learn that e-bikes are commonly offered these days, particularly in Europe and the U.S., usually at no extra charge. Andy Levine, founder of the tour operator DuVine, says that e-bike demand has steadily grown, and that the technology has revolutionized cycling vacations. 'The fact is that e-bikes act as an equalizer,' Levine tells me. 'They make it easier to tackle climbs, ride longer distances, or simply keep pace with the group—especially if your heart is set on a tour with more advanced terrain.' On my Portugal trip, the bikes were perhaps too effective: at the close of each day's ride, I would find myself thinking, 'Is that it?' My outfit was never sweaty enough to need washing out. One day, we finished our activities at 3:30 p.m., with dinner 'at your leisure.' Both of our hotels, Praia do Canal Nature Retreat and Quinta da Comporta, were gloriously isolated from civilization. But that meant there was nowhere to go nearby. I hit the steam room to soothe my muscles, but the only thing that hurt was my backside. It turns out that JOMO isn't for me—though I'm still happy about this e-bike thing. Next year I'll book a more intense itinerary in some hilly place that I can brag about having 'biked across.' (I found that my pedal-assist bike could turn a hill into such an insignificant obstacle that it felt almost immoral.) Though I'm not single, I'll opt for a 'solos' departure, so I'll have an easier time mixing in with the group. And I might even go so far as to bring my own more comfortable bike seat. ALTITUDE SEEKERS E-bikes are a welcome boost on this six-day Butterfield & Robinson trip on which travelers ascend to 4,777 feet by way of Col du Pillon, in the Swiss Alps, and visit two cheese capitals: Gruyères and Emmental. CYCLE SAFARI Guests of andBeyond in the Phinda Private Game Reserve, in South Africa, can e-bike through the Sand Forest with a guide, spotting interesting birds like the Lebombo wattle. THE MICHELIN STARS In 2026, travelers can join Basque chef Mikel Olaizola on a DuVine tour of northern Spain's culinary hot spots, including pintxo bars and restaurants such as Akelaŕe, which has three Michelin stars, in San Sebastián. WHEELING THROUGH WINE COUNTRY On a Backroads trip in northern California, cyclists start near San Francisco, ride along the Russian River, and stop at tasting rooms in Napa and Sonoma counties.— Parker Wright A version of this story first appeared in the July 2025 issue of Travel + Leisure under the headline 'Charging Ahead.'
Scotsman
05-06-2025
- Scotsman
Beautiful town 60 minutes from Edinburgh is crowned as Scotland's best ‘hidden gem'
A pretty town within an hour's drive from Edinburgh has been crowned as Scotland's best 'hidden gem' for summer. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... It comes as FlixBus named what it reckons to be the most JOMO ('joy of missing out') worthy destinations that Scotland has to offer. To uncover the nation's top destinations which capture the essence of JOMO, the travel firm conducted a study comparing over 30 Scottish towns, considering a number of factors, including the number of nature parks, spas, and wellness centres, as well as minimum temperatures, sunshine and rainfall. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Introducing the list, a spokeperson for Flixbus said: 'Our index analysis uncovered a range of JOMO-worthy Scottish villages and towns, but we've narrowed it down to the top five destinations, so you can check out where to go at a glance. 'Whether you board a FlixBus service from Aberdeen, Glasgow or Edinburgh, each destination has available public transport connections to travel to with ease. Keep in mind - if you have a Young Scot or bus pass, you can travel by coach in Scotland for free!' St Andrews topped the list, with St Monans (2nd), St Abbs (3rd), Ayr (4th) and Arbroath (5th) completing the top 5. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Describing it as a 'hidden gem', Flixbus said: 'Renowned for being the 'home of golf', the seaside town of St Andrews comes in first place as the ultimate Scottish JOMO destination. The coastal town scored an overall 55 out of 100 due to its abundance of JOMO experiences. 'Whether you plan an entire trip here or visit for a day from Aberdeen or Edinburgh, you're sure to start relaxing as soon as the fresh sea air hits you.' Explaining exactly what JOMO means, Flixbus said: 'JOMO, the 'joy of missing out', reflects a conscious decision to opt for the lesser known. It's about choosing a destination and travel itineraries that matter most to you, whether they are typical tourist spaces or not. 'JOMO travel destinations don't always top the list of 'must-visit' attractions or 'must-eat' local delicacies, but they do deliver less pressure. For example, a JOMO holiday provides the opportunity to disconnect from the day-to-day and the 'always on' culture. It's a trip that focuses on getting away so you can focus on yourself. Think less digital distractions, more time in the present and space to reflect. 'As the opposing term to FOMO, which can trigger a pressure to document your every move, JOMO travel encourages you to take a more mindful approach.'
Egypt Today
03-06-2025
- General
- Egypt Today
5 Ways to Beat FOMO and Embrace the Joy of Missing Out
In the age of constant notifications, curated social feeds, and 'must-do' moments, it's no surprise that FOMO—Fear of Missing Out—has become one of the most common emotional stressors of modern life. Whether it's seeing friends on holiday while you're stuck at home or work, or watching others achieve milestones you haven't reached yet, FOMO has a sneaky way of making us feel like we're falling behind. But here's the good news: FOMO isn't a life sentence. With a few mindset shifts and intentional habits, you can turn this kind of anxiety into empowerment, and even find joy in missing out. 1. Curate Your Digital Space Start by reassessing your relationship with social media. Unfollow accounts that spark insecurity rather than inspiration, and consider setting screen time limits. Remember, you're usually seeing someone's highlight reel, not their reality. Give yourself permission to disengage from the comparison trap. 2. Reframe Your Perspective Instead of thinking, 'I'm missing out,' try asking, 'What am I gaining right now?' Whether it's a quiet evening to recharge, time with family, or a personal project you're passionate about, your present moment has value. Focusing on what you're choosing rather than what you're missing helps shift the narrative from lack to abundance. 3. Practice Mindful Gratitude When FOMO strikes, pause and make a quick gratitude list. Jot down three things you're thankful for in the moment. It's a simple practice, but it helps anchor you to your own life—rather than longing for someone else's. 4. Say Yes With Intention Not every invitation needs a yes. Get comfortable with saying no to things that drain you, even if everyone else seems to be going. Choose activities that align with your energy and interests. That's not missing out, it's prioritizing what matters. 5. Experience JOMO: The Joy of Missing Out There's a quiet luxury in slowing down, being present, and living offline. Celebrate the power of disconnecting to reconnect—with yourself. JOMO is your reminder that you don't have to be everywhere to have a meaningful life.
NDTV
30-05-2025
- NDTV
Townsizing To Mystery Tours, All The Viral New Travel Terms Trending This Year
New Delhi: So, you've packed your bags, triple-checked your flight timing and planned out your outfits. But wait, have you brushed up on your travel lingo? If not, don't worry. You're not alone. As the world of travel gets quirkier, cleverer and, let's face it, much more unpredictable, so does its vocabulary. Welcome to the Travel Dictionary 2025. From 'townsizing' (where you 'size up' a town), to 'land snorkelling' (no sharks involved here), here's a handy guide on all the travel terms that are trending at the moment. Let's decode. Detour Destinations Forget the bucket-list usuals, 2025 is the year of the scenic sidekick. Call it the underdog glow-up, but detour destinations are all about pairing big-name cities with their lesser-known (and way less crowded) neighbours. Think Reims with Paris or Santa Barbara as L.A.'s breezy little cousin. It's the savvy traveller's two-for-one trick: more charm, fewer queues and just enough space to actually breathe. Merci beaucoup. Townsizing Big cities? Been there, 'grammed that. Enter townsizing, a delightful little buzzword courtesy of Priceline that swaps skyscrapers for storybook streets. Want mountain air in Stowe, Vt? Or coastal charm in Carmel-by-the-Sea? Townsizing isn't just a change of scene, it's a mindset. Smaller towns, slower pace, bigger smiles. It's like therapy but with cobblestones and ice cream. Land Snorkelling Yes, it's a thing, and no, you don't need a wetsuit. Born from the poetic brains of artists Clyde Aspevig and Carol Guzman, land snorkelling is like forest bathing's minimalist cousin. You walk slowly, soak in the world around you-city cracks, desert shadows, wildflowers by the sidewalk-and tune into the tiny, beautiful chaos of your surroundings. It's mindfulness in motion, minus the moss. JOMO Travel Still haunted by FOMO? Time to switch sides. JOMO, aka the Joy of Missing Out, is your digital detox dream. This travel trend is all about switching off the Wi-Fi and tuning in to... well, silence. Whether you're glamping in the woods or lounging in a cabin with zero signal, JOMO is your permission slip to say "no thanks" to vacation hustle and embrace the art of doing absolutely nothing. Live Tourism Lights, passport, action. From Beyonce to the Super Bowl, live tourism has people chasing not just places, but moments. It's about planning your whole itinerary around that once-in-a-lifetime concert, Olympic showdown or celestial event. (The next total solar eclipse? Mark August 12, 2026. You heard it here first.) Because sometimes, memories come with a soundtrack and maybe even a merch tee. Mystery Tours Plot twist: even you don't know where you're going. Mystery tours are the ultimate trust fall into adventure. Agencies like Black Tomato and EF Go Ahead are crafting secret itineraries, whisking travellers to places they won't know until boarding time. Mongolia? Morocco? Magic? All of the above. You just pack a bag and go. No spoilers, just surprise sunsets. Noctourism Sleep is overrated. Stars, on the other hand? Worth it. Welcome to noctourism, where the best memories happen under moonlight. Whether it's stargazing in Namibia, glowing plankton swims in Puerto Rico or wandering neon-lit night markets in Taiwan, night owls are officially in style. Bonus: it's a clever way to beat the daytime heat and snap cooler photos. Phenomenon Chasing Why follow influencers when you can follow the Northern Lights? Phenomenon chasing is about tracking down nature's most jaw-dropping events - solar eclipses, volcanic eruptions, lunar rainbows -and just letting awe take over. It's the kind of trip that reminds you how small you are and how stunning the universe can be. Side effects may include goosebumps and dramatic life perspective shifts. Bonus Trend: Tripstagramming (Guilty As Charged) Okay, not official, but let's be real. You will post that dreamy cappuccino or mountaintop selfie. Just remember, whether you're townsizing, snorkelling on land or mystery touring through an unnamed jungle - don't forget to enjoy it offline, too. So, what's your next move? Whether you're chasing stardust or simply switching your phone off, let 2025 be the year you travel with curiosity and a bit of cheeky new lingo to match. Because if you can't say it in style, did you even travel?
Scotsman
28-05-2025
- Scotsman
The most serene hidden gems to visit in Scotland this summer
Discover a different side of Scotland. While iconic sites like Edinburgh Castle and Loch Ness draw the crowds, a new report has highlighted some equally impressive but lesser-known destinations. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The alternate destinations are perfect for travellers seeking tranquillity, charm, and authentic local experiences which are a little further from the tourist trail. This shift aligns with the growing travel trend known as JOMO (the 'Joy of Missing Out'), which encourages visitors to embrace slower, more meaningful journeys focused on personal interests and peaceful moments rather than rushing through popular tourist hotspots. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad To uncover the best Scottish destinations that capture the essence of JOMO, FlixBus conducted a study comparing over 30 Scottish towns and villages, considering factors like the number of nature parks, spas, wellness centres, minimum temperatures, sunshine and rainfall, as well as how locations are cropping up in Google searches. St Monans Five Alternative Scottish Destinations for JOMO Travel This Summer 1. St Andrews Renowned for being the 'home of golf', the seaside town of St. Andrews comes in first place as the ultimate Scottish JOMO destination. Approximately an hour away from Fife, the coastal town scored an overall 55 out of 100 due to its abundance of JOMO experiences. With 6,100 travel-related Google searches per month, St. Andrews has solidified its position as a go-to destination for relaxation. 2. St Monans Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad If village life is calling your name, St Monans offers a prime escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Scoring 53 out of 100 in our index, this quaint village ranks highly for average hours of sunshine (1,574) and outdoor activities, proving the power of nature-based experiences. 3. St Abbs Natural beauty and wildlife go hand in hand in St Abbs, a small fishing village on the southeastern coast of Scotland. Coming in at third place with a 52 out of 100 ranking score, it's the ideal place for a JOMO trip, offering a rugged coastline, dramatic cliffs, and clear waters to explore. St Abbs is home to two stunning nature parks, the highest number per capita in the study - but it only has 350 travel-related Google searches per month, showing it is a true hidden gem. 4. Ayr With a rich literary history and links to famous poet, Robert Burns, the seaside town of Ayr offers a peaceful escape for JOMO travellers. Scoring 51 out of 100 within our index, Ayr still ranks highly for JOMO travel amongst Scottish towns and villages despite its larger size. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad With impressively positive reviews for its nature attractions (2,202 4*+ reviews) and wellness amenities (average of 4.5/5), visitors are bound to enjoy the full JOMO experience in Ayr. 5. Arbroath If you're looking for a JOMO trip where pure relaxation is the goal, Arbroath is the perfect destination. In Flixbus' analysis, this town on the North Sea coast scored the highest average reviews for spas, wellness centres, and spa hotels (average of 4.8/5), with an overall score of 50 out of 100. Top 15 Jomo Destinations 2025
