Let’s face it: modern life is a non-stop scroll of doom. Between endless emails, TikTok spirals, and trying to outwit your boss with the perfect “working remotely” background, it’s exhausting. Enter: JOMO – the Joy of Missing Out. Unlike its FOMO-inducing cousin, JOMO is all about embracing the quiet, the calm, and the “no notifications” vibe. And where better to lean into your JOMO era than in a destination that forces you to unplug?
So, whether you’re ditching the rat race for a week or just need to ghost your group chats guilt-free, we’ve rounded up five spots that scream “you deserve a digital detox.” Bonus: they’re eco-friendly and cooler than that overpriced oat milk latte you’re sipping right now
It’s the liberating realization that you don’t have to keep up with everyone else’s curated lives. Instead, you’re opting out of the chaos to live in the moment. As travel writer Lila Santos says, “JOMO is not just about unplugging; it’s about replugging into what matters.” Think serene landscapes, zero group texts, and pure, unfiltered vibes.
So, pack light and prepare for some serious soul-soothing in these five disconnect destinations:
1. Ulpotha, Sri Lanka: Yoga, Coconut Water, and No Wi-Fi
Nestled in Sri Lanka’s lush hinterlands, Ulpotha is more of a spiritual detox than a digital one. This eco-retreat runs on solar power and good vibes. Forget your phone; here, you’ll be too busy with sunrise yoga sessions, dips in freshwater lakes, and munching on organic vegetarian meals.
Why It’s Perfect for JOMO: There’s no Wi-Fi, so you’ll finally stop doomscrolling and start stargazing. Plus, all accommodations are mud huts – rustic, charming, and Instagram-free (thank goodness).
Pro Tip: Visit during their Ayurveda season to enjoy ancient healing treatments that’ll reset your mind, body, and soul.
More Info: Ulpotha Official Site
2. Faroe Islands: Nature’s Off-the-Grid Playground
The Faroe Islands are basically where Mother Nature goes to show off. Think soaring cliffs, puffins galore, and villages so quaint they could be on a postcard. With patchy cell service and vast stretches of untouched wilderness, this Nordic gem forces you to embrace the great outdoors.
Why It’s Perfect for JOMO: Whether you’re hiking through foggy valleys or watching waves crash against basalt cliffs, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into another dimension – one where emails don’t exist.
Eco-Friendly Perks: The islands’ tourism board actively promotes sustainable travel, with an emphasis on preserving its fragile ecosystem.
Pro Tip: Visit the island of Mykines for a puffin-spotting hike that’ll make your inner bird-nerd swoon.
More Info: Visit Faroe Islands
3. Marfa, Texas: Where Minimalism Meets Desert Magic
Marfa is the artsy oasis you didn’t know you needed. Tucked in West Texas, this quirky town is famous for its surreal desert landscape, contemporary art installations, and UFO sightings (yep, really).
Why It’s Perfect for JOMO: The desert’s wide-open spaces will make you forget your inbox even exists. Spend your days exploring the Chinati Foundation’s outdoor sculptures or stargazing at McDonald Observatory’s night sky parties.
Eco-Friendly Perks: Many local accommodations are solar-powered and built to blend harmoniously with the natural environment.
Pro Tip: Don’t miss the Prada Marfa installation – an ironic art piece in the middle of nowhere that’s way cooler than it sounds.
More Info: Visit Marfa
4. Lake Kōsłajł, Poland: Unspoiled Wilderness for Your Inner Hermit
Nestled in Poland’s remote Masurian Lake District, Lake Kōsłajł is the perfect spot to unplug. With endless forests, crystal-clear water, and charming villages nearby, this hidden gem is ideal for embracing a slower pace of life.
Why It’s Perfect for JOMO: The area is blissfully under the radar, meaning fewer tourists, more peace. Rent a kayak, explore untouched waterways, or simply watch the sunset from a hammock.
Eco-Friendly Perks: Many local cabins use renewable energy, and the region’s emphasis on preserving its natural beauty makes it a low-impact travel choice.
Pro Tip: Try the traditional pierogi in a local village tavern. Calories don’t count when you’re living your best unplugged life.
More Info: Masurian Lake District Tourism
5. Patagonia, Chile: Mountains, Glaciers, and Silence
If you’re going to disconnect, you might as well do it somewhere legendary. Patagonia is the ultimate escape, with jagged peaks, turquoise lakes, and a vibe that screams “leave your phone at basecamp.”
Why It’s Perfect for JOMO: The vast, untamed landscapes of Torres del Paine National Park make it easy to forget that “to-do lists” exist. Plus, camping under the southern stars? Chef’s kiss.
Eco-Friendly Perks: The region is known for its eco-lodges and conservation efforts, like rewilding initiatives that restore native flora and fauna.
Pro Tip: Visit in spring (October to November) or fall (March to April) for fewer crowds and milder weather.
More Info: Patagonia Eco-Camps
Embrace the JOMO Vibes
JOMO isn’t just a travel trend; it’s a mindset. It’s giving yourself permission to step back, breathe, and enjoy life beyond the glow of a screen. Whether you’re hiking through Patagonia’s wild peaks or sipping herbal tea in a Sri Lankan hut, the Joy of Missing Out is about rediscovering joy in the simplest of moments.
So, pack your bags (lightly), leave the laptop at home, and dive into the bliss of digital detox. Because let’s be honest – your group chats will survive without you for a week.
Ready to embrace JOMO? Drop us a comment below with your favorite ways to disconnect, and don’t forget to share this guide with your fellow screen-weary wanderers.
