We’ve all been there: you’re scrolling by means of your feed, and all of a sudden everybody’s in Paris, throwing baguettes within the air by the Eiffel Tower. Meanwhile, you’re sitting in your front room questioning why your final thrilling journey was discovering a misplaced sock. Before you begin panicking and reserving flights to overcrowded vacationer traps, let’s discuss some lesser-known locations that can have you ever going from FOMO to JOMO.
1. Skip Santorini, Go to Symi (Greece)

Yes, Santorini is beautiful, but in addition…have you ever seen the crowds? While everyone seems to be busy clamoring for the right sundown photograph, you’ll be able to cruise over to Symi, an enthralling little island the place the water is simply as blue, and the sunsets are simply as dreamy. Bonus: no influencers combating you for the right spot to “casually” sip your wine. You’ll have the entire place virtually to your self, so sip away with out the stress of documenting each drop.
What’s the JOMO about this?
You received’t have to climb a thousand stairs in Symi simply to get an image that appears like everybody else’s.
2. Forget Bali, Head to Raja Ampat (Indonesia)

Bali is all enjoyable and video games till you notice everyone seems to be there… like, actually everybody. Enter Raja Ampat—a paradise you’ve most likely by no means heard of. This archipelago has pristine seashores and coral reefs, however guess what? No one’s making an attempt to promote you a coconut each 5 ft. Plus, with a reputation like that, you’ll sound like a complete journey professional when folks ask the place you went.
What’s the JOMO about this?
You received’t should elbow your manner by means of yoga influencers for a spot on the seashore. Raja Ampat is all about serenity and underwater vibes—no hashtags required.
3. Trade Tuscany for Molise (Italy)

Tuscany is nice if you wish to swim in a sea of vacationers pretending they know wine. But if you wish to expertise actual Italy with out somebody photobombing your second, take a look at Molise. Most Italians are likely to neglect it even exists (significantly). Molise is like Italy’s best-kept secret: gorgeous countryside, charming cities, and… anticipate it… nobody in sight! It’s excellent for these “I’m living my best life, and you don’t even know where this is” vibes.
What’s the JOMO about this?
The solely line you’ll be standing in is for a second serving to of pasta, and actually, what might be higher?
4. Why Banff When You Can Go to Waterton Lakes (Canada)

Everyone raves about Banff, however that’s most likely as a result of they haven’t found Waterton Lakes. This hidden gem in Alberta provides the identical jaw-dropping mountain views, however with out somebody’s selfie stick smacking you within the face. Plus, fewer folks = extra time to really soak within the surroundings as a substitute of combating for that one Instagrammable angle. It’s JOMO at its best.
What’s the JOMO about this?
You’ll get all of the Rocky Mountain glory with not one of the vacationer visitors jams. And guess what? Your buddies can have no clue the place you’re (which makes it manner cooler).
5. Swap Paris for Lyon (France)

Everyone’s making an attempt to get that excellent Eiffel Tower shot, however Paris may be… exhausting. Instead, take the practice to Lyon, the place the meals is simply as scrumptious, the sights are lovely, and also you don’t should wade by means of mobs of vacationers to understand it. Lyon is like Paris’ effortlessly stylish cousin who doesn’t want a filter to look fabulous. Plus, you’ll have all of the croissants to your self.
What’s the JOMO about this?
You’ll spend extra time consuming the world’s greatest pastries and fewer time ready in line for overpriced macarons. Honestly, who’s profitable right here?
6. Ditch Dubrovnik for Mostar (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Sure, Dubrovnik is the “King’s Landing” of Game of Thrones fame, however do you actually wish to struggle crowds of followers reenacting scenes? Instead, head to Mostar. With its iconic bridge, charming streets, and jaw-dropping views, you’ll get all of the medieval vibes with not one of the trouble. And when your pals ask why you didn’t go to Dubrovnik, you’ll be able to simply casually point out that you simply’re “into more authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences.”
What’s the JOMO about this?
You’ll keep away from the swarm of GoT fanboys and women, and get to inform everybody about this tremendous cool place they’ve by no means heard of. Plus, the views are 10/10.
7. Who Needs Machu Picchu When You’ve Got Choquequirao (Peru)

Everyone’s seen footage of Machu Picchu. It’s iconic, positive—but in addition crowded. For a extra peaceable expertise, take the trek to Choquequirao, also referred to as “Machu Picchu’s little sister.” It’s simply as gorgeous, however because it requires a bit extra effort to achieve, you’ll doubtless be one of many few folks there. It’s like getting the gold medal of JOMO.
What’s the JOMO about this?
You’ll get to really feel like a real explorer as a substitute of certainly one of a thousand vacationers making an attempt to get the identical selfie. Plus, fewer crowds imply extra time to really benefit from the magic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is FOMO, and the way can I flip it into JOMO?
FOMO, or “Fear of Missing Out,” is the anxiousness you are feeling once you suppose you’re lacking out on enjoyable issues or life experiences others are having. To embrace JOMO (Joy of Missing Out), shift your mindset to dwell within the second, recognize the place you’re, and focus in your psychological well-being as a substitute of evaluating your life to others on social media.
How can turning FOMO into JOMO profit my psychological well being?
Turning FOMO into JOMO improves psychological well being by lowering the anxiousness and stress related to continuously worrying about what others are doing. It encourages a mindset shift towards dwelling life absolutely within the current, resulting in a way of well-being and emotional stability.
How can I cease feeling anxious about lacking out after I see my buddies touring on social media?
Social media use can gas FOMO by continuously exhibiting others’ spotlight reels. A acutely aware resolution to spend much less time evaluating your life to others and extra time focusing by yourself pursuits may help. By embracing JOMO, you concentrate on what’s significant to you, which improves your emotional state and helps cease worrying about what you’re “missing.”
What does analysis say concerning the influence of FOMO on younger adults?
Research from psychology professors, together with research at establishments like Washington State University, reveals that FOMO can result in increased ranges of tension, particularly in younger adults. Constant social comparability usually leaves folks feeling dissatisfied with their lives. On the opposite hand, embracing JOMO helps enhance general well-being and encourages a more healthy self-perception.
How can embracing JOMO enhance my day by day life?
By embracing JOMO, you study to search out pleasure within the little issues, spending time on what actually issues to you slightly than specializing in what others are doing. This results in higher happiness and success in your day by day life, serving to you are feeling extra current and linked to the world round you.
Can JOMO assist with bodily signs of tension?
Yes, a JOMO mindset may help alleviate bodily signs associated to anxiousness, reminiscent of restlessness, issue sleeping, or a racing coronary heart. When you cease continuously evaluating your self to others and concentrate on the current second, your psychological and bodily well-being can enhance considerably.
How do I begin embracing JOMO?
Start by making a acutely aware effort to disconnect from social media or different sources that feed your FOMO. Spend time reflecting on what brings you pleasure, put money into self-care, and have interaction in actions that make you are feeling absolutely current. As you shift your mindset, you’ll notice that lacking out can truly result in a extra fulfilling life.
Is JOMO nearly not caring, or is there extra to it?
JOMO isn’t about merely giving up or not caring; it’s about making a acutely aware option to prioritize your psychological well being and well-being. It’s about realizing that you simply don’t should be continuously linked to search out happiness. By embracing JOMO, you create house to benefit from the current second with out the stress of social comparability.
How can I cope with the worry of lacking out on necessary life occasions?
It’s pure to really feel such as you’re lacking one thing huge, nevertheless it’s important to replicate on what is really necessary to you. Often, spending high quality time with family members or pursuing private passions may be extra fulfilling than being at each social occasion. Embracing JOMO lets you concentrate on what issues most and to steer a extra balanced, joyful life.
How does JOMO assist me cease worrying about what others are doing?
JOMO encourages a mindset shift from specializing in others to specializing in your self. By studying to be absolutely current in your personal life, you cease feeling anxious about lacking out and begin having fun with the second, and enhancing your psychological well-being and happiness.
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