Unplugging Can Be a Great Way to Re-Energize
Travel can be exciting. Travel can be exhilarating. But the truth is travel can also be exhausting. We’ve all had the experience of returning home after a week away feeling like we need a vacation to recover from our vacation.
So, it might not surprise you that one of the biggest trends in vacation planning this year is “quiet travel.” Sources as varied as the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) and the Pinterest Travel Trend Report are reporting a significant rise in the number of travelers looking for ways to unplug and reconnect with both their environment and themselves.
According to Pinterest, a longing for simplicity has produced a 50% increase in travel-related searches for ‘quiet places’ over the past year – hypothesizing that users seem particularly interested in “digital detox travel” that offers a break from “constant connectivity and digital distractions.”
Sound like something you might enjoy? Here are a few of today’s most popular options.
Tech-Free Environments
As radical as it may seem, many travelers are seeking opportunities to unplug and unwind from the plethora of technology that dominates our daily lives. There are even some resorts and retreat centers geared specifically toward “tech-free” experiences, where guests can reconnect without distractions and focus on what really matters.
Nature & Sustainability
Now more than ever, travelers are looking to explore national parks, beach resorts and mountains for outdoor adventures. From hiking and camping to biking and “glamping,” many are choosing trips that offer a unique combination of exhilaration and relaxation in natural surroundings. Outdoor travel also checks the box for trending eco-travel, with environmentally conscious, sustainable accommodations and activities that are easier on our planet.
Wellness Getaways
Another popular option for travelers of all ages is in the realm of Wellness Travel. Embrace healthy dining options, yoga classes, meditation, spa treatments and more wellness-centric activities – all of which allow you to more fully alleviate the stress of everyday life through relaxation and rejuvenation. Bonding with your companions while decompressing and recharging can help create stronger relationships, lasting health benefits and lifelong memories.
Crossroads Quests
Road trips are back – especially with Gen Z travelers. According to Pinterest, more and more users are searching for road trips – or what they call “crossroads quests” – as a more affordable, accessible option that allows travelers to share costs and “be spontaneous.” Travelling with friends has always been a wonderful way to build more meaningful relationships through shared experiences, and this return to classic road trips adds an element of unexpected adventure.
Solo Travel
At the same time, traveling alone is also emerging as a surprisingly popular trend. Solo travel can provide a great sense of independence and self-discovery. There’s a certain confidence and freedom that comes from following your own itinerary, pace and priorities without compromise. Whether you’re relaxing in the sun on a secluded beach or exploring the local shops of a quiet mountain town, these experiences allow you an opportunity to truly “get away from it all” in a way that can be literally lifechanging.
These are just a few of the trends we’re seeing in the Quiet Travel category this year. If you do a little exploring, we’ll bet you’ll find several more. The trick is to ask yourself “what kind of experiences would I truly enjoy” instead of just “what are the most popular destinations.”
Of course, creating a more enjoyable travel experience starts before you even reach the airport. Allow plenty of time for packing comfortable clothes, make sure the car has plenty of gas – and don’t forget to reserve your space at WallyPark.
With enough thought and planning, your quiet vacation will not only be more personalized and enjoyable, but truly transformative and beneficial.
