Article Highlights:

  • Seven in ten travelers now prefer fewer, longer trips over short, frequent getaways.
  • Women are leading the extended-stay trend, with 75% favoring slower, more immersive travel.
  • Nearly three-quarters of travelers plan to avoid crowded destinations in 2025.
  • Cultural authenticity, nature and history rank far above nightlife or modern attractions.
  • Non-US travelers and women value unplugging from technology and seeking meaningful experiences.

 

 

The days of whirlwind sightseeing tours are giving way to something slower, deeper and more deliberate. According to the latest Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey, travelers around the world are now opting for longer, more meaningful trips, trading crowded itineraries and busy cities for peaceful landscapes and cultural connection.

Seven in ten respondents (70%) said they prefer fewer, longer trips rather than frequent, shorter getaways. The data show a particularly strong trend among women, with 75% choosing extended stays compared to 68% of men. American travelers also show a slight preference for longer trips (71%) over non-US respondents (68%).

“Longer trips, slower pacing and selective destination choices are replacing the old drive to see it all,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies and a member of the US Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the US Department of Commerce. “For travelers and travel providers alike, the new priority is not about checking off lists,  it’s about creating meaningful connections and avoiding the crowds along the way.”

This shift marks a clear break from the pre-pandemic era of “fly, see and move on.” Instead, today’s travelers are lingering, staying in one place long enough to form bonds with local communities, engage with culture and embrace a pace that feels restorative rather than exhausting.

 

From FOMO to JOMO: The Mindset Shift

The global travel community is also redefining its emotional relationship with travel itself. Once driven by the Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) — the rush to see every sight and landmark — many are now embracing the Joy of Missing Out (JOMO), choosing intention and presence over activity overload.

More than a third of respondents (35%) identify with JOMO, while nearly half (48%) say they balance the two. Women were more likely than men to strike that balance (53% vs. 47%) and non-US travelers showed slightly stronger JOMO tendencies (36% vs. 35% for Americans). Interestingly, 12% of men said neither term fit their travel style, perhaps a reflection of pragmatic rather than emotional planning.

This evolution toward mindful travel reflects a broader lifestyle trend. Instead of chasing every viewpoint and restaurant, modern travelers seek space, solitude and simplicity. For many, missing out is liberation.

 

Crowds Out, Quiet In

The survey found that nearly three-quarters of travelers (73%) plan to intentionally avoid crowded or tourist-heavy destinations this year. Non-US travelers were the most likely to steer clear of crowds (78%), followed by Americans (72%).

Men were slightly more likely than women to avoid busy places (75% vs. 68%), while women were more nuanced — often saying their choices depend on the destination, season or cultural draw.

The findings echo the rise of slow travel destinations: smaller towns, nature-based retreats and off-season escapes. Whether that means exploring Kyoto in late winter, hiking in Patagonia’s shoulder season or staying at a family-run villa in Tuscany, travelers are seeking calm over chaos.

 

Travelers Ditch Nightlife, Screens for Nature and Meaning

Beyond pacing, the Global Rescue Survey shows that travelers are fundamentally rethinking what makes a trip worthwhile.

When asked what motivates them most when choosing a destination, more than a third (35%) said natural beauty and outdoor immersion topped their list, outpacing iconic attractions (27%) and cultural experiences (23%).

Women were especially drawn to authentic culture and community (26%) compared to men (21%), while non-US travelers leaned more toward nature (37%) than their American counterparts (34%).

“Travelers are looking for genuine experiences that help them feel more connected to the world and less tethered to technology,” said Richards. “People are seeking meaning, restoration and perspective.”

Disconnecting from screens is also becoming part of the journey. Only a third (33%) said unplugging was “not important,” while the majority considered it at least moderately valuable. Non-US travelers (38%) and women (35%) were the most eager to disconnect, suggesting that the joy of being unreachable is quickly becoming a luxury.

 

Depth Over Distraction

The findings further underscore a global preference for heritage, history and hidden gems over nightlife or trendy attractions. Three-quarters (75%) of respondents said they choose destinations for their historic significance rather than modern design or vibe. Nearly two-thirds (65%) said they seek hidden gems over iconic landmarks — a mindset shared most strongly by non-US and female travelers (68% each).

Nightlife, once a defining part of leisure travel, barely registers anymore: just 2% said it ranked high in their destination decisions, while nearly half (46%) said it doesn’t matter at all.

“The data show a decisive shift toward self-enrichment and sustainability over stimulation,” Richards said. “Quiet, history-rich and culturally authentic destinations are winning over travelers who want depth, not distraction.”

 

Experience Over Event

Even when rare celestial events or global celebrations beckon, travelers are showing restraint. Only 4% said they plan to travel to Europe’s northern regions to view the 2026 total solar eclipse, though interest was slightly higher among women (6%) and non-US travelers (6%).

This measured approach reveals that the modern traveler doesn’t need a “bucket list” event to justify exploration; the experience itself, not the spectacle, is the reward.

When it comes to activities, hiking and trekking lead the list, chosen by half (50%) of all travelers. Hunting and fishing follow at 35% and SCUBA or snorkeling round out the top three at 23%.

Women are especially drawn to hiking (58%) and wellness-oriented pursuits, while men show stronger interest in hunting, fishing and overlanding adventures. Across all demographics, the desire for movement in nature—not crowds, not nightlife—defines modern travel motivation.

 

The Global Rescue Connection

The Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey reveals a world that’s traveling more intentionally, with deeper purpose and personal awareness. Travelers are choosing longer stays, slower pacing and richer cultural immersion over high-speed itineraries and packed tourist sites. Women lead the shift toward meaningful, mindful travel, while international travelers continue to favor open spaces and nature-driven escapes.

Yet even the most peaceful trips can take unpredictable turns, from illness or injury to political unrest or natural disaster. That’s why every traveler embracing this slower, more deliberate style of exploration should have Global Rescue as their safety net.

A Global Rescue membership provides essential protection wherever your travels take you, including field rescue, medical evacuation, worldwide medical advisory and security extraction services. Whether you’re trekking through the Alps, exploring ancient ruins or spending a restorative month in New Zealand, Global Rescue ensures that if something goes wrong, you’re never alone and never stranded.

As the world moves toward a more thoughtful and sustainable way to travel, Global Rescue empowers travelers to explore boldly, and return safely.