Post-pandemic saw a travel frenzy as people tried to make up for the months stuck at home. FOMO – the fear of missing out – pushed travelers to cram itineraries with activities and experiences, seeking to get the most out of every minute of their vacation.

A few years down the line, an alternative trend has been quietly taking over the industry. JOMO – the joy of missing out – is positioned as the antidote to the restless, tickbox trips that are still popular. It appeals to those who want to visit a place and really immerse themselves the experience, rather than chasing full itineraries.

If that sounds like the kind of vacation you want in 2025, travel experts at Lotus Car Rental have ranked the destinations which offer visitors the best chance at relaxing and gaining some peace and quiet.

To identify the best and worst locations to achieve a sense of JOMO, they analysed multiple metrics including noise pollution, light pollution, population density, and air quality. Each city was then scored for each metric, with the lower the score, the less overwhelming the destination.

Alexander Haraldsson, CEO of Lotus Car Rental, said: “With the growing awareness around mental well-being and the impact of our surroundings, we wanted to help travellers make informed decisions. Our research into the most and least overwhelming countries, particularly for the senses, aims to guide those looking to avoid environments that might feel too chaotic, so they can focus on enjoying a more serene and enjoyable travel experience.”

Stockholm, Sweden, Is The Best Destination In Europe For JOMO Travel

Topping the list as the most relaxing city is Stockholm, Sweden. The city’s air is one of the cleanest in the world, ranking fourth on the list. Stockholm also ranked low for sound pollution (seventh lowest) and light pollution (ninth lowest).

The average 10km journey across the city takes 15 minutes and 30 seconds, which can be attributed to the the fact that Stockholm is home to fewer people and less industry than most capital cities.

Visitors looking for a slower-paced experience can stroll across this waterside city, exploring open-air museums and locally sourced food without too many distractions.

Copenhagen, Denmark, Is One Of The Least Light-Polluted Cities In Europe

The second least overwhelming city is located in another Scandinavian country, Denmark. Ranking in the top 10 least air polluted, built-up and densely populated cities, the Danish capital also ranked within the top 10 quietest cities.

Copenhagen is also one of the world’s least light polluted locations. Actively working to minimize its impact through initiatives like using smart LED lighting systems, turning off lights at landmarks during certain hours, and focusing on energy-efficient solutions to reduce overall light usage, the city is a good place for urban stargazing compared to many other major cities.

Vienna, Austria, Is Perfect For A Quiet Vacation

The capital of Austria, Vienna, ranks as the third most JOMO-suited city. Vienna ranked in the top 10 least densely populated, built-up and humid locations, and also takes the title as the location with the quietest noise levels. For holidaymakers looking for an altogether cultural yet serene escape, Vienna could be the perfect spot.



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