Travelers today are increasingly embracing the concept of slowing down their journeys. Whether that means taking longer trips, spending more time at a destination, or opting for more leisurely modes of transportation, a distinct shift is evident in how people approach travel.
New rail services, the resurgence of night trains across Europe, and a growing investment in wellness travel underscore this trend. Even nostalgic journeys, like cowboy-cations that evoke simpler times, highlight that slow travel is not just a fleeting idea — it’s a movement here to stay.
One emerging trend poised to take center stage in 2025 is the “Joy of Missing Out,” or JOMO. This refreshing concept encourages travelers to prioritize a slower, more intentional style of vacationing. Unlike its counterpart, FOMO—the “fear of missing out”—which often fuels anxiety and dissatisfaction, JOMO invites individuals to focus on the joys of the present moment. It champions the idea of doing what genuinely makes you happy, without being weighed down by what you could be missing elsewhere. And in many ways, winter is the perfect season to embrace JOMO, as it naturally encourages us to disconnect, hibernate, and recharge.
I decided to put the JOMO trend to the test during a recent trip to Finland, courtesy of Collette. I was on a mission to experience the winter wonderland of my dreams, and what I discovered was far beyond my expectations.
### A Wintry Travel Dream Realized
Finland, with its breathtaking snowy landscapes and proximity to the Arctic Circle, has long been a destination on my bucket list. I was set to embark on Collette’s seven-night Northern Lights of Finland tour, which would take me through the capital city of Helsinki and the enchanting Lapland region above the Arctic Circle. My personal dream? To stay in a cozy glass dome igloo surrounded by a serene winter landscape—an idea that originally sparked my wanderlust many moons ago, thanks to the power of Instagram.
Collette’s itinerary included a three-night stay at the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, the very place I’d seen in those captivating Instagram photos. Beyond that, three nights in Helsinki intrigued me, particularly due to its renowned sauna culture—a facet of Finnish life that has even gained UNESCO recognition, with the country boasting over 3.3 million saunas for its 5.5 million residents.
### Wrestling with FOMO
As my excitement for this trip built, it was almost overshadowed by a competing invitation that landed in my inbox just weeks before my departure. I had been invited to the VIP experience at Super Bowl LIV in New Orleans, featuring exclusive parties, special events, and a chance to witness the iconic halftime performance by Pulitzer Prize-winning artist Kendrick Lamar. Talk about a cruel twist of fate!
Much like Beyoncé’s surprise win at this year’s Grammys, I was torn between fulfilling a lifelong winter travel dream and attending what many would consider a once-in-a-lifetime event. In the end, fate intervened, leading me to choose Finland, but I found myself wondering about the path not taken.
### Embracing JOMO
This compelling dilemma pushed me to fully engage with the essence of JOMO during my time in Finland. Rather than waste my trip mulling over what I had missed, I dove headfirst into experiences that called to me. I sought out Kotiharjun Sauna, one of Helsinki’s oldest public baths. Unlike the tourist-heavy saunas near my hotel, this place was teeming with locals winding down after work, offering an authentic glimpse into Finnish life.
In Lapland, my stay at Kakslauttanen was nothing short of magical. Beyond our planned activities—like dog sledding and searching for the Northern Lights—I discovered the resort’s impressive planetarium. I kicked off my stay in a cozy log cabin, relishing the solitude it offered while enjoying the serenity of the landscape.
The capstone of my adventure arrived on the last night when I finally settled into the glass dome igloo of my dreams. But it wasn’t just any igloo—it was a Kelo Glass Igloo, a blend of log cabin comforts and panoramic views of the starry sky above. As I nestled into bed, the fabric of JOMO enveloped me, and I found peace in simply being present, free from the distractions of what else could have been. It was a reminder that sometimes, the best journeys are those where we simply allow ourselves to savor the moment.