What Is Quiet Travel?

When heading out of town, it can be tempting to do, see, and experience everything a place has to offer. But it can also be nice to kick back and relax. The latest travel trend is called “quiet travel” – aka a trip that’s filled with more relaxing than a jam-packed itinerary. “In 2024, quiet travel, also coined ‘Calm-cations,’ is gaining momentum as travelers prioritize peaceful escapes amidst economic uncertainties,” says Erin Stender, a travel expert and CMO of the campground booking company Campspot. This trend, she adds, focuses on travelers seeking serene, tranquil experiences to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Ready to take a calmer trip? Here are some tips on how you can give it a go.  

Head to the water
Beaches and lakes can provide the perfect excuse to camp out in a lounge chair with a good book and some snacks. “For those planning a ‘calm-cation,’ you may want to consider destinations with nearby natural water features such as beaches, rivers, and lakes, which data shows contributes most to feelings of relaxation,” says Stender.

Get a good natural view
You may live in the city, but there can be benefits to heading out into nature. Hello stargazing! Stender recommends seeking out locations with access to clear skies and panoramic views, as these elements can enhance the peaceful ambiance and can offer ideal settings for stargazing or sunrise meditation.

Limit activities
When putting together itineraries for travelers, Torunn Tronsvang, founder, and CEO of tour company Up Norway, tells people that less is more. “We design our itineraries with ample time for relaxation and reflection,” she explains. “A typical day might include a leisurely morning hike, followed by a quiet afternoon at a local farm or artisan workshop.” So yes, you can take the cruise excursion, but maybe don’t plan to head right from that to BINGO and then catch a show immediately after. Give yourself some time to breathe in between events.

Find relaxation where you can
When visiting a place – especially a location you’ve never been to before – there may be tons of things you can pack in. But try to purposefully find some moments where you can pause and relax, suggests Tronsvang. “Engage in activities that promote relaxation, such as yoga sessions, meditation in nature, or gentle kayaking on a quiet lake,” she says. And if your hotel has a spa, that might be inspiration to say yes to a massage or hot tub soak.

Avoid the crowds
One way you could get your quiet travel on, per Tronsvang, is to avoid choosing destinations known for large crowds. “Instead, we recommend off-the-beaten-path locations,” she says. This could mean staying a little outside of a big city, going to a place during the off season and dining at locals’ restaurants instead of popular tourist hot spots.

Make the traveling process less stressful
Red eye flights that leave you exhausted? Long airport layovers? These are things that don’t exactly scream relaxation. Plan your trip so the travel process itself is easier and maybe even fun! “Embrace the journey as much as the destination,” says Tronsvang. “I believe that the most peaceful moments often happen during the travel process itself, such as a scenic train ride.” You may want to book flights at times that won’t throw you off schedule too much, take a ferry or walk or bike between destinations.

Set a quiet travel intention
“I encourage travelers to set intentions for their trip, focusing on rest, rejuvenation, and personal growth,” says Tronsvang. Take a moment to think about your trip and imagine yourself having fun and feeling relaxed before you go. Take this with you into your vacation and go back to it anytime you’re tempted to rush to the next sightseeing adventure.