I was on a mission when I first went to Nova Scotia, Canada. My itinerary was fuller than my carry-on. From the famous Peggy’s Cove lighthouse to the Bay of Fundy’s tides, I was going to see it all.
But as I stood at the edge of the Atlantic, phone in hand, taking yet another picture I’d never look at again, a little voice piped up: Am I even having fun?
When I got home, I was more tired than triumphant. The trip was lovely, yes, but a total blur. That’s when I learned about JOMO—the Joy of Missing Out. Instead of trying to do and see everything, JOMO is about embracing the beauty of less.
On my next trip to Nova Scotia, I made a radical decision: to do nothing—or at least, nothing in the traditional, over-scheduled sense. This time, I wanted to experience, not achieve.
Why JOMO Changed the Way I Travel
JOMO is a mindset. It’s the travel philosophy that says it’s okay—actually, it’s better—not to pack your days with a million activities and photo ops. It’s about slowing down, being present, and appreciating what’s around you.
Instead of feeling guilty for skipping a “must-see” spot, JOMO says it’s okay to just enjoy.
Imagine waking up without an alarm, having a lazy breakfast while watching the morning light on the water, and spending the day wandering a charming village at your own pace. That’s JOMO in action—a celebration of unscheduled moments and the freedom they bring.
How I Traded FOMO for Meaningful Moments
Most of us have traveled under the spell of FOMO—the Fear of Missing Out. We’ve packed our itineraries with every popular destination and checked our phones obsessively to make sure we didn’t miss the latest travel trend.
But here’s the thing: FOMO-driven travel leaves us feeling overwhelmed and disconnected from the places we visit.
JOMO flips the script. Instead of chasing the “Top 10 Things to Do in Nova Scotia,” it says to focus on what matters to you. Maybe it’s hours spent beachcombing for sea glass or enjoying a locally made blueberry pie. By prioritizing quality over quantity, JOMO makes travel personal and meaningful.
What Happened When I Put Away My Phone
On my second trip to Nova Scotia, I decided to go cold turkey. No Instagram scrolling to see what my friends were up to. No Googling “restaurants near me.” Just me, the scenery, and a willingness to see what would happen if I allowed myself to be fully present.
The Struggle of Going Offline
I won’t lie—the first day was weird. I was so used to filling every quiet moment with screen time that being offline felt unnatural. My hands would reach for my phone as a reflex and come up empty. But by the second day, something shifted.
Without distractions, I noticed things I’d missed before—the sparkle of the sun on the water, the rustle of leaves in the wind, and even the creak of the floorboards in my cozy cabin.
Finding Joy in Just Being
Without the constant ping of notifications, I was able to be fully immersed in my surroundings. One afternoon I sat on the rocky shore for hours watching the tide come in and out.
It was a simple, unremarkable moment by most standards but it felt profound. I was present and that presence brought me a sense of peace I hadn’t felt in years.
Why Unplugging Made My Trip Better
Unplugging doesn’t just reduce stress—it heightens your awareness and appreciation of the world around you. It’s in those moments of stillness that we truly connect—with nature, with others, and with ourselves. If you want to make your travels more meaningful, start by putting your phone away.
How Slowing Down Made My Trip More Sustainable
By slowing down I benefited personally and environmentally. Staying in one place longer meant fewer car rides and less fuel consumption. I walked along the coast, biked through villages, and even kayaked through the inlets. These eco-friendly choices not only reduced my carbon footprint but also deepened my connection to the place.
Supporting the People Who Make a Place Special
Another bonus of slow travel is the ability to support local communities. I spent my evenings at family-run restaurants where I ate dishes made with locally sourced ingredients—lobster rolls, scallops, and wild blueberries.
I shopped at small markets and even joined a local knitting circle where I learned about the community’s history and stories.
Why Mindful Travel Feels More Meaningful
Sustainable travel isn’t just about reducing harm—it’s about adding good. By slowing down and being present I left Nova Scotia with memories and a sense of gratitude for the people and the land that had welcomed me.
The Magic of Doing Absolutely Nothing
My favorite moment of the trip wasn’t planned. I found a quiet cove, spread out a blanket, and spent the afternoon reading, napping, and watching the clouds roll by. It was unproductive and yet incredibly fulfilling.
Giving Up the Need to Be Busy
In our busy world doing nothing feels almost subversive. But when we allow ourselves to slow down we open the door to joy.
We discover that happiness isn’t in the itinerary or the Instagram shot—it’s in the laughter of a shared meal, the warmth of the sun on your skin, and the quiet contentment of just being.
What Travel Means to Me Now
Travel is about experiences but perhaps it’s more about connection—connection to the world, to others, and ourselves. The Joy of Missing Out reminds us that travel doesn’t have to be a tick box of sights.
It can be a soulful journey—one that prioritizes presence over productivity and meaning over milestones.
Saket Kumar, Travel Writer at Canada Hustle
