Travel trends are shifting—and fast.
More and more travellers are swapping overcrowded destinations for quieter, more meaningful escapes. This shift from FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) to JOMO (Joy of Missing Out) is changing how people experience the world—and Cape Town is no exception.
A recent McKinsey & Company survey revealed that 80% of tourists visit only 10% of the world’s most iconic attractions. But the shine of places like Venice and Barcelona is fading. Crowds, rising costs, and the loss of local culture are leading tourists to rethink their priorities. Enter the age of JOMO travel—where slowing down and embracing authenticity is the new luxury.
What Is JOMO Travel?
JOMO travel is all about choosing experiences that enrich the soul rather than simply checking boxes on a bucket list. Instead of fighting for a selfie at a popular landmark, JOMO travellers seek personal growth, cultural connection, and peace of mind.
According to Antoinette Turner, General Manager of Flight Centre SA, “Today’s travellers are moving away from ticking ‘must-see’ destinations off a list—they crave immersive experiences that resonate on an emotional level.”
Here are the emerging travel styles that define this new movement:
1. Deep-Stay Tourism
Travellers are spending more time in one place, allowing them to explore local life, culture, and nature more deeply instead of rushing from one hotspot to the next.
2. Regenerative Tourism
Going beyond sustainability, regenerative travel aims to leave a positive impact on the environment and local communities. Think eco-lodges, conservation-focused tours, and ethical travel choices.
3. Solitude Retreats
Modern life is stressful, and many travellers now seek quiet spaces to reconnect with nature and themselves. Tranquil escapes into mountains, forests, and small towns are more desirable than ever.
4. Enriching Experiences
Travellers want to learn something new: cooking with locals, weaving workshops, art classes, and storytelling evenings are on the rise.
5. Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventures
Tourists are increasingly wary of glitzy malls and overpriced restaurants. Instead, they are chasing “hidden gems”—places where authenticity thrives, and stories unfold.
Discover One of Cape Town’s Hidden Gems: Huguenot House
Looking for an authentic, enriching experience in Cape Town?
Huguenot House, a beautifully restored homestead dating back to 1752, offers a unique blend of history, craftsmanship, and culture—making it the perfect JOMO destination.
Step into a bygone era as you walk through original Cape Dutch architecture, admire magnificent wall paintings, and peer into a historic in-house water well. The real highlight? Its old wine cellar, which now houses the Cape Town Museum of Gems and Jewellery—a working museum where you can watch skilled goldsmiths craft masterpieces using traditional techniques.
With the closure of other historic gems like Martin Melck House and Koopmans de Wet House, Huguenot House stands as one of the last publicly accessible Georgian homesteads in Cape Town. It’s an ideal example of slow travel and regenerative tourism in action.
Plan Your Visit
📍 Address: 66 Loop Street, Cape Town
🕘 Opening Hours:
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Weekdays: 09:00 – 17:00
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Saturdays: 10:00 – 13:00
💵 Entry: Free
🚗 Parking: Available at Heritage Square (corner of Hout & Loop Street), just a 2-minute walk away.
Experience Cape Town Beyond the Tourist Trail
For those ready to embrace the Joy of Missing Out, Cape Town offers more than beaches and wine farms. Places like Huguenot House provide a chance to slow down, engage meaningfully, and discover the city’s deeper stories.
Miss the crowds. Find the magic. Choose JOMO.
