There’s a new kind of vacation trending—and it’s not about checking off bucket list attractions, trying to pack in as many activities as possible, or chasing the perfect Instagram moment. Instead, it’s about dialing things down. Way down.

Welcome to the world of “quietcations.” If that term is new to you, you’re not alone. It’s a rising trend, but one that’s resonating deeply with a growing number of travelers who are looking not for more, but for less—less noise, less screen time, less stimulation, and more space to simply be. In a world that’s always “on,” quietcations offer something many of us don’t even realize we’re craving: true, restorative silence.

As a travel advisor, I’ve seen this trend emerge firsthand in client requests—from solo travelers burned out by the grind, to couples seeking deeper connection, to parents looking to slow things down for their families. And I’ll tell you this: it’s not just a trend—it’s a movement.

What Is a Quietcation?

A quietcation is exactly what it sounds like: a vacation that prioritizes peace and quiet. But it’s more than just lounging at a quiet beach or reading a book by the pool. It’s a deliberate, often digital-free, retreat from the busyness of everyday life. That could mean a stay at a remote cabin in the woods, a wellness retreat with silence workshops, a meditation-based resort, or a simple off-the-grid getaway where there’s no Wi-Fi, no TV, and no pressure to “do.”

You may also see quietcations offered through packages at eco-lodges, yoga resorts, spiritual ashrams, or wellness hotels that build silence, reflection, and unplugging into the experience. Guests are often encouraged—or required—to turn off phones and engage in practices like mindfulness, journaling, slow walks in nature, or silent dining.

It’s travel with an entirely different rhythm. And for many, it’s a breath of fresh air.

Why Quietcations Are So Appealing

In a word: overstimulation.

We live in a hyper-connected world, where even our downtime often isn’t really down. We scroll while watching TV. We work while on vacation. We’re pinged by texts, emails, news alerts, and social feeds from sunrise to bedtime. It’s a lot.

And the truth is, our brains weren’t built for this much noise. Mental fatigue, anxiety, and burnout are real—and rising. A quietcation offers relief from that sensory overload, a pause from having to react and perform.

There’s also something deeply healing about silence and stillness. Studies have shown that quiet environments can lower cortisol (the stress hormone), improve focus and memory, and increase self-awareness. In quieter spaces, you start to notice things you’ve been missing—like your own thoughts, your own needs, even the sound of the wind in the trees. It sounds simple, but it’s powerful.

And it’s not just about getting rest—it’s about creating space to think clearly, to breathe deeply, and to reconnect with what matters. That’s something every traveler can benefit from.

Who Is Booking Quietcations?

So, who’s going on these kinds of trips?

Right now, we’re seeing a diverse group leaning into the quietcation trend, including:

• Millennials and Gen Z professionals who are burnt out from hustle culture and screen fatigue. They’re looking for digital detoxes and experiences that feel more “real” and restorative.

• Retirees and older adults seeking calm and deeper reflection in the next chapter of life.

• Wellness travelers—those already engaged with yoga, meditation, or mindfulness—who are taking the next step in intentional travel.

• Solo travelers looking to recharge emotionally or rediscover themselves after a life transition.

• Busy parents carving out solo time or quiet family escapes with fewer activities and more connection.

But honestly, everyone can benefit from a quietcation. Even if you’re someone who loves a good city break or adventure tour, weaving in a few days of intentional quiet can elevate your whole travel experience.

That said, not everyone is doing it—yet.

Why Quietcations Are Valuable (But Not Always Easy)

Let’s be real: unplugging is hard.

We’re conditioned to associate productivity with value. Even on vacation, there’s often pressure to “make the most of it” by doing and seeing everything. For some, the idea of a vacation without plans, noise, or entertainment feels… scary.

And the first 24 hours of a quietcation? They can feel uncomfortable. You might feel bored. Fidgety. Anxious. You might reach for your phone 20 times and feel awkward with long stretches of silence.

But then something amazing happens: you start to settle. You breathe deeper. You notice things. Your mind slows down. You feel different.

That shift—that’s the value of a quietcation.

It teaches us to be present, to rest without guilt, and to travel not to escape life, but to return to ourselves. And in today’s world, that kind of rest is radical.

Of course, quietcations aren’t for everyone. Families with small children may find it logistically difficult. Extroverts may prefer shorter durations of quiet rather than full-week retreats. And some travelers—especially those using travel for cultural discovery or connection—may find total silence to be limiting. That’s okay. Quietcations don’t have to replace all other travel—they can simply become one more meaningful option in your travel toolkit.

Where to Take a Quietcation

If this sounds appealing, you’ve got options—from rustic to luxury. Here are a few types of destinations and experiences where quietcations thrive:

• Wellness retreats in Costa Rica, Bali, or Arizona that offer yoga, meditation, and structured silence.

• Remote cabins or eco-lodges in national parks or mountain ranges, ideal for forest bathing and digital detox.

• Monastic stays in Europe, where guests can stay in abbeys and monasteries with simple accommodations and optional participation in silence or prayer routines.

• Japanese ryokans or onsen resorts, where quiet, nature, and ritual are built into the stay.

• Meditation centers like Spirit Rock in California or Vipassana centers worldwide, where multi-day silent retreats are available.

Even closer to home, many travelers are booking Airbnb cabins, coastal cottages, or wellness hotels and creating their own quietcations—bringing books, journaling tools, and intentions instead of itineraries.

Tips for Planning a Quietcation

1. Start small – If the idea of a week in silence feels overwhelming, try a weekend or even a digital-free day on your next trip.

2. Set boundaries – Tell friends or family you’ll be off the grid. Turn on an out-of-office message. Let yourself truly unplug.

3. Pack intentionally – Bring a journal, a good book, comfortable clothes, and anything that supports rest—leave the laptop behind.

4. Choose your location carefully – Avoid cities or tourist hotspots. Prioritize places where nature, stillness, and space are central.

5. Be open to the discomfort – Quiet can feel awkward at first. Stick with it—it’s part of the process.

Final Thoughts: Is It Time You Took a Quietcation?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, restless, or uninspired—even if you’ve been traveling often—maybe what you need isn’t more movement. Maybe what you need is less noise.

A quietcation isn’t about doing nothing. It’s about making space for everything that matters to rise to the surface. It’s an invitation to connect—not to Wi-Fi, but to yourself. And for many travelers, that’s the most transformative trip of all.

So, next time you’re thinking about a vacation, ask yourself: What if instead of going everywhere, you just went nowhere—and really arrived?

You might be surprised by what you find in the quiet.