For many, a vacation is a brief but vital escape — a chance to disconnect from work, school, and the daily grind.
Yet too often, our vacations are jam-packed with activities and “must-see” lists, leaving us more exhausted than refreshed. In today’s social-media-driven world, where we go and what we post has sometimes become more important than what we actually experience.
More focus is being given to the concept of wellness. To creating proper work-life balance, physical and emotional health, and to generally limiting things like screen time and connectivity. This has also led to a new “quiet” travel trend.
Summer/Fall 2025 “Quiet” Travel Trends
Here are five growing “quiet travel” trends inspiring more meaningful and restorative trips:
- Detour Destinations
These places are rarely the focal point of a trip — until now. Travelers are increasingly choosing smaller, less-touristed destinations as their main destination to avoid the crowds and experience authenticity. - Under-the-Radar Oenotourism
When wine from famous regions is available at your local shop, the thrill of discovery fades. Travelers are now drawn to lesser-known wine regions like Hungary’s Somló, Greece’s Attica, and emerging wine countries like Turkey and Albania — where tasting is part of a genuine cultural encounter. - Family Travel Sabbaticals
Inspired by the academic tradition, more professionals — and entire families — are taking extended breaks abroad to learn a language, explore a passion, or simply live differently. From cycling across Europe to studying art in Italy, the possibilities are expanding. - Soft Travel
A gentler take on “slow travel,” soft travel is all about sinking into a place. Instead of box-checking landmarks, it encourages depth, presence, and a slower pace — whether you’re staying in a small village or spending weeks in one city. - Calmcations
Calmcations are all about tranquility. These escapes prioritize quietude and nature over stimulation. Whether it’s a luxury wellness retreat, camping in the wild, or a self-guided walking tour, the goal is to unplug and recharge.
Escape to the Aegean
The Aegean is filled with undiscovered corners perfect for this quieter style of travel. With scenic coastlines, hiking trails, traditional cuisine, and unique cultural experiences, these destinations offer a serene antidote to mass tourism.
Samothraki, Greece
Located in the Northern Aegean, the often-overlooked island of Samothraki remains largely untouched by mass tourism — not because there’s nothing to do, but because it’s still a well-kept secret.
Like much of Greece, the island offers ancient ruins like the Sanctuary of the Great Gods. Its rugged landscape and waterfalls make it a dream for hiking enthusiasts, while its quiet beaches offer total relaxation.
Samothraki also boasts a unique culinary identity, centered around goat milk and goat meat — unsurprising, given that goats outnumber the island’s 3,000 residents by more than 15 to 1! Seafood is also abundant, making the local fare both distinct and delicious.
Lipsi, Greece
Closer to Turkey than mainland Greece, the small island of Lipsi in the southern Aegean is part of the Dodecanese chain. While lesser-known than its neighbors like Rhodes or Patmos, it offers the same pristine charm — minus the crowds of Mykonos and Santorini.
Spend your days lounging on quiet beaches and swimming in aquamarine waters, or explore by sailboat on a private cruise around the surrounding islets.
Along with its serene landscape, Lipsi also offers something unexpected for wine lovers. Lipsi Winery produces white, rosé, and sweet wines using a rare red grape called Fokiano — one of the few places in Greece to do so. It’s a true local gem for oenophiles seeking something different.
Ayvalık, Turkey
Set along Turkey’s scenic Aegean coast, Ayvalık combines history, culture, and coastal beauty in a relaxed, uncrowded setting.
Famous for its olive oil and traditional stone architecture, Ayvalık also boasts two of Turkey’s longest sandy beaches, ferry access to Lesvos (Greece), and proximity to ancient sites like Assos, Troy, and Pergamon.
While divers are beginning to discover the area, it remains largely off the radar for mainstream tourism — making it ideal for those seeking tranquility or a sabbatical-style stay.
Looking for a longer cultural immersion? The Ayvalık International Music Academy (AIMA) has been offering master-level instruction in violin, viola, and cello since 1998. If music isn’t your focus, consider an intensive summer language course in Ottoman and Turkish, offered jointly by Harvard and Koç Universities.
Ready to Travel Differently?
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