While people have always turned to travel as a way to get away and be left alone, the last two years must have been particularly stressful because people are looking for quiet travel more than ever.
According to image-sharing social media platform Pinterest (PINS) released a report showing that "cabin in the mountains," "solo travel" and "quiet life travel" are some of the most common trends the industry is seeing — searches for the latter have been up by 530% between 2023 and 2024.
Related: I am a woman who hates 'solo travel' — this is why
"This longing for simplicity has extended to travel — since last year, searches for 'quiet places' and 'calm places' have increased by 50% and 42% respectively," Pinterest writes of its findings. "Pinterest users are searching for digital detox travel, and many sought-after nature destinations offer a respite from the constant buzz of connectivity and digital distractions, providing a much-needed break."
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What 'quiet travel' is, isn't and why it's going viral
Also gaining traction on Google Trends (GOOG) , the term "quiet life travel" refers to any trip in which one stays away from busy metropolises and takes time to decompress in nature or quiet cities (some outlets have also referred to it as "quietude.")
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While the term does not necessarily mean traveling alone, many solo trips are by definition "quiet" since one will spend a significant portion of time with one's thoughts.
'A liberating choice, granting individuals the freedom to craft their itinerary'
"Solo travel emerges as a liberating choice, granting individuals the freedom to craft their itinerary, pace, and priorities without compromise," Pinterest writes further. "Whether basking in the tranquility of a secluded beach or meandering through serene countryside landscapes, these experiences contribute to self-care and overall well-being."
On the flip side of the trend, there is also the growing interest in adventure travel — according to Pinterest, searches for "adventure activities" are up 45% year-over-year as users from all over the world search for active ways to take a vacation. But even there, the desire for solitude creeps in as searches for "luxury safari lodge" saw the highest rise of 110% from last year.
Other popular search terms around adventure travel include scuba diving photography (60%), mountaineering (40%) and trekking (40%) — all activities that do not exactly give way to big crowds and are best done in out-of-the-way destinations.
Other unexpected spikes include searches for "places on earth that do not feel real" at 240%, "mysterious places on earth" at 40% and "haunted places" at 155%. For some reason, places that Pinterest users associate with "mysterious" are Machu Picchu and Scotland's Edinburgh as that is what they type alongside the term most often. When broken down generationally, Gen Z is also looking for the Canadian ski resort of Jasper more than any other place.
"Searches for enigmatic locales are rising as travelers crave places shrouded in mystery and allure, promising a blend of wonder, adventure and the unexplored," Pinterest writes. "From ethereal natural landscapes to ancient, whispering ruins, these hidden gems ignite the imagination of artists and call out to travelers in pursuit of spiritual enlightenment and transcendence."
