- By Bornika Das
- Fri, 07 Mar 2025 09:35 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
A travel trend of 2025 that has gained attention among travel enthusiasts is soft travel. As per a 2022 study, 65 percent of people feel too much pressure when travelling to actually enjoy themselves. Amidst the busy schedule of most people nowadays, some try to find a place to calm themselves with unfiltered peace. The best way to enjoy a peaceful and relaxed travel is by indulging in soft travel or soft vacation. This form of travel helps travellers to catch their breath and explore the world in a much more relaxed way.
According to the 2025 Hilton Trends Report, “more than one in five travelers plan to get away for self-discovery or mental health when traveling for leisure. They are leaning into ‘soft travel’, or travel that encourages simplicity or spontaneity.” Now, what is soft travel? It is a more personalised form of travel that embraces a mindful and effortless journey. In this form of travel, travel enthusiasts focus more on mental peace and rest than ticking off their checklist. Do not confuse soft travel with slow travel, as the latter describes a deliberate immersion into a different culture over an extended time. If you’re planning to indulge in soft travel in 2025, here are the must-dos that you should keep in mind.
Things To Do When Planning A Soft Travel
Choose A Single Destination
Do not try to rush to multiple spots in order to complete the travel checklist. During soft travel, it is better to choose one location for the entire stay. Spend your time slowly by getting to know the destination, relaxing in the cafes, or just watching the world go by. The traveller must avoid feeling any pressure as the goal is to settle into the gentle pace of nature.
Open Itinerary
Avoid indulging in everyday activities, rather allow yourself to enjoy the luxury of unstructured time. Instead of visiting the major tourist spots, people can choose a charming neighbourhood or an offbeat place. For instance, if you plan to visit Himachal, avoid visiting the overpopulated Kasol, instead, visit a peaceful neighbouring village known as Kalga. The main aim of soft travel is to enjoy the local life, rather than rushing from one tourist site to another.
Slow Vacation Allows Traveller To Enjoy A Relaxed Travel (Image Credits: Canva)
Book Home-Like Accommodations
If the traveller feels like unwinding himself, he can choose a home-like accommodation. Consider booking a vacation rental that will make you feel at home while travelling. Do not opt for a commercialised hotel. Vacation rentals enable one to cook meals with fresh ingredients from the local market or spend the entire day on the couch reading a good book.
Connect With Local Culture
Soft travel demands a quieter and more relaxed local experience instead of visiting all the must-see places. Talk to the locals around your travel destination and explore their traditional culture. This will not only help you to connect with the local culture of the place but also provide a relaxed trip away from the hustle and bustle of city life.