JOMO is the latest travel trend taking the industry by storm. As explained by independent travel agency Iglu Cruise:
“JOMO travel is about embracing the JOY of missing out. When we travel, we often create jam-packed schedules to fit in as much as possible. JOMO travel is all about slowing down, disconnecting from our phones and reconnecting with ourselves and nature. This can improve our mental health, boost our happiness and improve our relationships with one another.”
With more travellers searching for trips that prioritise their mental and physical health, Iglu Cruise has revealed the top 10 cities for JOMO travel in 2025, to provide some inspiration. The team compared the number of museums, parks and spas (activities associated with JOMO travel) in every European capital city in Europe. These were then divided by 100,000 of each city’s population, to give a final ranking.
The following cities are the best for JOMO travel in 2025:
1. Reykjavik, Iceland
With a population of around 140,000 people, the picturesque Reykjavik is easily the best European capital city for JOMO travel. Boasting both the highest number of museums to visit (36) and spas to indulge in (22) per 100,000 people – and a respectable four parks to ramble around – this destination is perfect for anyone hoping to disconnect from the digital world and embrace the joy of missing out.
2. Prague, Czech Republic
Second on our list, and a city decidedly bigger than Reykjavik with a population of almost 1.4 million people, is Prague – the historic capital of Bohemia and the capital of the Czech Republic. Sitting on the Vltava River, this city is home to an impressive 29 museums (per 100,000 people, meaning it’s home to 400 in total), 18 spas and four parks (also per 100,000 of the population.)
3. Amsterdam, Netherlands
A popular destination when it comes to short breaks, Amsterdam is a fantastic holiday hotspot if you’re looking for a JOMO getaway. Slightly more populous than Prague, the canal-laden Dutch capital is home to a similar number of spas and parks, meaning you’ll certainly find relaxation and rejuvenation here. It’s also home to one of the top museums you can visit on a cruise: the Rijksmuseum, which is home to a fantastic selection of world-famous artworks. This is one of 312 museums in Amsterdam.
4. Ljubljana, Slovenia
One of the smallest cities on this list, with a population of just over 288,000 people, Ljubljana is a stunning urban centre where a settlement has been located in some capacity since the ancient Roman Empire. With such a rich history to explore, and the worldly influence of the Hapsburg monarchy from the Middle Ages to the fall of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, it’s really no surprise that this city is a hotspot for incredible museums and ruins – with an intriguing variety of architectural styles to match.
5. Brussels, Belgium
With a population of around 1.25 million people, Brussels boasts an impressive number of museums, spas, and parks – all of which are fantastic options when it comes to filling a JOMO holiday with rewarding activities and experiences. Despite this city featuring one of the lowest spa scores (an average of just 10 spas per 100,000 people), you can rest assured knowing that the quality of those spas isn’t being compromised; Thermae Boetfort, a wellness centre sitting in a 16th century castle and Waer Waters, which spans over 12,000 square-metres, are all in touching distance of the city centre and make for excellent spa excursions.
6. Bern, Switzerland
Bern, the capital of Switzerland, may have the lowest number of parks per 100,000 people on our comprehensive list of the best cities in Europe for JOMO travel, at just 2 parks per 100,000 people, but that doesn’t mean you won’t find meaningful places to meander and practice mindfulness here. The historic Old City, which is bordered on three sides by the winding river Aare, is an UNESCO World Heritage Site home to numerous historical landmarks – the Christoffelturm tower, Simsonbrunnen fountain, and Church of St. Peter and Paul among them.
7. Tallinn, Estonia
One of the best cities on this list when it comes to the number of parks per 100,000 people, boasting 4 parks per 100,000 people, the Estonian capital of Tallinn is a fantastic destination for JOMO travel. Kadriorg Park, in particular, is one place you’ll definitely want to visit when you arrive; home to the Estonian Art Museum, Kadriorg Art Museum, and Mikkeli Museum, this palatial park – which covers around 700,000 square-metres – is famous for its bright flower beds, swan pond, and a promenade leading to Residence of the President of Estonia.
8. Budapest, Hungary
The next destination on our list is Budapest, the capital of Hungary and home to roughly a third of this nation’s entire population. That fact alone might make you wonder how Budapest can be considered one of the best cities in Europe for JOMO travel, but an impressive number of museums (11 per 100,000 people), spas (14 per 100,000 people), and parks (3 per 100,000 people) call this bustling urban centre home. Its staggering population means it’s ranked a little lower on our list than you might think, but that doesn’t mean you should rule it out if you’re looking for a destination to switch off and relish in the world around you.
9. Berlin, Germany
Home to almost 4.8 million people, Berlin is the second-most populous city on this list and an urban centre where you’ll find hundreds of museums, spas, and parks to enjoy on your JOMO travels. Whether you want to wander the baroque gardens surrounding Charlottenburg Palace, marvel at the architecture of Lustgarten in the Mitte District, or sit beside the waterfall in Viktoriapark, you’ll find plenty of places to be present in this remarkable city.
10. London, United Kingdom
Last on our list is London, with a population of roughly 8.9 million people. Home to over 800 museums (9 per 100,000 people), 230 parks (3 per 100,000 people), and around 1,080 spas (12 per 100,00 people), you’ll certainly have no trouble finding somewhere relaxing to refresh yourself when you visit. It might be the lowest on our list, but these numbers top every category in our criteria, making it a true haven for JOMO travel.
Dave Mills, Chief Commercial Officer at Iglu Cruise said: “In 2025 we expect to see more passengers looking for trips focusing on wellbeing. If you’re searching for a getaway to prioritise your health, slow down or simply relax, cruise travel could be an option for you. You’ll find itineraries visiting continents in every corner of the world and enjoy fantastic onboard facilities such as spas, fitness centres, swimming pools, fine dining restaurants and quality entertainment. Get in touch with us to see how we can help.”
