Travel: The 'Soft Reset Trip': A Travel Trend for a Tired World

What is the Soft Reset Trip Trend?

The "Soft Reset Trip" is a travel trend for 2025 defined by low-key, relaxing getaways that prioritize rest and rejuvenation over jam-packed itineraries and high-octane fun. This trend is a direct response to a world that feels "overdone with the work of traveling" and the high-stress nature of modern life. Instead of frantic sightseeing or intense partying, travelers are seeking out quiet spaces and meaningful, low-stress activities.

• From "Go-Go-Go" to "Slow": The soft reset trip is a conscious shift away from the traditional, frenetic vacation style characterized by "go-go-go" schedules, crowded tourist sites, and the pressure to have a "picture-perfect" time.

• Focus on Mental Wellness: This trend aligns with the "soft life" philosophy, with a core goal of reducing anxiety and stress. Travelers are opting for experiences that actively contribute to their mental and emotional well-being, such as nature walks, spa rituals, and simply "lounging in bed all day."

• A New Kind of Connection: Instead of the superficial interactions of a loud party trip, soft reset trips are designed to foster deeper, more authentic connections with travel companions and the destination itself through shared, low-key activities like cooking, crafting, or even getting lost on a hike.

Why It's Trending: A Backlash Against the Burnout Economy

This travel trend is gaining momentum because it directly addresses the feeling of modern burnout and the inherent stressors of traditional travel.

• Exhaustion from Modern Life: The "soft life" movement, which encourages people to prioritize simple pleasures and self-care, has gained traction on social media. People are feeling "overdone with the work of traveling" and their daily lives, leading to a desire for genuine restoration.

• The Stress of Traditional Travel: Psychotherapist Diane Barth notes that the act of traveling itself has become painful, with increased flight delays, congested tourist sites, and the pressure to create a social media-worthy experience. This leads many people to feel like they "need a vacation from the trip" itself.

• Data Supports the Shift: Industry reports from Vrbo and Hilton confirm the trend. Vrbo's Unpack '25 report found that 54% of travelers are opting for more secluded spots, and 75% report that these trips reduce anxiety. Hilton's 2025 Trends Report similarly found that more than 1 in 5 travelers are leaning into simpler, more spontaneous getaways.

The Chillest Way to Travel

This trend is centered on a change in mindset, where the goal of a trip is not to see everything but to feel something. It's a recognition that true restoration comes from slowing down, not from a crowded itinerary.

Detailed Findings: The New Travel Itinerary

• Destination Choice: Travelers are moving away from traditional party hotspots like Las Vegas and Nashville and are instead seeking secluded and serene places. Vrbo is seeing increased demand for cabins in the woods, beach cottages, and lake houses.

• Activity Focus: The emphasis has shifted from bar crawls and packed schedules to activities that promote connection and well-being. Examples include yoga, cooking classes, nature walks, and community-led cultural activities that provide a more "grounded" engagement with the destination.

• The Power of Nothing: The most transformative trips, according to the article's subjects, are those with no plans. Travelers are intentionally choosing to do "nothing," such as spending a day sitting at different cafes in Paris or having a "vibecation" to a nearby, easily reachable place with no goals.

• The Value of Spontaneity: The article highlights how impromptu, unplanned moments, like getting lost on a hike or a spontaneous cold plunge, are creating some of the most memorable and meaningful experiences.

• Bachelorette Party Makeovers: The "soft reset" trend is even transforming milestone celebrations. Instead of blowout destination parties, brides like Micah Harris are opting for low-key overnight hangs with manicures and yoga sessions, focused on genuine connection rather than exhaustion.

Key Success Factors of a Soft Reset Trip

• Location, Location, Unwind: Choosing a destination that is inherently relaxing and secluded, such as a cabin or a quiet beach cottage, is crucial to setting the right tone.

• Embracing Spontaneity: The best trips are not over-scheduled. They allow for spontaneity and the freedom to do whatever feels right in the moment.

• Prioritizing Connection: The focus is on quality time with friends and family, facilitated by low-key group activities that allow for genuine conversation and bonding without the pressure of a loud, crowded environment.

• Intentionality: The success of the trip lies in the traveler's intention to relax and recharge. This involves actively making choices that reduce stress, such as choosing a nearby destination to avoid the pain of air travel.

Key Takeaway: The Ultimate Travel Goal Is Restoration

The ultimate goal of travel is no longer to collect experiences or "check off" a bucket list but to return home feeling genuinely rested and restored. The soft reset trip is the most effective way to achieve this, as it eliminates the stressors of traditional travel and prioritizes mental and emotional well-being above all else.

Main Trend: The De-Pressurized Vacation

The main trend is the societal shift toward de-pressurized travel, where the value of a trip is measured by its ability to restore an individual, rather than by the number of activities they can cram in or the extravagance of the destination.

Description of the trend: The Rise of the "Hurkle-Durkling" Traveler

This trend describes a new type of traveler who rejects the hustle of traditional tourism. These individuals are "hurkle-durkling"—lounging in bed all day without guilt—and are looking for trips that align with the "soft life" philosophy. They prioritize simple pleasures, self-care, and meaningful human connection over the social-media-driven pressure to appear busy or adventurous. This traveler is intentionally seeking stillness, peace, and opportunities for genuine self-recalibration.

Key Characteristics of the Core trend: Redefining "Fun"

• Proximity and Accessibility: Travelers are increasingly choosing destinations that are easily reachable, such as a short drive away, to avoid the stress of air travel.

• Authenticity over Spectacle: The desire to "live like a local" and engage in community-led activities, such as cooking classes, is replacing the need to see all the major tourist sites.

• Mindfulness and Presence: The trend encourages travelers to be present in the moment and appreciate the simple things, whether it's sitting at a café all day or just enjoying a quiet moment on a beach.

• Flexibility over Rigidity: Spontaneity is prized. Travelers are leaving their itineraries open-ended, allowing them to follow their whims and truly relax.

• Wellness as a Priority: The trip is viewed as a form of self-care. The focus is on activities that are healing and restorative for the mind and body.

Market and Cultural Signals Supporting the Trend

• The "Soft Life" Philosophy: A term coined on TikTok to encourage prioritizing simple pleasures and self-care, which has spread into the mainstream and is now influencing lifestyle choices, including travel.

• Industry Reports: Major players like Vrbo and Hilton are publishing reports that show a definitive consumer shift toward serene, secluded, and simple getaways.

• The Backlash Against Over-Scheduling: The article highlights stories of people who felt exhausted and stressed by previous trips, creating a cultural consensus that a different approach is needed.

• The Rise of "Vibecations": A term used by travelers to describe trips where the goal is simply to "vibe" and not to accomplish anything specific, reflecting a desire to free themselves from the pressure of goals.

• The Role of Stress: The article references psychotherapists and data that confirm the high levels of stress and anxiety in modern life, which makes restorative travel a necessity rather than a luxury.

What is consumer motivation: The Need to Recharge

• Mental Health: Consumers are motivated by a deep-seated need to reduce anxiety and stress. They see travel as a form of "mental maintenance" and a way to return to their lives refreshed and ready to re-engage.

• Connection: The desire for a deeper, more meaningful connection with loved ones is a key driver. Soft reset trips provide the time and space to foster these relationships without the distractions of a loud, busy environment.

• Escapism from Hassle: Consumers are motivated to escape not just their everyday life but the very "work" of traditional travel itself, including planning, packing, and dealing with travel-related stress.

• The Promise of True Rest: The core motivation is the promise of genuine rest and rejuvenation, a feeling of not being in "sleep debt" or needing a "vacation from your vacation."

What is motivation beyond the trend: A Return to Self

• Self-Discovery: For many, this kind of travel is an opportunity for introspection and self-discovery, allowing them to reconnect with their own needs and creativity away from the noise of a city or a packed itinerary.

• Authentic Experience: The motivation is to have a real, authentic experience, whether that's with their friends or a local community, rather than a superficial one designed for social media.

• Physical and Emotional Well-being: Travelers are motivated by the tangible benefits of this kind of trip, such as feeling rejuvenated, creative, and emotionally grounded.

Descriptions of consumers: The Weary Traveler

• Consumer Summary: The consumers driving this trend are modern individuals who are feeling the weight of a busy, demanding world. They are likely middle-class, with enough disposable income to travel, but are tired of feeling like they need to use their vacation to recover from their vacation. They value experiences over things and are seeking a more purposeful and restorative way to spend their leisure time. They are often active on social media but are wary of the pressure it creates, seeking out a more authentic experience away from the "picture-perfect" expectations.

• Who are they?: A broad range of people, from young professionals planning bachelorette parties to older individuals who have grown tired of the go-go-go travel style.

• What is their age?: The article mentions individuals in their 30s and 40s, suggesting that this trend is prominent among millennials and Gen X who are experiencing professional and personal burnout.

• What is their gender?: The article features women and the "soft life" philosophy which was coined by and for Black women, indicating that this trend may be particularly relevant to women, but it's not exclusive to them.

• What is their income?: The article does not specify, but the trend covers both high-end rentals and more low-key, "easily reachable" trips, suggesting it's accessible to a wide range of incomes.

• What is their lifestyle?: They are likely busy, professionally and socially. They are looking for ways to escape the constant hustle and digital noise of their daily lives.

How the Soft Reset Trip Trend Is Changing Consumer Behavior

• Reimagining Celebrations: Consumers are fundamentally changing how they celebrate major life events, like bachelorette parties, to be more intentional and less stressful.

• Prioritizing Proximity: People are increasingly choosing to travel to nearby destinations to avoid the logistical and emotional stress of airports and long flights.

• Embracing Spontaneity: The "no goals" approach to travel is becoming more common, as travelers allow themselves the freedom to do whatever they feel like, whenever they feel like it.

• Seeking a Deeper Connection: Consumers are no longer content with superficial tourist experiences. They are actively seeking out ways to engage with the local culture and create more meaningful connections with their travel companions.

Implications of trend Across the Ecosystem

• For Consumers: A healthier, more fulfilling approach to leisure time that leads to genuine restoration.

• For Brands & CPGs: Hospitality brands, rental companies, and travel agencies must adapt their offerings to focus on well-being, seclusion, and low-key experiences. They should market "rest" as a primary product.

• For Retailers: Retailers in and around travel destinations can capitalize on this trend by offering products and services that align with a "soft life" approach, such as local artisan goods, healthy food options, and wellness-focused activities.

Strategic Forecast: The Future of Travel is Quiet

• Rise of the Micro-Vacation: The trend points to more frequent, smaller, and more intentional trips that serve as a "reset" throughout the year, rather than one big, exhausting annual vacation.

• Wellness and Retreats: We will see a boom in travel experiences centered around wellness, from yoga retreats and meditation centers to "digital detox" getaways.

• Data-Driven Customization: Travel companies will use data to predict a traveler’s need for a “reset” trip and will offer personalized, low-stress itineraries.

• Authenticity Over Glamour: The focus will shift from the "Instagrammable" shot to the genuine, unscripted moment. Travel companies and influencers will need to pivot their messaging to reflect this change.

Areas of innovation: Creating a Restful Experience

• Wellness Concierge Services: Services offered by hotels and rentals that can curate a personalized itinerary of restorative activities like private yoga sessions, guided meditation, or local nature walks.

• "Digital Detox" Packages: Hotels and rentals offering packages that encourage travelers to unplug, which could include secure phone lockers, limited Wi-Fi access, and on-site wellness activities.

• Mindful Travel Platforms: Websites and apps that help travelers find secluded, off-the-beaten-path destinations and connect them with local guides for authentic, community-led experiences.

• Flexible and Spontaneous Booking: Travel platforms and airlines could offer more flexible booking options for last-minute, low-stress trips to nearby destinations, allowing travelers to act on their desire for a "vibecation."

• Enhanced "Staycation" Offerings: Hotels and local businesses can create tailored "staycation" packages that help people feel like they've traveled far away, even when they're close to home, including special amenities and curated local experiences.

Summary of Trends

• Core Consumer Trend: The demand for genuine, restorative travel that prioritizes mental and physical well-being over the pressure of a packed schedule.

• Core Social Trend: A cultural shift toward "soft life" and the rejection of hustle culture, which is now influencing how people plan their leisure time.

• Core Strategy: Travel and hospitality brands must pivot their marketing and product offerings to focus on wellness, seclusion, and the emotional benefits of rest, rather than just location and activities.

• Core Industry Trend: The travel industry is moving away from the "blowout" trip model toward a more fragmented, intentional model of frequent, short "soft reset" trips.

• Core Consumer Motivation: The need for a genuine escape from the pressures of modern life, leading to a focus on simplicity, spontaneity, and authentic human connection.

Final Thought: The End of the Hustle Vacation

The rise of the "soft reset trip" signals a much-needed and long-overdue shift in how we approach leisure. In a world that often feels relentlessly fast-paced and demanding, travelers are finally realizing that the most valuable part of a vacation isn't what you do, but how you feel. The stories from Micah, Katy, and Breda prove that true rejuvenation comes not from crossing items off a checklist, but from the simple, unscripted moments of connection and stillness. This trend is a testament to the fact that the most meaningful journeys are often the ones where you slow down, breathe, and give yourself permission to simply be.

Source: https://www.bustle.com/life/soft-reset-trips-most-relaxing-travel-trend