‘Slow Summer Vacations' Are Trending In Popularity For 2025

Forbes

06-05-2025

Slow summer vacations are all the rage for getaways in 2025. getty
Summer is just around the corner, and it's time to plan vacations if you haven't already. But the tanking economy, jammed airports, travel disruptions, canceled flights and flight delays--plus lost luggage claims up 18%--are causing vacationers to rethink how they want to spend time off. There's a new trend of vacationers opting out of the rat race for 'slow summer vacations.' Experts predict that summer 2025 memories won't be made at packed camps or faraway resorts but instead during slow mornings, spontaneous outings and unplanned afternoons at home.
Almost one year ago to the day I was writing about 'hushcations' for Forbes.com in which younger workers were sneaking vacations without calling off work or disclosing their location to their employers. The 'hush movement' grew among remote workers across the country as they tried to find risk-averse ploys to combine remote working with their desire for job flexibility.
Now, as summer nears, Americans hit a 15-year low in travel planning, according to Fortune, explaining that job insecurity from DOGE layoffs and tariffs are shattering 2025 vacation plans. Instead, they are turning to a different kind of break called 'slow summer vacations.' Vacationers this summer are shying away from packed schedules and pricey plans, scaling back activities, cutting costs and allowing more unstructured time for both kids and parents. Interest in the idea is rising, with Google searches for 'Slow Summer' up 30% over the past month.
The movement stands in stark contrast to the typical American summer, which often revolves around packed schedules filled with camps, structured programs and costly vacations. This new summer pattern is trending in a parallel direction of how work rules are evolving from hustle culture to micro-retirements and a greater emphasis on flexibility, spontaneity and work-life balance. Five Aspects Of 'Slow Summer Vacations'
I spoke with Brooks Lape of Start Your Recovery who describes how the 'slow summer' trend includes five aspects:
Lape told me by email that many parents are now limiting organized activities to one or two per week maximum, compared to the typical four or five activities many families try to juggle. 'Families are creating 'activity-free days where the only plan is to have no plans, allowing for spontaneous family adventures or simply relaxing at home,' he says. 'This deliberate under-scheduling is helping families reduce the logistical stress of summer while creating space for more meaningful connections.' 2. Embracing boredom
There's typically an initial "boredom detox" period of three to seven days where children may complain about having nothing to do. After the initial period of resistance, Lape finds that boredom eventually leads to greater creativity, self-direction and imaginative play. And kids begin developing their own games, returning to forgotten toys, or diving into creative projects. 'We've seen examples of children creating elaborate backyard obstacle courses, writing and illustrating their own books and developing neighborhood games that evolved over weeks of summer play," he states.
Lape observes that families are establishing "tech-free zones" both in time and space to encourage outdoor exploration from bike rides at dusk to spontaneous backyard games and local adventures, children are reconnecting with the joys of close-to-home freedom. 'Many are connecting with other neighborhood families to create informal play groups that meet regularly at local parks or rotate between backyards,' he notes. 'We're seeing a resurgence of classic summer activities like catching fireflies, setting up lemonade stands, and organizing impromptu sports games that include children of various ages.' 4. Choosing budget-friendly fun
Instead of splurging on costly entertainment, families are turning to simple pleasures—sprinklers in the yard, homemade popsicles, visits to the library and walks in nature. "With inflation concerns, families are embracing "experience challenges" like trying to visit every free museum, park, or splash pad in their area," according to Lape. 'Many are creating summer bucket lists focused on free or low-cost activities rather than expensive outings. There's increased interest in family skill-sharing, where parents teach children practical skills like cooking, gardening or basic carpentry through summer-long projects.' 5. Building flexible routines
Rather than sticking to rigid schedules, Lape explains that many are adopting loose daily rhythms that allow room for spontaneity and following their children's interests—perhaps morning reading time, midday outdoor play and evening family activities—while remaining flexible enough to pursue spontaneous opportunities. He adds that many families are implementing "yes days" where kids get to make the decisions (within reasonable parameters), fostering autonomy and creating memorable experiences. The Mental Health Benefits of 'Slow Summer Vacations'
Slow Summer vacations are providing something children desperately need but rarely get in today's achievement-oriented culture, according to Lape, which is unstructured time to play, daydream and process their experiences. 'When every moment is planned and directed by adults, children miss opportunities to develop intrinsic motivation and self-regulation. They become dependent on external stimulation and struggle with independent problem-solving,' he concludes. "The mental health benefits of slowing down include reduced anxiety, improved sleep, stronger family connections and the development of crucial coping skills.'