You Should Absolutely Try TikTok's 'Soft Travel' Trend For Your Next Trip

If you’re on the travel side of TikTok, you may have come across topics like “soft life,” “soft travel” or “soft life travel.” In these videos, viewers often see beautiful, bright images of beaches, flowy dresses and coffee mugs sitting by a window.

Many creators are embracing this lifestyle-turned-travel trend. It originated from the idea of living the “soft life,” as named and popularized by Nigerian influencers and Black women . Basically, it means living in a way that’s less stressful, less busy and more fulfilling.

What does it mean in the context of travel, though?

“Soft travel, simply put, is taking the rest you know you need in a place where you feel some space from your daily life,” said Willow McGinty, a licensed mental health counselor with Thriveworks.

In some ways, soft travel looks the same for most people, like sleeping in or not hurrying from spot to spot. If you’re a parent, perhaps you’re letting your kids lead the way and taking your time going from point A to point B. You’re probably not “ticking off landmarks or following guided tours in multiple languages” either, said Valerie Kowalski , an associate therapist with Gateway to Solutions.

But, as McGinty noted, it can also look different depending on your interests and what relaxes you. For example, a walk outdoors may feel calming to some but exhausting to others; some people may find lying on the beach most relaxing, while others need to pair it with a popular summer read.

Additionally, soft travel can mimic other travel trends. Vacationers who are going to a new city or want to get more touristy may prefer immersing themselves in quality-over-quantity adventures via “slow travel.” On the other hand, those who need time to relax by sleeping may