The Rise of ‘Silent Travel’: Why More Tourists Are Seeking No-Talking Retreats?

Does silence guarantee freedom from noise? The words ‘noisy background’ seem to have remodelled themselves as synonyms of each other, with us, constantly seeking a background noise to get on with our lives. Playlists, podcasts, meditation music and even apps to help fall asleep, however, they cannot offer permanent solutions, yet have evolved to dominate our tech-dependent lives. Is silent travel truly an escape from the cacophony of urban lives? Let’s uncover the finer nuances of silent retreats in this feature. 

What is the Silent Tourism Trend?

Silent tourism, also known as silent travel, are vacations that emphasise tranquillity and mindfulness. This mindful travel is aimed at offering a peaceful sanctuary from the incessant noise of modern existence. In an era dominated by relentless digital connectivity and the commotion of urban life, silent travel seems to have emerged as a counter-movement.

Often packaged as ‘quiet’ travel experiences, digital detox travels, wellness tourism or silent retreats, the trend of ‘silent travel’ is slowly turning into a rage with urban dwellers. As an increasing number of travellers look to seek solace in silence, it is imperative to critically examine the implications and validity of this burgeoning phenomenon.

The Allure of Silence

The modern traveller’s pursuit of silence is not merely a quest for quietude but a deeper yearning for mental clarity and rejuvenation. Silent retreats and ‘quietcations’ have surged in popularity among busy individuals, with destinations offering environments devoid of digital distractions and ambient noise. 

This inclination towards silence is underpinned by mounting evidence of noise pollution’s detrimental effects on mental health. The World Health Organisation has identified noise pollution as a significant environmental stressor, contributing to ailments such as sleep disturbances and cardiovascular diseases. Consequently, the appeal of silent travel is perhaps not solely about escapism but a proactive approach to health and well-being.

Commercialisation of Quietude

The commodification of silence raises pertinent questions about the authenticity of such experiences when all they offer are tech-free time periods. The travel industry has swiftly capitalised on this trend, with luxury resorts and wellness centres offering curated silent retreats at premium prices. Though these retreats promise serenity and tranquillity, the most important questions to ask ourselves is: How long can we remain in such tranquillity? Is it forever?

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It doesn’t take too long for markets to commercialise trends, for example the ‘silent walking’ trend on TikTok that was soaked up by majority viewers like parched earth absorbing water. Ironically, the ‘silent walking’ trend involves taking a walk or stroll without your phone – a regular activity in the world before cellphones existed.

This commercialisation potentially transforms a genuine need for tranquillity into a marketable commodity.

Existing ‘Silent’ practices

Man’s pursuit of silence has existed since the dawn of civilisation. Indian practices such as ‘maun vrat’, renouncing worldly life to settle in distant forests to meditate, or the more-recent Buddhist practice of Vipassana meditation retreats are few examples of practices that advocate silence as the medium to know oneself better. However, these practices hold no spiritual significance.

These practices involve dwelling in silence for a certain period of time with the desire to disconnect with the world and connect with oneself. However, such practices of forced meditation are forbidden in our scriptures, as enlightened by Jagatguru Tatvdarshi Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj. 

Travellers must critically assess whether their participation in such retreats is a result of trend-hopping or does it truly solve their quest for solitude. More importantly, is the quietude momentary or does it last beyond the digital detox retreat?

The Paradox of Silent Travel

The pursuit of silence through travel is an inherent paradox. The very act of travelling contributes to environmental degradation, contradicting the principles of mindfulness and sustainability that silent travel advocates. Often involving long-haul flights and extensive journeys, this contradiction calls for a more introspective approach to those individuals accepting silent travel as a sustainable travel method.

Does relying on distant luxury silent retreats really lead to peace and decluttering?

Why Do We Seek Silence? The Hidden Spiritual Connection to Our True Home

Silent travel reflects a collective yearning for peace in an increasingly noisy world, with the aim of knowing oneself better. But do we really know ‘ourselves’ and our origin?

Jagatguru Tatvdarshi Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj reveals the most startling truth of our existence that might seem baffling at first, but irrefutable evidence in our sacred scriptures puts all doubts to rest.

Our innate yearning for peace and solitude stems from our celestial origin. All souls trace their lineage to the Supreme Creator – God Kabir; and ‘Satlok’ was our original abode. Satlok is not just the residence of God Kabir and our true birthplace, but also a place of indefinite abundance, peace and tranquillity. 

Our extreme longing for peace, happiness and stillness is because we have already lived a significant life span in Satlok. How did we arrive on Earth then? And why is peace or solitude only momentary here?

Discover answers to these often-overlooked questions and uncover the path back to our Supreme Father through the eye-opening spiritual discourses of Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj: