🌌 Bored with daytime activities? Try noctourism instead

Inspiration Postcard #10: Shedding light on the best activities after dark

The sun is overrated.

It’s hot, your hands can get clammy, maybe you’ll get burned, and it can often bring large crowds wherever you go.

If you’re tired of standing in long lines and possibly getting burned while on a trip, why not travel in reverse?

By reverse, I mean planning experiences that are only available at night.

I knew that nighttime excursions were a thing, but until recently I was unaware there’s a whole nighttime travel industry.

I live where the resting temperature is hot to medium-hot. So, enjoying something after dark when it’s cooler sounds delightful.

Welcome to the world of noctourism!

If you’ve never heard of noctourism or haven't ever considered an adventure after dark, then take a seat and relax for the next 7ish minutes.

In this Inspiration Postcard, we’re taking a deep dive into different kinds of moonlight adventures around the world.

At the end of this post, you’ll become a noctourism guru. You’ll know what it is, how to do it, and some of the best places on Earth to have a nocturnal adventure.

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What is noctourism?

Sure, noctourism sounds like a DC Comics villain or the next DJ supergroup.

But it’s actually a growing travel trend for 2025.

This activity isn’t new, but noctourism is a recent term. If you’re a fan of stargazing, midnight hikes, glow worms, or glow sticks, chances are good you’ve already been doing it in some form.

Simply put, noctourism (nocturnal tourism) is having a travel experience at night. Like all experiences, these can be calming, exciting, scary, and fun.

If you want to explore the wonders of nature, you can! If you’re into an immersive cultural experience, there are plenty of options all over the world.

Noctourism can be a huge party or quiet solitude.

The Hawthorne Creative says noctourism is related to another travel trend - JOMO (Joy of Missing Out). Although many noctourism activities involve group gatherings, others are deeply personal.

A starlit beach hike, a solo adventure after dark, or time unplugged at night can be just what the doctor ordered.

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Why should you try noctourism

Don’t let being scared of the dark hold you back from a new memorable experience!

The best part of noctourism is a newfound connection with the sky.

According to Stephanie Vermillion, author of 100 Nights of a Lifetime, "The great thing about the night sky is the perspective it gives you – it's humbling and grounding.”

Noctourism lets you step outside your normal boundaries to experience a new version of the world.

You can reflect in peace and without normal noise or light pollution. Also, depending on how you do it, this nocturnal activity is a form of sustainable travel. You typically avoid crowds, there’s less traffic, and you aren’t in a rush compared to daytime activities.

Also, cities look a lot cooler after dark.

For example, Hong Kong has the fabulous Symphony of Lights along Victoria Harbor. The Blue Mosque in Istanbul shines in magnificence once the sun sets.

In short, noctourism can open the door to lots of adventures not available during the day.

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Here are some examples of noctourism:

• Ghost tours

• Star tours

• Observatories

• Observing the Northern lights

• Meteor showers

• Cosmic bowling