Traveling is meant to be an escape from the daily grind (and everyone needs a break from it every once in a while), a time to explore new places, meet interesting people and create memories that last a lifetime. But in our (unfortunate) hyper-connected world, it’s all too easy to spend more time staring at a screen than at the breathtaking view right in front of us. Chances are high. You’ve been to some amazing views, and you’ve seen people glued to their phones, right?
Instead of enjoying the sunset over the ocean, you’re responding to emails. Instead of immersing yourself in the local culture, you’re checking your social media feed. Sound familiar?
While yes, it’s important to stay connected, in a way, you have to stay connected; there’s no choice. If you’re in unfamiliar territory, a paper map doesn’t cut it, plus you might need to use your phone to make payments, show tickets, and the list goes on and on. But at the same time, it’s so important to unplug, too. You need to unplug every once in a while. But a vacation does mean that you should disconnect more.
Again, it’s about going against the norm of what you tend to do in daily life. But how can you properly give yourself a digital detox? Well, here’s exactly what you need to know!
Plan Your Disconnect Before You Depart
So, the key to unplugging while traveling starts before you even step out the door. This means you’ll need to plan your digital detox ahead of time by setting clear boundaries. Let your friends, family, and colleagues know that you’ll be less available. You might even set up an auto-reply for your email, letting people know you’re on vacation and will get back to them once you return.
Actually, it might even help out if you were to consider setting a goal for your trip: how much time do you want to spend online each day? Maybe it’s 30 minutes in the morning to check essential messages or perhaps just an hour at night to upload your travel photos. Whatever it is, stick to it. The idea isn’t to go completely off the grid (unless that’s your thing), but rather to be intentional about your screen time.
Choose the Right Destinations
Believe it or not, this actually might be key to helping you get a proper digital detox. Now, some places are better suited for unplugging than others. If you’re serious about disconnecting, then it might be ideal to consider destinations that naturally encourage it.
For example, you might want to look into cabins in the woods or the beachside that intentionally doesn’t have WiFi for the guests. Actually, in deep rural areas, there aren’t any cell phone towers either. But there are activities too, such as hiking, as you usually don’t need a phone (as long as it’s safe trails). But overall, where you’re going and what you do can play a fairly large role.
You’ll Have to Pack With Purpose
Packaging with that intention in mind is one of the best ways to ensure you unplug while traveling. Basically, all that means is not taking so many devices with you and trying to bring only one with you, like your phone or laptop (or both if need be). But do you really need your phone, laptop, Nintendo Switch, smartwatch, e-reader, and everything else under the sun?
Probably not. Sure, there will always be downtime, especially at night, and during downtime, it’s always acceptable to browse the web, play a game of chess online, or even watch a show or move—but try and leave it at that, though.
It’s All About Embracing Analog Activities
Depending on your age, you most likely remember different analog things growing up, drawing with pen and paper, journaling with an old-fashioned journal, analog cameras, disposable cameras, the list could go on and on. It’s all very old fashion right?
Well, one of the joys of traveling is the opportunity to immerse yourself in new experiences. Instead of reaching for your phone every time you have a spare moment, look for analog activities that allow you to connect with the world around you. That’s technically analog!
So, why not go ahead and explore local markets, try your hand at a new craft, or join a cooking class to learn how to make a regional dish? You could walk off the beaten path, take a hike, see a museum, or do basically whatever! But overall, these activities don’t require screens, and they offer a richer, more immersive experience than scrolling through Instagram ever could.
Engage With the People Around You
Phones and other devices are suppose to connect us, but they also physically disconnect us too. Seriously it’s really easy to get lost in your device, truly, it is, especially when you’re in a new place where everything feels unfamiliar. But it helps to try and engage with others. Yes, it can be awkward, but usually tour groups can be the best way to deter the awkwardness (and it’s encouraged to chat anyways).
Give Yourself Permission to Use Your Devices—In Moderation
So yes, it was already mentioned how to do a digital detox when traveling, but it’s fine to use your devices sometimes. You need your phone for navigation, if you’re on a long plane right it helps watching a movie, or listening to music, you need it to pull up tickets, and the list goes on and on. Basically, you need it, and that’s totally fine and acceptable!
There’s a time and a place for everything. So, using your device to navigate unfamiliar streets, snap photos of a beautiful landscape, or even unwind with a game on your computer isn’t a crime. The key is moderation. So, that means that you’ll need to set aside specific times during your day when you allow yourself to use your devices. This way, you’re not constantly reaching for your phone out of habit but rather using it with intention.
The reality is that our devices can be incredibly useful while traveling. They help us find our way, keep us connected to loved ones, and even provide a bit of entertainment when we need a break. But it’s important to strike a balance.
The problem lies when too much screen time gets in the way, as this can make you miss out on amazing experiences you could be having. For example, why binge-watch a show in the evening when you could do a pub crawl instead?
