Disconnected travel is a way to unplug and fully enjoy the experience of where you are and what is happening.
This means refraining from using social media during that time, avoiding electronics for entertainment, and minimizing phone use whenever possible.
Disconnected travel can be achieved by going far away or just employing certain rules near home.
Travel and relaxation were once synonymous. Leaving home and stepping away allowed us to take a deep breath, experience somewhere new, and better appreciate who we were traveling with, all while taking a mental break.
But as the world became more accessible, it also became smaller. Even when traveling far away, we’re still tethered to home, work, and the news of the world.
It’s time to take back your travel. Maybe it’s a long weekend, a sabbatical, or getting in your car and driving with no specific plan. Whatever it looks like, immerse yourself in disconnected travel.
Three tenants of disconnected travel
While disconnected travel as a concept can look different for everyone, there are a few basic “rules” to keep in mind for a truly disconnected, enjoyable experience.
Turn off the phone
We understand this one can be hard and seem almost impossible. Whether you need to be reached in case of an emergency or have children back home, having your phone on you is a precaution, even a given in today’s world.
But you can still make a concentrated effort to unplug from your phone as much as possible. Start by setting it to “Do Not Disturb,” allowing only a select few to get through via phone call or text. Make sure to let people back home know as well that you’ll be unreachable except for emergencies.
Avoid social media
Social media, while a great way to stay connected, can also become a black hole. When you’re unplugging, try setting a time limit on your social media to remind you when you’ve spent too long on the apps in 24 hours.
You can also try removing the apps from your devices for the duration of the trip, a simple act that will change your entire experience. That picture can be posted when you return.
Return to basics
One of the quickest ways to fall back into “connected” habits is by pulling out our phones or devices for the everyday things we’ve become accustomed to using them for. So refamiliarize yourself with cash and credit cards, a digital camera, and a physical map. It’s time to learn to read road signs!
Three unique ways to experience disconnected travel
When you’re ready to take your disconnected travel a step further and truly get away, try one of these three experiences.
A private, exclusive villa
Just imagine it; your own abode on the water, waves lapping lazily against the dock while a gentle breeze drifts through the palm trees above. Your stress level likely goes down just thinking of the possibility. You can make it happen with private island villas.
Private villas offer an exclusive, relaxing, and unmatched destination. They can be part of vacation rentals or all-inclusive resorts. The one thing always guaranteed is an escape. Step away from the everyday world and into a tropical paradise that feels magical.
Connecting with nature
One of the best ways to disconnect from technology and stress is to reconnect with nature. This can be as simple as taking a camping trip or exploring the natural wonders within driving distance. The point is to go somewhere with no wifi or cell signal, while having an emergency plan, of course.
To truly make the most of your time away, though, and experience a new area, join a nature tour. These are led by experienced guides who know the area, the flora and fauna, where it’s safe to be, and, most importantly, handle all the logistics, allowing you to completely unplug.
A detox holiday
Do you still want to experience all the amenities of traditional travel, finding a way to unplug? Or maybe you just can’t travel too far from home right now. More and more places are offering detox holidays.
These detox, or disconnected, packages are a curated experience, building off the concept of a staycation, but one that comes with rules. Most of the hotels or resorts remove the television and smart device docks from your room and block the Wi-Fi. And in some cases, they take your phone.
From hidden resorts to busy city-center hotels, find the unplugged package to help you unplug!
To sum up
The world is a busy, fast-moving place and is only getting faster. You can slow down, though. Use these six ideas to disconnect, unplug, and get away for a while, immersing yourself in a relaxing and stress-free experience.
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