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Tech-Free Travel: Embracing Authentic Experiences

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By Karen Espig

In a recent article by yours truly, I wrote about the value and benefits of disconnecting from the daily grind and just how long that break should be. 

This time, I am upping the ante by looking at disconnecting from technology and reaping the rewards of a more enriched and authentic travel experience. Are you ready to embrace tech-free travel?

What Is It?

Tech-free travel means no smartphones, tablets, or laptops. You will not be checking your social media or navigating your way using a map application. I know it sounds scary, but I promise it can be done, and you will likely love it and wish to do it again.

Why Should I?

The impacts are becoming clearer now that we have lived a couple of decades of techfilled lives. Despite the many benefits of having the world a finger-tap away on our devices, there are costs. 

Studies indicate that being constantly tethered to technology affects our mental health, increasing our anxiety and depression levels.

But, What About Safety Or Emergencies?

This often is a knee-jerk reaction to any new or uncomfortable situation. Yes, it is vital to have an emergency plan, but also take a moment to think about all of the vacations you’ve already taken. Were there emergencies?

If you must maintain communication ties, mobile phones without data, for emergency purposes, are the way to go. Or you can put your phone on airplane mode. Some tech-free travellers purchase a “dumbphone” and leave their app-filled smartphone at home.

Regarding general safety, you could travel in a group (people you know or don’t). If you are a solo traveller, be sure to have the address of your accommodation written down, along with emergency phone numbers. 

Planning

Some tour companies offer experiences where much of the legwork is done for you, or you could choose an immersive cultural experience or workshop. If you plan it yourself, keep the itinerary manageable by opting for a single city or region, or choose an area you have previously visited. 

Tools Of The Trade

One crucial tool will be a map or guidebook, yup, the old-fashioned paper kind! You may need more than one for the region (especially if you are driving to it) and for the city or town you will stay in. 

Now, I realise some of you have never used a map outside other than on a smartphone, but this brings us to another benefit of tech-free travel… new skills! I encourage you to really look at the map(s) before you go so you have a bit more confidence going into the challenge.

If travelling where your native language is not prevalent, purchase a phrase book, or put together a list of translated essential words and phrases in a small notebook. 

Speaking of paper notebooks, bring one! It is great for making notes about where you visit or open hours of restaurants, museums, etc. It can also double as a journal so you can write about your adventures when you get home.

Other Resources

Back to the subject of emergencies: don’t forget to write down the details for your country’s embassy or consulate in your trusty notebook. 

Most places have tourist information centres, so make them your first stop when you arrive. They will know the essentials and what events are happening for the days you are visiting. 

Making Memories

Of course, you will want to take photos to reflect on and share with others. Indeed, the youngest amongst you may never have held a real camera, so now’s your chance. There are many inexpensive options on the market, and the delayed gratification of printing the photos means you can relive your vacation as you go through them later.

Sometimes experiences will have a photo booth or photographer as an add-on to your entrance ticket. Spend the money and have the cheesy pic taken as a souvenir.

If you are a crafter, collect the paper menus, flyers, or tickets from your experiences instead of cell phone photos and make a scrapbook page or collage. Sketching on-site is also a fabulous way to spend time on your vacation.

What If I Get Lost?

I don’t know about you, but I often get lost, even with a smartphone. Identify a meeting point and time if you are travelling with others; i.e., if you get separated, meet at such-and-such at 17:00. 

There are many reasons why travelling tech-free is a good idea. At a minimum, it provides you with an entirely new experience. Still, more significantly, studies show that a digital detox benefits physical and mental wellness, lowering stress, increasing confidence and improving mood.

Also, when we are fully engaged with our surroundings, we experience more enriching connections with the people in it (locals and your fellow travellers). Still not convinced? Try it for one full day of your vacation, and then think a little about how it felt. 

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