Did you know that half of Brits check work emails whilst they are away? And over a third regret how much time they spent on their device when they get home. Not only that, four in ten say that having social media access is important to them. Nowadays, there seems to be a trend towards ‘digital detox’ holidays- either travelling to a resort where there is no signal, or giving up social media whilst away. If this sounds tempting to you and you need a ‘braincation’, read on!
How to give up social media on holiday:
Delete all apps
We’re talking Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Whatsapp…delete them all! If you can’t get on the app, you won’t be tempted to check your social networks. You can easily re-download them once you’re home.
Turn off notifications
If you can’t bring yourself to delete your apps, at least turn off notifications. That goes for email too, you don’t need to know that Secret Sales has 50% off MAC makeup when you’re on holiday, do you?
Take a disposable camera
Throw it all the way back to the early 00’s and take a disposable camera with you. The pictures will look super cool, think of an Instagram filter without spending hours agonising over XX Pro or Valencia!
Post your pictures when you get home
Poor old Julie from the office doesn’t need to see pictures of your feet dangling in a beautiful blue swimming pool now, does she? She can certainly wait til you’re back on English soil.
Write postcards
Eventually, your message on your mum’s wall about what a great time you’re having will disappear, until Timehop picks it up next year. Why not send a thoughtful postcard instead? She will definitely appreciate that more.
Keep a diary
I know that you may defend your use of social media whilst on holiday as a way of keeping a diary, but why not keep an actual, physical diary? Makes a good storage place for all the ticket stubs you accumulate whilst away.
Resist asking for the wifi password
It can be the first thing you ask for in a hotel or restaurant, even before you order food, but if you don’t know it, you can’t use it! Giving up social media on holiday is all about exercising self control.
Travel somewhere signal-free
Drastic, I know, but there are certain corners of the world where you won’t get a signal. Or, you can check in at a hotel and hand over your devices. We’ll list some of our favourites in a moment.
Leave the phone at home
Leave your iPhone at home and take a little brick of a pay-as-you-go phone. No way to get on the internet, no temptation!
Our favourite digital detox getaways:
Camp Grounded, USA
Summer camp for grown ups! With over 35 activities to enjoy, you certainly won’t be bored here.
Echo Valley Ranch, Canada
This ranch and spa is nestled away in the forests of Canada, with all meals grown using produce on site.
Wild camping in Sweden or Norway
Isolate yourself from the world and go on an adventure by camping under the stars.
Skiary Guesthouse, Scotland
One of the most remote places you can stay- no roads, no electricity, no signal!
Stay in a Bothy in Northern Ireland
A bothy is a little stone converted barn. There’s lots of them in Northern Ireland and they are so cosy!
Why not make your next holiday a social media free zone? Your sanity will thank you for it.
