Holiday ideas that will help you disconnect from the digital world

We all live in highly digitised times, where being connected is more important than ever. However, as great as technology is, it can also be harmful and mentally draining. Having breaks and disconnecting for a bit is, therefore, incredibly important but easier said than done. So, here are some holiday ideas that will help you fully recharge your batteries. 

Camino de Santiago

The Camino de Santiago is a network of pilgrim routes across Europe, with the majority leading to the tomb of St. James in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. These holidays are increasingly popular amongst travellers of all generations and interests, due to the ability to challenge themselves both physically and mentally.  

In Camino, digital detox is one of the main offerings of the journey. The daily act of walking, for many hours at the time, grounds you firmly in the present. As your physical body dictates the pace, your mind gets to slow down. Your daily life simplifies to the essential needs only: walking, eating, sleeping. And, technology, if carried, is only used occasionally for maps, but GPS is preferred by many pilgrims. 

The journey typically takes a week to a month, though shorter sections are more realistic for most holiday-makers. You may use the Santiago Ways travel agency, who will plan the itinerary and take care of the details for you, including airport pick-up and luggage transfers. Therefore, with everything sorted out, you can keep your phone in the pocket. The reward is profound – mental clarity and a sense of accomplishment away from the screens. 

Silent retreat

A silent retreat provides a radical escape from our noise-filled world. Participants essentially commit to a dedicated period, often at a specialised retreat center, spent entirely in silence. This means no talking, no whispering, no gesturing, and, crucially, no digital devices. Most retreats explicitly forbid phones and laptops, enforcing an immediate digital abstinence. 

The elimination of verbal communication strips away social pressures, allowing for an in-depth internal focus. This structured environment typically involves guided meditation practices, like Zen, Vipassana, MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction), and yoga, which all keep you busy, while leaving enough time for reflection. Additionally, a typical day will involve a lot of walking and mindful eating.

Silent retreats can vary in length, usually starting at 3 days up to 10-day courses, depending on your readiness for such an experience. While initially it can cause a lot of discomfort, induced by digital detox and complete silence, the benefits are significant: enhanced self-awareness, reduced stress, space for emotional processing and, often, a heightened appreciation for the present moment.

Off-grid eco resort

For a profound digital detox, consider a remote wilderness immersion. This holiday type involves deliberately choosing accommodation far from digital infrastructure – think a secluded cabin somewhere deep in a forest or an extended camping expedition. Similarly, you may stay in an eco-lodge that operates based on off-grid principles (meaning it survives completely on its own resources, such as solar power).

The disconnection mechanism is often built-in within such a stay. The geographic isolation usually means no cell service and Wi-Fi is often unavailable. Modern conveniences may also not be there – for instance, in the winter, you may be using a wood stove instead of central heating. You also normally won’t find a telly in such a lodge. Therefore, you are left listening to the song of birds and the sound of rain tapping on the window.

The rest of the time, you may enjoy the wilderness around your lodge. Typically located in the midst of national parks, you can find various activities, like hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and horse riding. The benefits are beyond relaxation – it forsters an “unplugged” experience and a deeper connection with the natural world. 

Nautical escape

Last but not least, a nautical escape is a multi-day journey on water. Whether you prefer a sailboat or canal boat, the goal is to disconnect from the digital world and get lost into an aquatic heaven. Once a few miles from shore, all of your attention turns to the elements: wind, waves, weather, navigation. It all reminds you just how powerful mother nature is and how insignificant most of our daily worries really are. 

What’s more, it’s the perfect place to soak up the sun rays and admire the views from a different perspective. The most beautiful destinations for a nautical escape include Italy, Croatia, Greece, France and Spain, however, you do not need to go far to get the same benefits, as long as you live by some water. Swing along the meditative rhythm of the water and smell the fresh air away from the city’s pollution – this is what a nature escape is really all about. 

Re-entering the digital world

All of these holidays offer the chance to detox yourself from digital overload. The aim isn’t to permanently shun technology, but to take a step back and recharge the battery. After that, you can come back to a healthier relationship with technology. 

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