Addicted to social media? Can’t take your eyes away from a screen? Perhaps it’s time for a digital detox getaway, says Travel Counsellor Nicki Harrison.
‘In this modern age, it’s easy to feel like your eyes are constantly directed at a screen. Whether it’s because you are glued to Google, fascinated with Facebook or intrigued by the latest trend on Instagram – if your fingers are twitching because you haven’t checked your notifications for 10 minutes, maybe you should consider a digital detox as one of your New Year’s resolutions.
‘It’s estimated that the average user will have 2,617 interactions with gadgets and gizmos every day (that’s more than 18,000 uses per week). Between computer use at home and work, regular mobile phone activity and watching or using TVs and game consoles, this heavy dependency on technology can lead to a sense of ‘overwhelm’ or even a detachment from reality.
‘As a result of this, digital detox holidays have become increasingly popular over the last year. Many of us now want to take the opportunity to swap technology for quality time and escape the stresses of everyday life. What better time to do this than when on holiday?
‘A digital detox adventure puts you back in control, opening up a window of opportunity for your brain “to breathe.” You may adopt new habits and rewire your relationship with those precious gadgets. We can’t live without technology, but sometimes we wish we could and it’s these digital detox holidays that encourage us to live in the moment… even if it’s just for a moment.’
Tailor-made digital detox escapes
‘One of the best hotel chains that you could choose if you want a digital detox are the COMO Hotels. This wonderful brand has hotels in Australia, Bhutan, Indonesia, Italy, the Maldives, North America, Thailand, Turks and Caicos and even the UK. Each hotel is known for offering personalised service, as well as being truly individual and curated to reflect the resort’s location. Como Hotels are also a big player in the world of holistic wellness. Many of their resorts have Como Shambhala Retreats, where ancient healing is combined with modern science to provide amazing affects through cutting edge therapies, yoga and sumptuous cuisine.’
Top tip: ‘When travelling, it is important to turn your devices into airplane mode when passing through security and during the aircraft’s taxi, take-off and landing. Why not just leave it that way? Without that all important connection to the internet and cellular network, you really can dis-connect.’
‘Don’t worry, if the idea of going completely cold turkey is too much, you don’t have to. Whether you just want to block social media for a couple of days, leave your out of office undisturbed for a week or read a real book for an hour, there are a multitude of tech-light and tech-free holidays that can be enjoyed. Like everything in life, practise makes perfect. You can always try some detox techniques such as leaving you phone at home when you go shopping or popping it in a draw when you sit down to eat with your family or friends to start with before going more hardcore with something like turning off the WiFi.’
If you want to explore some options for your own digital detox do get in touch but otherwise, Happy New Year and I’ll be back in February.’
For more information, contact Nicki Harrison at nicki.harrison@travelcounsellors.com.