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Why You Should Turn Your Phone Off on Vacation

Learn How To Take A Vacation From Your Phone

By Ashlyn HarperPublished 5 years ago 4 min read
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Photo by Paul Hanaoka on Unsplash

Going on vacation is always an escape from the world that awaits us back at home. Whether it is beaches or forests, a new place is bound to bring happy memories for years to come. However, there is something that could get in the way of this fantastic time. It's that little piece of technology that almost everyone owns these days and can usually be found right in front of our faces.

As fantastic as phones are, they have a habit of getting in the way during getaways. We are regularly checking our social media, playing games, and scrolling mindlessly on the latest app. With wanting to get that perfect selfie, it is almost a necessity on vacations to carry your smartphone.

However, what if you put it away while on your trip?

It might seem detrimental, but putting your phone down while on vacation could be the best thing you do for yourself. You can still snap that random picture, but try only using your phone for emergency calls and weather checks in the morning. Below I have a few reasons you might want to keep your phone away during your time away from home.

Gives you a chance to connect.

I get we all want to have the perfect Instagram photo to share with the world. While you want to show everyone how beautiful your life is, you miss out on the actual moments that pass by. There are so many memories I have on vacation that I cannot physically show. When a perfect sunrise came, or something funny happened, I decided to live in the moment instead of capturing it forever.

We don't realize how much we miss out on when we're trying to get the perfect photo. Same goes with our time on social media. A vacation is a time where you get to explore new places while relaxing from the day to day stresses. By staying on your phone, you don't give your mental health the time it needs to unwind. You'd be amazed at the world you'll find when you leave your device at the hotel.

You can live more spontaneously.

With the internet providing us with everything we need, the art of spontaneity has died. You don't have to walk around to find a restaurant; you can ask Google what is near you, the rating, and the restaurant's menu. While I do believe in planning excursions, I also enjoy not being predictable all the time.

Sometimes it's okay to get lost, uncover a restaurant, or do something that wasn't recommended by the internet. Ask locals what is fun to do and have an adventure. Not knowing your every step could be the recharge you never knew you needed.

Photo by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash

Have an engaging conversation.

You're in a new place with people you don't know. Instead of scrolling your phone while waiting for coffee at a local shop, why not chat up the barista instead? Meeting new people and learning new cultures is what helps us grow and develop. Even if it is just a conversation with your vacation buddy, you are with them on this trip (not your 500 followers).

I always have a rule of keeping my phone in my bag when out to places. Unless it is an emergency, everything can wait. I want to be present during that moment and share in memorable conversations. If anything, it gives you the chance to make a new friend.

It will give you proper rest.

A vacation is for relaxation and recovery. Unless it is a business trip, you have no reason to be on your phone. Since we live and breathe with this technology, it usually holds our entire life. What this means is that you are never genuinely away from home. This factor is a great thing but is something we need a break from occasionally.

When you are on your device, you are thinking of the bills that need paying, the events you need to attend, and a million other chores on the endless list of life. By putting it away, you give yourself a chance to breathe finally. A vacation is a time to recharge your mental health and experience new things. You can't do that when you're thinking of what needs to accomplished when you get back. The struggles of life will still be there, enjoy the moment of silence for a little while.

This article isn't here to tell you that you should not have your phone while on vacation. I still carry it with me (it is a safety measure as well). However, try your best to avoid grabbing it every few minutes. Trust me; you'll love the release you get from not always being connected to the outside world. What are some of the reasons you turn your phone off during vacation?

travel advice
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About the Creator

Ashlyn Harper

A chaotic room of stories. My curiosities lead me in all types of directions, creating a chaotic writing pathway. I want this place to be for experimenting, improving my craft, and sharing new ideas with anyone willing to read them.

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