Truly Relax on a Digital Detox

While technology continues to infiltrate the way we travel and, in many ways, change travel, some are discovering a new way of recharging in the form of digital detox getaways.

Disconnecting from technology while traveling can be difficult, but also worth it. Without the need to constantly snap photos for Instagram, keep up with your friends on Facebook or check work email, it’s possible to take a more thorough look at the world around you and appreciate the experiences presented through travel.

Sound like a great idea, but need a little help? Digital Detox is an acclaimed organization that helps individuals, not just travelers, learn to digitally detox on a regular basis. According to the organization, tech addiction is a real issue in the United States, with Americans using as much as 30 percent of their free time browsing the internet, 50 percent choosing digital over face-to-face communication and 30 percent hiding from friends and family to check social media. According to studies, high social media and internet usage can lead to depression (high users are 2.5 times more likely to be depressed), loneliness and anxiety, as well as poor sleep and work performance. Speaking of work performance, the average employee spends about two hours of their workday recovering from digital distractions, as they check 40 websites a day, switch activities 37 times an hour and change tasks every two minutes.

Reasons such as this are why Digital Detox created its series of retreats, to help both travelers and non-travelers get away and disconnect, so they can reconnect to the world around them. More than 1,000 individuals have participated in more than 15 retreats so far.

Retreat rules are rigid — participants must give up all phones and devices, internet connection and screens, as well as clocks. They are not allowed to talk about their jobs, network with the other participants or communicate with their place of employment. Instead, they enjoy group workshops and activities such as yoga, meditation, hiking, art classes, writing classes and more, all while enjoying off-the-grid housing and sustainable dining. In return, Digital Detox says participants leave with better outlooks, enhanced creativity, clarity, improved sleep, decreased stress and lower blood pressure.

Upcoming retreats take place in North Carolina (Aug. 19–22 and Aug. 25–28) and Texas (Oct. 7–10). Pricing begins at $645.