Traveling without a cell phone can seem frightening because most people’s entire lives are connected to their devices. Digital wallets store pertinent information, such as credit cards and boarding passes. Calendars keep people on task, and social media helps to pass or waste time.
The connectivity and attachment to technology are good enough reasons for people to seek a different vacationing style. People seeking destinations where they can leave technology behind is becoming an increasingly popular travel trend, and for good reason.
People in the United States, for example, are ranked as some of the worst offenders when it comes to checking their phones and working while on vacation. An INSIDER study found more than 60% of respondents in the U.S. checked work emails while on vacation.
Travelers are trying to take back some control by traveling to places where technology is nonexistent and service is limited. Here’s where travelers are going for a cellphone and technology-free vacation.
Choosing Destinations With A Ban or Limited Access To Electricity
Vichy Celestins Spa Hotel in France
There are some hotels and resorts that cater to vacationers in need of a digital detox. Vichy Celestins Spa Hotel has the perfect setup because it offers a three-day digital detox package. In the Digital Detox Cure Package, staff at the five-star resort will take your devices and lock them in a safe. This allows you to take a break from connectivity while being creative with how you pass the time. Even if you don’t bring a book or supplies to keep busy, you will find some good head starts in the room, including books, board games, and more.
Unyoked in Various Locations
Unyoked is a company that operates in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. The company created an off-grid experience in nature that allows people to relax, reset, and release while decreasing the cortisol hormone linked to stress.
“We’ve intentionally crafted every single step of our experience to help you slow down, switch off, and get in touch with nature (and its benefits) quickly, easily, and effectively,” a statement reads on the website.
Haramara Retreat in Mexico
Cell phones aren’t banned at Haramara Retreat in Mexico, but there’s no electricity on the property. Located along the Riviera Nayarit, just 45 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta, the resort sits on 12 private acres of tropical jungle and a beautiful beach. The sleeping casitas are not equipped with electricity but oil lamps and candles to discourage electricity use.
Miraval Resorts in Various Locations
There’s sleep mode and then Miraval mode at Miraval Resorts. Mindfulness is at the core of Miraval’s philosophy, so staff encourage guests to put down their phones and other devices. The resort is a digital-device-free environment. Their goal is to ensure people are living in the moment while free from distraction.
There’s no total ban on using technology. However, devices are only allowed to be used in guests’ rooms or designated locations. Miraval offers guests a “sleeping bag” for phones upon arrival.
Getting Help From Travel Agencies
Travel company FTLO is offering itineraries and experiences for solo travelers to embark on a phone-free journey. The company has launched “Phone-Free Departures,” where they explore without distraction and try to get their clients to forge genuine connections.
“Traveling without a phone provides a canvas for deeper connections—with yourself, your surroundings, and the people you meet,” a statement reads on the FTLO website. “It’s a chance to embrace the richness of genuine, in-person experiences.”
Traveling To Remote Destinations and Cell Phone Dead Zones
Another popular trend is researching cities known for not-so-great cellular service. In any other instance, this would be a frustrating experience. However, in the quest for letting go of the overstimulation technology can bring, travelers are welcoming destinations without the best coverage.
Other people are looking for destinations that force you to put the phone away because there’s no cell phone service. These destinations are examples of cell phone dead zones.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are good for people looking for places to unplug in a safe environment. Connectivity services are so limited that there’s a whole section dedicated to navigating through them on the parks’ website.
“Given the remote location of both parks, please note that cell phone and internet service, including Wi-Fi, is very limited throughout the parks,” the statement reads. “Immerse yourself with nature and your surroundings, as you’ll be far away from cell towers and wireless hot spots. If you’re concerned about being ‘off the grid,’ let us help you put your fears to rest and show you how embracing the lack of technology can make your trip even better.”
Ulko-Tammio, Finland
The Finnish island Ulko-Tammio says it’s the first phone-free tourist island. In 2023, island tourism leaders launched a campaign asking visitors to keep their phones in their pockets to get people to take in the island’s beauty. While the campaign was seasonal, it shed light on how often people use or check their phones, and visitors are making it their personal goal to avoid using technology while exploring the island.
Green Bank, West Virginia, Where Cell Phones Are Banned
With less than 150 residents, cell phones and wireless service are banned in Green Bank, West Virginia. Green Bank is located in what is known as the National Radio Quiet Zone, a 13,000-square-mile area designated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to protect two government radio telescopes from interference. High-power transmissions are so strict that someone is constantly patrolling the area.
It’s a great destination to test how long you can go without your phone unless you want a $50 fine. Instead, spend time visiting The Green Bank Observatory, where scientists study beyond Earth and explore astronomy.