6 of the best destinations in the world for a complete digital detox

Aug 29 2019, 2:46 pm

With our everyday lives almost entirely immersed in technology – and the unfortunate reality that most of us spend our days glued to a screen – our individual and collective mental health is becoming more of a concern; one that requires solutions, both small and large.

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For those looking to swipe the off button, relax, and reconnect with nature, try a digital detox vacation. Booking.com, the global leader in connecting travellers with the widest choice of incredible places to stay, has found six of the best locations around the world that’ll centre you and take away any temptation of going online.

Leave the world on ‘read’ in Monte Isola

digital detox

Go off the beaten path in Monte Isola

Sometimes the perfect detox can be found in the lesser known areas of more popular destinations, like Italy. This green mountain at the centre of Iseo Lake will provide a getaway free from the hustle and bustle of city life. This fresh island vibe will ensure you or your travel buddy don’t have an urge to text, email, or binge watch shows — AKA the perfect digital detox. The only time you may want to use technology is to snap some photos of your beautiful surroundings. But overall, this is the perfect opportunity to reconnect with nature and take a break from social networks. Stay in Castello Oldofredi overlooking the waters and offering classic Italian cuisine at the property’s in-house restaurant.

Turn on your OOO while on Mumbo Island

digital detox

Blowhole on Reunion Island

This deserted tropical island in Malawi will give you the ‘offline’ vacation you truly need. This camp-like facility hosts 14 guests, so if you and your friends or family want to digital detox with company, you’ve come to the right place. Stay in Mgoza Lodge and enjoy an outdoor pool, restaurant, room service, and sun terrace. This island’s location guarantees privacy in an exclusive concession area. There’s no shortage of activities or packages to choose from if you are looking for some adventure as well.

Lose yourself in our own backyard in the Northwest Territories

Canadians don’t have to go far to connect with nature, it can be found in our own backyard.

Like most of Canada, the Northwest Territories does offer access to Wi-Fi, however, with the diverse terrain and distinct regions providing unique journeys for your mind, body, and spirit, you won’t have time to swipe through social media or glance at emails. Gear up for an evening of aurora-hunting to catch a glimpse of the Northern Light’s natural sky symphony, known for inspiring those who experience the phosphorescent green fog that paints the ink-black sky. Later, head on a voyage into some of Canada’s freshest waters for an afternoon paddle. These rivers and lakes are famous for their plentiful and eager Pike, Trout, and Char, making it a fisherman’s dream. After a long day of adventure, rest and relax while taking in the natural views on the Bannockland Inn’s sun terrace.

Forget about “the ‘gram” on Wayasewa Island

The Yasawa Group is an archipelago of about 20 volcanic islands in the Western Division of Fiji

Get away to the South Pacific, where you’ll find one of the happiest countries in the world, Fiji. Part of a cluster of over 300 islands, any one of these tropical hideaways would be an ideal place to disconnect. Try the quaint and traditional community-owned resort, Naqalia Lodge on Wayasewa Island, where connection to the internet is limited. Stay busy by exploring the island and mingling with locals while sipping a coconut shell filled with kava, the national drink of Fiji, made by mixing the powdered root of a pepper plant with water, and typically accompanied by a ceremony of clapping and cries of ‘Bula’ (a Fijian greeting, wishing someone a happy life). After experiencing the cultural traditions, kick back, find a hammock by the beach, and enjoy the sunshine on your skin accompanied by the sounds of the waves hitting the shore.

Escape the #fakenews in Iceland

“Vast,” Hikers on picturesque Laugarvegur trail (AKA Laugavegurinn), near Landmannalaugar, in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve, Iceland.

A digital detox is easy when you’re staying active, and hiking is the perfect way to connect with nature, explore your surroundings, and do something that will make you feel accomplished. Visitors of the subarctic region of Iceland will get to experience some of the world’s most life-affirming views and isolated walking trails. The Laugavegurinn, also known as ‘The Pools of the People’ trail, is a must when visiting this Nordic region, as one of the most popular hikes in the country. Trekkers can set off on a one-day or week-long journey through the unparalleled terrain, uncovering astonishing volcanic rocky mountains, hot springs, whitewater rivers, canyons, and valleys. Make time for relaxation at the end of each day by taking a dip in the region’s geothermal waters found along the trail. Before you head off, stay at Ásaskóli.

Dodge the DMs on Lady Elliot Island

digital detox

Snorkel or scuba dive off the coast of Lady Elliot Island

Lady Elliot Island is a remote location just off the southern tip of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, and the perfect place for the 25% of Canadian Gen Z travellers that want to add places to their bucket list that are off the beaten track, as reported by a recent Booking.com study. This island gem, more precisely, can be found in the ’Green Zone’ of the reef’s Marine Park, an area containing over 1,200 diverse species of marine life. Within the turquoise water, visitors can snorkel or scuba dive amid kaleidoscopic coral, manta rays, ancient green sea turtles and schools of tropical fish. Surround yourself in nature by staying at the Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort – the island’s only accommodation. The resort offers transportation on a small plane to and from the mainland. Before you set out for your offline island retreat, spend a night at the Oaks Resort & Spa located in Hervey Bay, a coastal city in southern Queensland. This spot is minutes from where the Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort’s plane picks up its passengers.

Emily WilcheskyEmily Wilchesky

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