Original version featured on the Virtuoso Blog
If you can’t remember how long it’s been since you took a break from your smartphone, tablet and computer, you’re likely in need to escape technology and to book yourself a digital detox trip! “Digital detox trips” are a relatively new concept yet a hot trend among travelers craving to disconnect with the online digital world. Studies show being perpetually connected negatively impacts productivity and relationships and it also hurts our physical and mental health overall, having been linked to anxiety, depression, stress and exhaustion. Here are 10 reasons why you need a digital detox trip:
1. You’ll give yourself the gift of time
Did you know the average person checks their phone 46 times a day and 44 percent of employees check email while on vacation? Emails, texts and the like are time thieves. They distract you from your precious time in another place.
2.You’ll be more aware and conscious of your surroundings
On trips, we’re so preoccupied with snapping photos for Instagram that we forget to enjoy the moment. Without the need to capture everything for social media right then and there, we can look at our surroundings with fresh eyes and just be present. We can enjoy the experience more deeply, and bring home more vivid memories as a result. Use your five senses to observe your environment. Notice details about what you experience: the scent of a flower, the vivid coloring of a bird, the sound of a waterfall.
3. You’ll be more productive
You might think checking work emails will help you deal with the influx once you’re back in the office. But you’ll actually be able to engage better with work upon your return if you truly disconnect during your digital detox trip.
4. You’ll feel less overwhelmed
People feel better once they eliminate the stress of always being connected. Getting rid of constant interruptions and distractions will energize you.
5. You’ll have more perspective
Being constantly online fragments our attention. We’re so busy responding instantly that we don’t let our brains slow down. You’ll have more time to look at the big picture and contemplate.
Ready to detox from technology? Here’s how..
Start by picking somewhere in a remote destination, somewhere without good Wi-Fi reception is ideal. Even if you’re in a more populated location, choose a hotel that offers an escape from your technology. Leave your devices at home, surrender them to your hotel’s front desk, or pledge to use them only in a limited way during your travels. Perhaps you spend one hour a day online, or alternate days with and without access. Whatever way you decide to do it, Mexico is a great destination to disconnect. Mexico offers both a remote, off-the-beaten path gems with no reception and luxury hotels focused on rest and relaxation.
Our favorite off-the-beaten path Mexico destinations perfect for disconnecting include:
Cuixmala and Las Alamandas in Costalegre
Hacienda San Antonio in Comala
Hacienda Temozon and Hacienda Xcanatun outside Merida
Solar de las Animas in Tequila
Villa Maria Cristina in Guanajuato
Villa Montana in Morelia
And our favorite beachside luxury Mexico hotels superb in pampering include:
Banyan Tree Mayakoba and Belmond Maroma in Riviera Maya
Esperanza and Las Ventanas in Los Cabos
Four Seasons, Imanta, and St. Regis in Punta Mita
Hotel Esencia in Playa del Carmen
One & Only Palmilla and The Resort at Pedregal in Los Cabos
Rosewood Mayakoba and Viceroy in Riviera Maya
and of course, Grand Velas Riviera Maya which already has a complete Digital Detox program ready!
If you want help planning your Mexico technology-free vacation, one tip is to find a Virtuoso travel advisor. They will ask you questions to determine what you truly want from your travels and design a trip that meets your digital detox goals – and exceeds your overall expectations.
For more on Why You’ll Love Escaping Technology on a Digital Detox Trip check out the original blog post featured on the Virtuoso Blog.
