These days, it’s almost impossible to travel or go anywhere without being connected to your phone, be it to stay updated or update your friends and family about your safe arrival or to communicate with the magic of video calls and instant messaging. In fact, feeding live updates about your travels almost validates the trip, because you know what some might say – if you don’t take photos, were you really there?
While we love our gadgets and depend on them greatly to inspire us and help us travel better, we have to admit that sometimes, leaving our phones at the hotel can be quite liberating to the soul. Once you’ve checked in to your accommodation, one of the best ways to truly allow yourself to get lost in the local culture and sights is to minimise your constant interaction with the digital world, with your face down and shoulders hunched over.
Here are five great advantages of going phone-free when you step out for your next sightseeing excursion. Just don’t forget your camera!
1. Be Here, Be Present
We take this for granted and overlook submitting ourselves to the environment around us. With fewer distractions (like the constant hunt for Wi-Fi or reading the hundreds of messages in your Whatsapp chat groups), you’re inclined to soak in the sounds and scenery of the places and attractions you visit. Allow yourself the opportunity to take an easy long stroll, appreciate the sounds of nature and perhaps even find time for some self-reflection. If you want to capture the sights, there’s always the good ol’ digital camera!
2. Shape Your People Skills
Who needs Google Maps, anyway? Ask the locals and fellow travellers for directions! In fact, they may be able to direct you to hidden gems (think cascading waterfalls, ancient ruins and sprawling gardens!) or give you helpful tips on what to avoid and where the best eats and cheap shopping deals are. By not relying on the wonders of the internet for your way around town, you get to foster new friendships by striking up random conversations and exchange great travel stories from all walks of life!
3. Boost Your Confidence
This trick especially works for solo travellers who might be shy by nature. Don’t be afraid to ask the silliest questions; you are a tourist, after all! Cultural differences can often make new visitors feel awkward and out of place in a foreign land, but learning that it’s okay to make mistakes and ask for help is one way of overcoming your fear of approaching strangers. In no time, you’ll not only know your way around, but you would’ve built up a strong sense of self-confidence in being able to adapt to an unfamiliar environment.
Read More: 10 Tell-Tale Signs That You’re An Impulsive Traveller
4. Diminish The Urge To Constantly Compare
In this age of social media, FOMO (fear of missing out) is a real issue. All around us, people taking photos of their journeys, what they ate, the parties they’ve been to and basically, all the fun they’re having. For many, this has made them subconsciously want to compete at showing off that they too, have a great life, and feel pressured to constantly update their social media channels to let others know they can be just as fun. By avoiding the temptation of technology, your only focus is making yourself happy. You get to do what you want, fulfil your own desires and seek what you’ve been so longing on your well-deserved break. There will be less a tendency to have that nagging compulsion to do things or even spend money on places that mean little to you, because you won’t be spending idle time scrolling through your newsfeed on Facebook.
5. Learn to Love YourselfThere’s no better way to truly learn about your quirks – and accept them – than to be by yourself. Putting yourself out there with no technological assistance is all about relying on your instincts. You’ll learn to occupy yourself with activities, books, meditation, food and whatever you may fancy, all while educating yourself about your personal gripes, intolerances and passions. You’re bound to return not only with an abundance of travel stories to share, but also an overwhelming love for thyself!
