Screens don’t have to create stress while you’re on vacay.
Why You Don’t Have to Do a Complete Digital Detox on Vacation
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It’s not new news that we’re attached to our phones — which is why it makes sense that the digital detox movement has taken off. Taking a moment (or a day, or a week or two) away from your phone is a great way to relax and reset away from the pressures of email and social media. But especially when you’re traveling, this desire to step away from your screen probably feels at odds with your craving to document your incredible trip. Nastasia Yakoub and Jess Meyrick, who teamed up with CheapCaribbean to create the Vacation Envy package that encourages people to use their phones in a way that enhances rather than detracts from their hard-earned vacay, know the importance of finding this balance.
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While doing a digital detox is certainly a worthwhile endeavor when it comes to vacationing (or when you just need a break), Yakoub says that a healthy mix of detoxing and phone time can help you enjoy your memories while preserving them at the same time.
“I see advantages to both experiences,” Yakoub says. “A digital detox can be soul-soothing and allow travelers to become more mindful and present while exploring. Staying connected while exploring allows travelers to feel accountable for documenting their trip, from grand, beautiful moments to the tiny wonders that make their heart explode.”
Both Yakoub and Meyrick agree that documenting your trip is a worthwhile reason to use your phone while on vacation, especially if you commit to balancing screen time and non-screen time. When you’re on vacation, though, you’re most likely somewhere beautiful where everything feels Insta-worthy. That’s why Yakoub recommends being deliberate about which photos you take and when.
“It’s come with time, but I choose to take photos mindfully. Knowing that I don’t always have to have my phone at the ready gives me peace of mind and gives me a sense of balance,” she says. “Obviously, I don’t need to remember every single second of my daily activities, but it is nice to acknowledge the beauty of something special.”
With exotic foods and gorgeous tablescapes, vacations offer ample temptation to document meals. However, that’s where Meyrick draws the line.
“I feel like it’s okay to be on your phone when working, but there comes a point when the phone has to go away, especially at meal times!” Meyrick says. “I have a strict ‘no phones at the table policy,’ which definitely helps keep everyone present.”
Adhering to these rules is the key to making sure that your phone time during your trip is beneficial, Meyrick says. However, when you do have your phone out, here are Yakoub’s and Meyrick’s tips for making the most of it.
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1. There’s no need for a fancy camera. Thanks to incredible technology, most of today’s phones have cameras worthy of timeless vacation photos. “There are thousands of professional travel photographers out there who create their entire content from just their phones,” Yakoub says.
2. Capture posed and candid moments. Stopping for a photo shoot or two is an effective way to get the pictures you want, but Yakoub and Meyrick recommend capturing the candid in-between stuff too — that’s where the magic happens!
3. Write down everything. In today’s visual age, we often associate documentation with just photos, but Meyrick’s secret to success on her blog is writing down details as she takes pictures. “If I visit a new country and someone has just told me an incredible fact about a specific monument, I jot it down in my notes on my phone,” she says. “Especially if you’re starting a blog, these little details make all the difference.”
4. Do you! “With the large amount of colorful, lush, perfectly positioned and dreamy photos out there in the Instagram world, it can feel really overwhelming to capture your travels,” Yakoub says. That’s why it’s important to document things the way that you want to document them — not to conform to what you see online. After all, those memories are yours and are meant to bring YOU happiness!
How do you balance screen time and relaxation when you’re on vacation? Let us know @BritandCo!
(Featured photo via Getty)
