Do you ever have one of those days where you feel so inundated by technology that you just want to take your smartphone, laptop, and tablet and chuck it out the window? Yeah, I have one of those days about once a week.
It’s almost impossible to be disconnected from your phone nowadays. We all have work and personal items pop up at all hours, and we’re always expected to be available at a moment’s notice unless otherwise indicated.
Wouldn’t it be great to take some time and truly disconnect from the screens and enjoy what’s actually happening in front of you? This is possible with Off the Grid.
As you may have guessed from its name, Off the Grid is a travel organization that allows you to travel to far away and beautiful places, all while you leave your screens at home. The website describes it as “a mindful experience that challenges you to fully be present”.
For the trips, you select a destination with a pre-determined date and you’re placed into a group. This is perfect if your friends are unable to make the commitment to unplug, as you won’t be alone on the journey.
First, you’ll arrive in your city on Day one and meet your fellow travelers. You’ll all gather for an evening social to mingle and to prepare for a trip where you’re (basically) unplugged.
From there, you select how unplugged you want to be.
There’s an easy mode where you can check your phone at a designated time each day, a hard mode where you can only check your phone three times throughout the entire trip, and the “I’m All In” mode where you use no phone or Internet for the duration of the trip.
Now, you might be asking yourself, “What if something happens and I can’t find a pay phone?” They’ve thought of that. You’ll be provided with a burner phone which has group and emergency contacts. You’ll also be provided with a travel journal, analog watch, and maps of the city.
You’re allowed to venture on your own or stay with members of the group while out sight-seeing and enjoying excursions. And, don’t worry, you’re allowed to bring your camera!
Do you think you could handle a fully unplugged vacation?
Staff Writer, Taylor Leddin is a publicist and freelance writer for a number of national outlets. She was featured on Thrive Global as a successful woman in journalism, and is the editor-in-chief of The Tidbit. Taylor resides in Chicago and has a Bachelor in Communication Studies from Illinois State University.
