You could say I’m someone who has a complicated relationship with technology!
I’ll be honest with you – my phone feels like an extension of my body. After 34 years in the travel industry, I’ve watched our devices evolve from luxury to necessity, and somewhere along the way, I became completely dependent on mine. Yet increasingly, I find myself craving those precious moments of disconnection that travel once naturally provided.
Does this sound familiar? You’re exploring a stunning destination, perhaps watching a sunset over the Sahara or listening to waves crash against the Costa Rican shore (from where I happen to be writing this article), and yet you feel that familiar tug to check your device. We’ve all been there – that reflexive reach for our phones the moment there’s a lull in conversation or a quiet moment of solitude.
The statistics are sobering. Recent research shows that many of us spend upwards of eight to ten hours daily on our devices. When I truly examined my own habits during a recent trip, I was shocked to discover that on a Sunday (which I typically try to keep sacred for some down time), I’d spent over three hours on my phone before mid-afternoon – much of it mindlessly scrolling through news and social media.
The Modern Travel Paradox
Here’s the challenge we face as thoughtful travellers: our phones have become indispensable tools for modern journeys. They’re our maps, our translators, our boarding passes, our cameras, and our lifelines to home. The very device that can enhance our travel experience is also the one that can steal us away from being present in the moment.
We’ve all watched many a tourist experiencing breathtaking moments through a screen rather than with their own eyes, documenting every meal and vista for social media rather than savouring the experience itself. Yet I understand the impulse completely – these devices have become our default companions whenever boredom strikes.
The goal isn’t to return to pre-digital travel (though there’s something romantically appealing about that idea). Instead, it’s about finding that sweet spot where technology serves our journey rather than dominating it.
Practical Ideas for Mindful Connectivity
- Embrace the Kindle Revolution
For those of us who love to read while travelling, books present a delightful dilemma. I’ve seen lots of our members who can devour a book in a day or two, which traditionally means packing multiple volumes and watching the luggage weight soar. For me, the solution that transformed my travel reading experience and at the same time keeps me off my phone? A dedicated e-reader. I’m gonna refer to it as a Kindle even though I’ve since gone away from that particular device, but it is the “Coca Cola” of e-readers.
My Kindle has become one of my most cherished travel companions. It’s lighter than a single paperback, holds hundreds of books, and importantly – it serves just one purpose. When I reach for my Kindle, I’m not tempted by notifications, social media, or the endless rabbit holes that smartphones offer. The e-ink display is easier on the eyes than phone or tablet screens, making it perfect for those long flight segments or peaceful morning reading sessions on hotel balconies.
Depending on your subscription you can get access to vast libraries without the weight penalty. I’ve discovered wonderful books I might never have encountered in physical bookstores, and when inspiration strikes to read about the history or current affairs of my destination, I can download that book instantly.
- Rediscover the Joy of a Dedicated Camera
Here’s a confession: I resisted buying a separate camera for years because my phone seemed sufficient. But I’ve recently rediscovered the pleasure of carrying a compact camera, and it’s been transformative.
When I use my phone to capture photos, I inevitably get distracted by notifications, messages, or the temptation to immediately edit and share the image.
A dedicated camera keeps me focused on the moment. Whether it’s a simple point-and-shoot compact camera or something slightly more sophisticated, having a device solely for photography changes how you interact with your surroundings.
The act of pulling out a separate camera makes you more intentional about what you’re capturing. You become more selective, more thoughtful, and paradoxically, more present in the moment you’re trying to preserve.
- Setting Boundaries, Not Barriers
The most successful approach I’ve found isn’t complete disconnection – it’s intentional connection. Nowadays I have some guidelines for myself (with some room to “cheat” when something urgent is going on):
• Designated phone-free times (morning walks, meals, an hour before bed)
• Specific apps removed or restricted during travel
• Physical separation (keeping the phone in my bag rather than my pocket when exploring)
• Choosing one primary function for each device (phone for essential logistics, Kindle for
reading, camera for photos)
Some of our most memorable Wheel & Anchor moments happen when our members naturally put down their devices and engage with each other and their surroundings. I’ve noticed that the most enriching conversations often occur during those morning coffee gatherings or evening reflections when phones are forgotten rather than forbidden.
The Gift of Imperfect Moments
Perhaps the greatest reward of stepping back from constant connectivity is rediscovering what I call “imperfect moments” – those unplanned, unposted, undocumented experiences that make travel truly transformative.
It’s the spontaneous conversation with a local shopkeeper that leads to an incredible restaurant recommendation. The peaceful twenty minutes spent simply watching fishermen on the beach. The serendipitous discovery of a hidden garden because you took a wrong turn without immediately consulting GPS. (I thrive on Google Maps, but if I’m not in a hurry I will simply put away the phone and wander knowing that it’s always there if I actually feel lost.)
These moments don’t make for dramatic social media posts, but they’re often the experiences you remember most fondly years later.
I’m not advocating for a return to the days of hoping to find an internet café to check email. Our devices genuinely enhance modern travel in countless ways. The goal is using them purposefully rather than compulsively.
As we continue to curate meaningful experiences for our Wheel & Anchor community, I’m constantly reminded that the most powerful connections happen not through our screens, but through our shared presence in remarkable places with like-minded fellow travellers.
The next time you feel that automatic reach for your phone, pause for just a moment. Ask yourself: What am I hoping to find? Sometimes the answer might surprise you – and the world around you might offer something even better.
After all, isn’t the whole point of travel to experience something different from our everyday routines?