Try Traveling Unplugged and You Won't Regret It

Bags packed, tickets printed, ready for adventure! The time we work so hard throughout the year to finally enjoy…. VACATION! My boyfriend and I's trip was originally planned as a relaxing Hawaii getaway from the city’s hustle and work’s stressors, but it ultimately became so much more. It developed into a trip with NO social media, emails, texts, and cell phones…we were unplugged!

We live in a digital world where we’ve become dependent on our phones, consumed with social media and find ourselves answering work emails 24/7. Unfortunately, I too admit that I’ve fallen into the unhealthy digital trap of today’s society. So what happens when you unplug?

1. It brings you back to the basics. 

Personal interaction, conversation, new friendships and fresh experiences. Imagine every meal without a cell phone at the table, it’s magnificent!

Try This: Take the time to speak with local natives in the place you’re visiting. Ask for a restaurant recommendation or simply get to know them a little better. Allowing yourself to engage in conversations may enrich your travels.

2. Not every view or experience needs to be documented. 

From swimming under the Waimea Falls Waterfall to an unplanned night spent with Jack Johnson on the North Shore, some experiences are better remembered without a photo. Rather, enjoy the moment and allow yourself to fully be present. 

Try This: My boyfriend and I made the choice to purchase a disposable camera (yes, those are still around) and took a limited 27 photos. If you haven’t done this in a while, I would recommend it. It’s limits you from being “click happy” and it’s fun to get them developed to see how they turned out. 

P.S. Selfies are harder than expected!

3. Transportation.

We traveled by foot and rented mopeds. This allowed us to drive through small towns and cities, swim at private beaches, and explore places we wouldn’t have stumbled upon otherwise. It’s amazing how much more you’ll see when you trek without staring down at your phone. There’s a lot of world to see out there!

Try This: Try at least (1) form of “local transportation.” Take the bus, train, rent a moped, walk or even ride a bike. Try something beyond a rental car or uber.

4. Explore the free things that mother nature has to offer. 

In Kailua, after walking about a mile on the beach, we did the 3.3 mile round trip Pillbox hike along the Ka'iwa Ridge to enjoy a breathtaking view of Lanikai and Kailua.

Try This: Take a hike, walk along the beach, swim in the ocean, explore caves or climb to a mountain top. Get outside and enjoy nature's playground!

The next vacation you take, whether it be a day trip locally, or a two week international adventure, give yourself at least a day to experience what it’s like to live unplugged. Trust me, you won’t regret the overwhelming freedom and relaxation that comes from it. Remember to live #everydaywild. Safe travels!

Guest Blog: Tenaya Davis