Friday, January 06, 2012

Digital Detox Vacations

by Samantha Murphy

Caribbean nation St. Vincent and the Grenadines is challenging travelers to leave smartphones, tablets and other gadgets behind as a part of their new digital-detox vacation package, complete with a guidebook explaining how to function on a trip without tech, and a life coach.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines — which is made up of 32 islands and cays, nine of which are inhabited – has launched a vacation package designed to wean people off their technology. Before arriving to the islands, visitors will receive tips on how to prep and de-tech for the stay, and an on-site life coach will provide advice on how to not let tech control your life.
“This means actually experiencing a real vacation with human interaction, social skills and quality time with family and friends,” St. Vincent and the Grenadines said in a statement.

The seven-night getaway on the luxury island costs $3,799 for each person, including flights and hotel accommodations. Some establishments on St. Vincent and the Grenadines such as Petit St. Vincent Resort have embraced
this concept by offering no TV, Internet or telephones in hotel rooms. In fact, at Petit St. Vincent Resort, guests who want room service need to get in touch with staffers by hoisting a small yellow flag on a bamboo pole outside the front door.

The country said it embraced the idea of a digital detox package after a recent study found that 77% of consumers believe that time spent without gadgets and technology would help liberate them, improve their relationships and make them a better person.

In addition, about 17% said their New Year’s resolutions include going away on vacation and becoming less dependent on technology.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines isn’t the only vacation spot that has embraced the concept of unplugging. Other so- called “Black Hole Resorts” include Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur, Calif., and The Hotel Hāna-Maui in Maui, Hawaii. In fact, there aren’t even clocks located in the rooms at The Hotel Hāna-Maui.
Would you consider a digital-free vacation stay or would leaving tech behind be your worst nightmare?

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