A digital detox vacation is gaining ground abroad. Indians warm to it, too...
In a recent survey, around 67 per cent of guests said free WiFi would make them choose one hotel over another. In fact, free and fast WiFi, has ranked even above clean beds, room service and a quite night's sleep. Obviously, people stay away from their gadgets even when they are on a vacation. The many selfies flooding timelines on various social-networking sites are proof of the fact vacationers are thinking more about what would make a good profile picture rather than enjoying their day out. And if it's not selfies, then people love giving detailed reports about what they are eating, where they are living, etc through their internet activities. Right from reaching the airport to getting back, holidayers want their friends to know every single thing. And looks like those indulging in these activities as well as those who have to put up with them, have had enough. And realising this holidaymakers abroad have now come up with the concept of going on a digital detox vacation where you leave behind all your gadgets including your cell phone. The trend has caught on on foreign shores and is slowly gaining popularity here too.
On desi territory
Unlike earlier, where holiday packages were limited to popular destinations, people now want to explore places that don't fall under the 'touristy' tag. This also is a huge factor when it comes to disconnecting from one's data network. Mayank Soni, co-founder, Caribou Drift, says, "People are open to exploring destinations that are haven't been explored as it gives them a chance to go off the grid. On a recent trip, we got people to try pottery, had them eating fresh catch from the sea. They loved it. People want to be a part of such experiences. And the best way to enjoy them is to go to these places which are not over-crowded with tourists."
Go off the grid
Looking at the current trend, the demand for vacations where you unplug completely is only likely to grow. Abhijeet Mahtre, Founder & Director, Letscampout, says, "We encourage people to look away from their gadgets and enjoy the nature. People sometimes are so busy taking a picture on their phones that they fail to notice their surrounding and live the moment. We offer various activities like campfires or even star-gazing that has people turning away from their gadgets."
Ready to switch off
For some travellers, it happened by chance. Says banker Reshma Shah, "I was recently on a holiday and for some reason, my phone just would get any network. I was a little rattled in the beginning, but by the second day, I actually started enjoying the solitude. The many pings had stopped and I actually enjoyed the trip immensely. Now, whenever I get an opportunity to travel, I don't switch off my phone, but I definitely switch off data network. I recommend that everyone should give it a shot." And while there are those who got a taste of such holidays by chance, there are those who have made it a rule. Says Rajesh Seth, who has his own business, "there's no way I can stay away from my phone and laptop, when I am working. However, I have made it a rule to not carry any of these gadgets on my trip. I carry a basic phone that lets me stay in touch with my family, but apart from that I refrain from logging on any of the social-networking websites or using any of the gadgets."
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