Bowman’s Travel Brief: The Unplugged and Off the Grid Vacation

Did you miss me?

OK, so I didn’t fully go off the grid. However, I did unplug for a weekend getaway and missed posting a BTB (Bowman’s Travel Brief) last week.

I was celebrating my birthday in Las Vegas, and for the first time in since I can’t remember when, I didn’t bring the laptop with me while traveling. I still posted some stuff on social media, but I did my best to be as unplugged as possible and enjoy my surroundings.

Going fully unplugged from technology can be done anywhere you travel. It’s all about your mindset. Of course, it’s much easier when you go completely off the grid. That style of travel isn’t for everyone, and I commend those who can do it with ease.

I’m not sure I could go ever fully go off the grid. I like to tell myself I’d try, but then there’s the FOMO (fear of missing out). Anyone else with me?

If you’re like me and love to stay plugged in, I highly recommend at least one of your trips this year focuses on going unplugged. Whether it’s for a week-long vacation or just a short weekend trip, it’s so worth it.

Even if you can only fit it in for a day, committing to 24 hours unplugged while on vacation is good for the mind, body and soul.

An escape to a cabin in the closest mountains near you would be the easiest way to unwind off the grid. If the beach is more your style, consider an all-inclusive in the Caribbean and leave your phone in the room while you unplug. Or if the resort features a butler service, hand the phone over to your butler so you’re not tempted to use it, and he or she can snap some pictures of you throughout the day. Just be sure to tip nicely!

Another idea for unplugged and/or off the grid travel is to head overseas. Broaden your horizons by traveling Internationally. Don't set up an international phone plan so you won't be tempted to plug in, but do make a plan for contacting loved ones back home in case of emergency. Book that travel insurance and you'll be fine.

Have you traveled unplugged or off the grid? Let us know on Twitter @EricBowman_ and @TravelPulse

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Advice from an Agent

Aurelio Giordano is the owner of Ace World Travel based in Brooklyn, New York. He can be reached at requestinfo@aceworldtravel.com

When asked what advice he would give travelers who are considering an unplugged or off the grid vacation, Giordano said:

“Like Nike says, 'Just Do It.' Ironically enough, 'unplugging' is necessary in order to 'recharge' yourself. Depending on the amount of time you're planning on away, just make sure your work is covered as much as possible before you leave, whether or not that means leaving existing work or projects to be overseen by someone else in your absence. And if your job is dependent on you being active on social media, there's several tools out there where you can set up posts in advance on platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter so you don't necessarily have to miss out while you're away.

“Also, you have to get over the idea of having to post what you're doing and where you are exactly at that time. There's nothing wrong with posting when you're back and spreading out your content.”

As for his advice for travel agents selling unplugged and off the grid travel,

Giordano said to do your research and connect with the client to find out what it is they truly want.

“Well if a client comes to you telling you that they want to go someplace where they can "unplug," just like other criteria we gather, we need to dig a little deeper and ask how "off the grid" do they actually want to be both literally and figuratively.

“It's the difference between being on a remote destination where you have to get to buy special access, or being in a bed-and-breakfast in the countryside two hours outside of a major city, it's totally subjective and both can mean being "off the grid" to someone.”

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