Earlier this year the hubby and I decided to take a quick baecation to spend some quality time together, but I found myself checking Facebook, Instagram, and catching up on emails while I should have been rocking my hubby’s world.  After some reflection, I decided I needed a Digital Detox.

Sometimes the hardest thing you can do on vacation is to chill out and do nothing.  We have limited vacation time, and we have to fit all of the must-see attractions into 7 days.  Have you heard the old saying “I need a vacation from my vacation”?

I realized I wasn’t really relaxing and that I was spending most of my vacation pretty much like I spent my time back at home.  Running here, doing this, doing that; eating super fast because I had to do the next important thing on my “to do” list, along with checking Facebook every 15 min.  Was I addicted to my technology? If you find yourself checking social media every few minutes, you might need a Digital Detox as well.

Are You Missing The Point Of Vacation?

Because we need to have Instagram worthy photos and show the world we stayed in the most luxurious overwater bungalows, swam with pigs in the Bahamas, or whatever moment you feel will make everyone else believe you are living the life; do you forego your own piece of mind for a photo op?

Are we missing the point of vacation?  Sure, it’s important to see the sites and do things we have never experienced.  Taste cuisines that are foreign to us and immerse ourselves in new cultures, but isn’t it equally important to get some R&R with the little time we have off?

Detoxing From Social Media

Does every trip have to be transformative?  Yes, vacations should be filled with experiences that broaden our perspectives and take us out of our comfort zone, but shouldn’t we also learn to clear our minds and detach from social media?  I myself am guilty. I’m not able to do absolutely nothing while on vacation….

On a recent trip to Sandals Resort in Montego Bay, where Sandals have these amazing overwater bungalows; the hubby and I found out just how hard it can be to take it easy and relax.

Related Post: Reignite Your Marriage at Sandals South Coast

A typical trip for the hubby and I involves a long list of off the beaten path restaurants and hole in the wall dives, where only the locals eat; plus all of the activities I have researched and planned, so we must not veer off from the planned activities because I did take the time to research.

I decided this trip to Jamaica would be a little different for the hubby and I since we are normally moving from the time we wake up until we shut our eyes.

Our trip to Sandals South Coast went a little something like this:  wake up, slowly stroll to one of the restaurants for breakfast, grab a cocktail on the way the back to the room before I rocked my hubby’s world; stroll to the beach holding hands laughing, order a cocktail or two, grab more food, order another cocktail, dip my big toe in the water, order the jerk fish in foil, order another cocktail, watch the sunset with another cocktail, order dinner, order one more cocktail before I rock my hubby’s world again, try to get a few minutes of shut-eye eye, wake up, rinse, and repeat!

It was surprisingly difficult to sit my behind down!  While laying out at the beach, I kept thinking about all of the activities I wanted to do, and what cool photos I could be taking at Jamaica Luminous Lagoon; there are so many amazing places to see.

I kept thinking I was missing out on something, and if I should schedule a water adventure for us to go on?  Since all of the activities are free at Sandals South Coast, I felt like I wasn’t getting my money’s worth if I didn’t do at least one activity.

Digital Detox Benefits

Being free of distractions and reconnecting with my husband was amazing.  Holding hands, looking into his eyes when he spoke, rubbing the back of his neck, and playing in his hair.  All of these things reminded him I still found him attractive. We pulled beach chairs out into the shallow end of the ocean and chilled with our vodka tonics for hours.

Learning To Do Nothing

Sitting on the beach with my hubby made me realize I needed to change my thought process of having an agenda when we vacation.  It’s ok to have a mental vacation and renew my mind and spirit; meeting the demands of having a full-time day job, running a blog, and being a wife and mom back home is not an easy task.

If you have a hard time detoxing from social media, try leaving your phone in your room; grab a book and relax in a hammock.  Practice floating in the pool or go to the beach and just dig your feet in the sand and listen to the waves crash against the shore.  These experiences can be just as enlightening as an activity-filled itinerary, except you will not need a vacation from your vacation.

Need help with your Digital Detox? I’ve Put Together Three Destination Ideas That Will Allow You To Get Totally 100% Unplugged.

Belize

It usually takes most travelers a while to get into true relaxation mode when vacation time arrives, but at Ka’ana; one need not worry about if you will be able to relax and clear your mind. Every day becomes an adventure, from deciding where you will lay out at the beautiful pool,  or what type of relaxing massage you will get; to what you will eat for dinner? If luxury and relaxation are what you need, Ka’ana is your one-stop shop.

Related Post: Luxury In The Jungles of Belize

Whatever you decide to do with your day, one thing is certain: The staff at Ka’ana will make sure your every need is met, and it is impossible to go wrong with staying at Ka’ana.

Jamaica

The beachfront Sandals Montego Bay may be among the most luxurious resorts in Jamaica. Perched above clear turquoise waters, Sandals South Coast offers 12 Tahiti‐style bungalows featuring breathtaking ocean views and exclusive amenities.

If you are struggling to detox from social media, the tranquility soaking tub, outdoor shower, extended sun deck, and overwater hammock for two will surely make you forget about the outside world.  Who wouldn’t want a Digital Detox at Sandals South Coast?

Related Post:  Reignite Your Marriage at Sandals South Coast

You don’t even need to step outside to appreciate the Caribbean’s crystal-clear waters because these overwater bungalows offer see-through glass floors.  You can experience the ocean from the comfort of your luxurious villa. Lit water ensures you can enjoy the sea anytime, day or night; which is just what the doctor ordered for a week of Digital Detox.

Costa Rica

This oceanfront property in Costa Rica is nestled on the Nicoya Peninsula and by far one of my favorite boutique hotels.  It is so special that my hubby and I have stayed at this property 4 times and are returning for NYE 2019!  

Florblanca is an award-winning boutique hotel for travelers that want both luxury and adventure.  Florblanca sits on an unspoiled tropical jungle overlooking the world famous surf of Playa Santa Teresa.  Florblanca offers a vacation experience like no other; so you will definitely be able to take a Digital Detox from the world around you.

Related Post: The Ultimate Guide To Costa Rica

Florblanca allows you to connect more deeply, not only with the world around you; but also with your spouse.  Florblanca is also known for their professionally guided sessions of Yoga and Pilates, so relaxation is at your fingertips.

After your morning yoga session, take a quick walk to the pool where there are howler monkeys overhead, nosy iguanas, and colorful birds surrounding you.  It will truly feel as though you have stepped into another world.

Digital Detox Tips

To cut back on your digital dependency, turn off your phone’s push notifications for social media apps; including Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and news sites.  Anything that sends an alert or notification when someone contacts you or likes a post should be disabled. Start out turning off one or two push notifications and set a specific time of day to check each.  Also set a time limit for how long you’ll spend on the site, such as 20 minutes.

This way you’re not going offline entirely, but rather choosing when to access your social media sites and networks.  This will help you gain control over how much time you are actually spending on social media.

Do you need a Digital Detox?

For those of you who’d like to go full detox, you can also enable your “Do Not Disturb” setting on your phone.  This will silence all notifications; social media, news, texts, emails, etc. It will still be up to you to decide when you want to review them, but you will not have any of the “beeps” or “vibrating” that comes with having a smartphone.

Have you taken a Digital Detox from social media while you are on vacation? I would love to hear your thoughts, so leave me a comment on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.