If you step outside and look around, it’s not hard to find at least one person tethered to their tiny screen with bulged eyes. Instead of looking up, we look down to emerge ourselves in other people’s worlds instead of our own, and we miss out on the beauty of life that surrounds us.
Even during vacations, we often find ourselves caught up in this digital loop. Recognizing the desire of travelers to unplug and embrace nature, Parks & Wildlife Finland launched a campaign to promote disconnecting from phones and enjoying nature on Ulko-Tammio, the world’s first phone-free tourist destination in the Eastern Gulf of Finland National Park.
How does the retreat work?
The remote island of Ulko-Tammio implements a voluntary phone-free policy to encourage visitors to immerse themselves in nature. While the island has no inhabitants it is rich in rare birds and plants. The island has various attractions like a bird-watching tower, well-marked hiking trails, overnight accommodations in a cabin and camping area, and rich history for tourists to enjoy.
Participating in the voluntary digital detox has benefits like helping to reduce anxiety and depression. Despite having a mobile network at their fingertips, the Finns, living in the perpetually celebrated “world’s happiest country” of the Nordic region, understand the art of embracing the present and finding joy, which often involves disconnecting from unnecessary distractions.
It might be best to try taking a page out of their book and escape for a digital detox for a bit of peace and quiet from the everyday ping of our notifications.
by travelers, for travelers.
