Disconnect to Reconnect

Top Tech-Free Retreats for Managers

As a manager, you have a lot on your plate. In addition to managing the people on your team and every component of your strategy, you may also be required to develop fresh ideas to keep things moving. The need to regularly stay connected and communicate with others requires a constant use of tech. While it’s part of the job, tech can take its toll over time.

When you use your well-deserved vacation time, the best way to unwind is to leave your devices at home. Doing so could help you relax, refresh, and possibly come up with new ideas to help your team upon your return. Here are some perks to unplugging and fun places to enjoy your tech-free getaway.

Why You Need To Be Tech-Free

While tech has its benefits, it’s easy for things to get out of hand. Constantly being available, staring at screens, and working too hard can lead to burnout. This becomes increasingly likely if you are required to check in with your workspace during your time off, as up to one-third of American employees are.

There is even research indicating that unplugging, even just for a few hours each day, allows business leaders to recuperate and also identify more strongly with their role as managers. This allowed them to be more effective at work as they were able to complete transformative behaviors the next day, as opposed to individuals who were too burned out to make lasting and effective decisions.

Cutting out phones and digital connections during your vacation can also help your work as a manager. Time away can also help you reflect on your life and things at work that need to change so you can be more productive and enjoy a better work-life balance.

Adventurous Tech-Free Retreats

If you want to take a tech-free vacation, this is your time. Many travel agencies around the world offer tech-free trips. One of them, Logout Livenow, offers many different excursions to help you relax and re-center. They offer packages to travel to the Sardinian sea, swim with dolphins, and enjoy yoga excursions. During these trips, you’re either asked to leave your phone behind, or they put the devices in a lock box so you’re not tempted. These are great opportunities to unwind, enjoy nature, and clear your mind.

Many tourism companies offer exotic digital detox retreats to the most beautiful places around the globe. For instance, you can go on an African safari, where a lack of cell phone reception and no internet access guarantees you stay off the grid.

You can also visit Arenal Volcano National Park in Costa Rica, where you can see the famed volcano, walk through an amazing rainforest, and soak in the culture. If the beauty of that place still has you tempted to look at your phone, you can sign up for the resort’s Digital Detox package, in which the hotel staff takes your phone so you can’t peek at your screen.

That’s just the tip of the iceberg of the places you can visit sans your phone. You can see the penguins at Bahia Bustamante Lodge in Patagonia, kayak at Mount William National Park in Tasmania, and more. Try one or try them all during your career, and you’ll reap the benefits.

Unwind At A Winery

One way to truly relax, enjoy the scenery, and learn something new is to unwind at a winery. If it’s your thing, you can have a great time at wineries nationwide. Many wineries offer a digital detox option, many of which have underground wine cellars without internet or cell signal, so you can simply enjoy the ride.

Even if they don’t have an official tech-free option, leave your device in the car. You’ll be amazed at the great conversations you can have with the other guests and the proprietors. You never know. Learning the intricacies of their operation could inspire you during your next big project.

There are a few dos and don’ts to consider to get the most out of your winery visit. One thing you should absolutely do is book your trip in advance so you don’t miss out. Some establishments may even require reservations. You should also ask plenty of questions to build your foundational knowledge of wine and enjoy yourself.

Go Camping

While there are many official tech-free retreats to consider, you can also go camping somewhere near your home if you want to get off the grid for a while. When you do, turn off your phone and keep it in the glove compartment in case of an emergency. Then, take a hike, build a fire, go fishing, or sit back, relax, and enjoy the splendor of nature. Spend a day or a week at the campsite, and you’ll return refreshed, especially since spending time outside is a great way to deal with feelings of overwhelm.

The other great thing about camping is that you can enjoy time at your leisure without being tied down by an itinerary. Plus, when you leave your electronics behind, you won’t be weighed down by excessive baggage. This is basically the idea of ultralight backpacking. This is a highly condensed form of backpacking where you only bring the essentials. You can purchase an ultralight tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad, and fit it all in a bag with a base weight of 10 pounds or less. With less on your back, you can enjoy your tech-free trip without strain or pain.

Conclusion

There are many ways to take a much-needed break from your role as a business leader job and unwind without tech. Find your favorite way to vacation without screens, and you’ll return to work fully refreshed.

By Indiana Lee, BOSS contributor