You’re still reeling from the news that in our hyper-connected society, American adults spent three hours and 48 minutes a day on computers, tablets and smartphones during the first quarter of 2018. And now here comes Apple’s new weekly Screen Time notifications, reminding you how many hours you spend phone in hand, eyes locked on your screen.
A whopping two hours a day spent on Facebook? Another hour and a half on BuzzFeed? Six iPhone pickups an hour?? Ooof.
Sure, you can delete Facebook and other apps, but perhaps what you really need is a chance to switch off your phone completely and unplug your devices for a true digital detox. A chance to connect with the people in your life and experience your surroundings in real-time, away from the screens, email, Twitter and Google. Even Bill Gates is making a concerted effort to become more present and mindful.
As we draw nearer to the National day of Unplugging, here are five ways to get on board with the trend and reward yourself with the ultimate luxury – a getaway full of tech-free hours.
1. Relax on Scenic Clipper Cruise Between Seattle and Victoria, BC
In an era of non-stop notifications, status updates and pings, nothing is more freeing than escaping the daily grind. Especially when it involves a scenic, less than three-hour cruise between Seattle and Victoria on the Victoria Clipper V. When traveling across open water away from the shore, the lack of cell towers and sparse Wi-Fi hubs make service spotty and, GASP, Wi-Fi non-existent.
Breathe. That’s the point. Instead of being glued to your device, spend the ride staring at the incredible surroundings! Wander out to the upper, outside deck to catch sight of powerful streams of water rooster tailing behind the vessel from the water jets. Pair that with breathtaking views back upon the city of Seattle and we won’t blame you for getting into a staring contest with Mother Nature. Or gaze out the large, panoramic windows at the front and sides of the boat to soak in vistas of the Salish Sea and snow-capped mountains. Hello Olympics!
Oh, and remember those lovely people you are traveling with or those fellow travelers around you? Now’s the time to kick back in your comfortable seats and connect with them by striking up a conversation. Reflect on each other’s current and past adventures or play cards.
Hungry? Order up a selection of locally-sourced, Northwest favorites, such as handmade sandwiches on Macrina Bakery bread and Ellenos Real Greek Yogurt Parfaits. Sip on handcrafted cocktails produced with locally-distilled spirits from Copperworks Vodka or Mischief Bourbon. You’ll quickly notice how the temptation to check email or text messages loses priority.
2. Indulge in a Waterfront Stroll
Craving a little fresh air? Get out from behind your laptop and put the screen firmly in the down position. Head out on the spectacular Dallas Road. With its wraparound waterfront vistas, it will stop you in your tracks. Stroll past rugged beaches before pausing for a break at the city’s man-made marvel, the Breakwater at Ogden Point. Make your way out to the end of the colorful, one-half mile (800-meter) walkway and be prepared to enjoy some of nature’s eye candy. On a clear day, you can see almost every detail of the Olympic Mountains’ snow-capped peaks and even the city of Port Angeles.
Continue on the peaceful 2-mile trail to the wind-swept Clover Point. Here you’ll be greeted by more incredible vistas (it’s one of the best places to see the Olympics in Victoria) and glimpses of daredevil hang gliders and windsurfers as they skim along, chasing their next adrenaline rush.
Bonus points for making another detour at Beacon Hill Park along the way. The perfect respite from the bustling foot traffic of the downtown core, the 75-hectare nature reserve is packed with plants of all shapes and sizes, roaming wildlife (including wild peacocks!) and flowers more vibrant than any Instagram snap. Miss that cell phone screen yet?
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3. Sip, Soak & Steam at Oak Bay Beach Hotel
Tranquil, stunning and serene, there is no better place to rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit than the oasis-like Oak Bay Beach Hotel. A historic structure with a rustic Oak interior situated in a beautiful oceanside setting, the property’s whole vibe screams re-lax-a-tion. Cozy up in the aptly named Snug Pub with a bubbling glass of Prosecco or a freshly poured pint and a plate of fish and chips. Yum!
Duck inside the five-star spa’s toasty steam room to unwind those tight muscles and inhale the invigorating scent of eucalyptus. Afterward, listen to the waves crash against the shore as you soak in one of three seaside mineral pools with phenomenal panoramic vistas of Mt. Baker (Inside tip: Take a dip in the evening to catch sight of the planets and the moon overhead). With the pools being a cell phone-free zone, you’ll be wishing you could post a photo on Facebook, but the memories you’ll make by simply absorbing the moment will be far better.
4. Connect with the Locals
With Siri, Cortana, Alexa or Google at your beck-and-call any time of day, it’s easy to let them do the legwork when looking for a new place to explore. Instead, why not get recommendations from someone who knows the city inside-out? The people that live there! After all, isn’t one of the best parts of traveling to a new city the chance to chat with the locals about what life in the area is like?
Brimming with warm, welcoming locals eager to share their favorite spots, it is no surprise Victoria was ranked as the friendliest city in Canada by Conde Nast Traveler in 2016. Pop into any of the unique boutiques or cafes just off Victoria’s Inner Harbour and the knowledgeable owners or staff will be happy to guide you with their favorite picks.
From suggestions on clothes and jewelry selections in their own shops to recommendations on where to find local bites, other independent, artisanal shops or hidden gems around the city, they won’t steer you wrong. Not only will you get the chance to experience the city through the eyes of a resident, but their tip-offs might also open up a whole new side of the city to you.
(Insider tip: Still stuck on where to go? Swing by the concierge desk at your hotel and ask them where they eat, where they like to relax and what shops they visit. With so many different people crossing their path, they usually have a great feel for the city’s heartbeat and are a wealth of information.)
5. Allow Yourself Time to Wander
No data? No problem! Skip on adding a pricey international data plan and take advantage of another opportunity to leave your gadgets behind as you explore the Victoria by foot. Concerned that you have no idea where you’re going or how to get back? Go old-school and navigate the way people did before the invention of GPS and Google Maps – by memory and observation!
Not only will exploring sans map force you to be in the moment (more and more studies show your well-being hinges on being present), but you’ll also be amazed at how much more you can discover when you tune into what is happening to around you. Take the time to look, listen and soak in things you might have otherwise missed. The intricate details of the Parliament Buildings, a harbor seal popping up to say “hello” or the wispy pattern of the clouds stretched across the sky.
With a small footprint, the city is a prime spot for random exploration. Yes, you may get lost for a brief time, but eventually, you’ll stumble upon a familiar landmark and find your bearings. Better yet, you may even discover something new. Some of the most rewarding experiences are the unexpected ones that happen when you throw caution to the wind, allow yourself to be curious, follow a hunch or press pause for a moment to check out a particular spot. Chock-full of hundreds of excellent shops, restaurants and parks, one of the incredible things about Victoria is that it is easy to find something special completely on your own.
Ditch your device for a weekend away and experience the world at a slower pace. You may even learn more about the people and the community around you. Best all of, you’ll come back relaxed, refreshed and ready to take on the world.
