Going on vacation and spending time with loved ones is a great escape from the busy world of schedules, work, and school. Today we have endless options for technology, which can be great, but it can also take us away from the moment. Spend time with the people you are traveling with without being glued to your phone and you will realize just how special the memories you make are when you are actually living them. But, I totally understand you want to capture some of those memories as well, that is why I have compiled a list of 8 ways to unplug, at least some of the time, while on vacation, and still capture some great memories to take home with you! 

Set a Timer on your Phone
This will allow you to get some photos, check your important apps, but will reduce your aimless scrolling so you can be present for your vacation. 

Bring disposable cameras or a polaroid 
Completely unplug on your next vacation by capturing your memories old school style. Polaroids are great for fun vintage memory making, and kids love taking photos and watching them develop. Disposable cameras are a good option because you can get a digital file of the photos when you get them developed, making for a great way to still share your memories online 

Dedicate Specific Times Throughout the Day to being Phone Free
Have everyone you are traveling with– your family, friends, or significant other, place their phones in the hotel safe or a drawer and take the time to just be together, you can capture photos at other times throughout the day. 

Have No Phone Dinners
Host a no phone meal while away, and create topics of conversation to get everyone talking. You can google ice breakers that will ask people would you rather questions, funny anecdotes, the sky is the limit. 

Buy Souvenir Photos
Although you might generally turn down having your photo taken by a dedicated photographer at tourist destinations, this is a great way to have a physical memory without ever having to stop what you are doing to take them yourself. 

Pull out the Old Digital Camera or Professional Lens
If you are worried about not capturing enough photos while you are away, consider bringing an actual camera to take pictures on. This will give you the freedom to take as many pictures as you like, but you won’t be distracted by posting, other apps, or work emails. 

Schedule Phone Free Activities 
Getting people you are traveling with out of their comfort zone is a good way to disconnect from our devices. Water sports, jungle adventures, or a fun exercise classes limit the use of electronic devices and turns up the fun. 

Book Time at the Spa 
Fully relax at the spa with your significant other or friends and let your phone free hour reset your mind, body, and soul. 

Amber Zakem

Amber Zakem has worked in the travel industry since 2014. Although, her love of travel began far before that. Amber grew up visiting cousins stationed throughout Europe and worked as an Au Pair in Germany for a year between High School and College. She started working at a local travel agency in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, after graduating from Central Michigan University. Amber began working for MAST Travel Network in 2016 and is the Social Media Specialist. She runs the MAST Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest and Snapchat and she teaches twice monthly webinars to travel agents on using social media to promote travel. Amber has continued her passion for travel and social media by also teaching a course at Moraine Valley Community College in their Hospitality program.