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Time of India
13-05-2025
- Time of India
Travellers have started paying thousands to escape their phones on vacations; here's the surprising reason behind
In the world of today, no chai break ever goes unentwined from the grip of digital notifications. It might be a WhatsApp check or Instagram Reels scrolling—that pressure to constantly be online follows us everywhere. But one subtle travel trend on the rise right now goes entirely against that technological addiction. Men and women alike are now splurging huge amounts to become totally disconnected from their devices. As contradictory as it sounds, digital detox getaways are quickly becoming the in-thing, particularly for Indian tourists. Explore this emerging phenomenon and the reasons why increasingly more people are opting to bring their phones along. Vacations without Wi-Fi are becoming the new luxury Based on the 2025 Hilton Trends Report, almost 27% of international travellers want to leave behind doom-scrolling and stay more present on their vacations. Even stronger, 17% of travellers are intentionally looking for getaways that compel them to go completely dark. Picture checking into a high-end resort, then being requested to turn in your phone at check-in. No Instagram posts. No work emails. No food delivery notifications. Just you, the moment, and a stunning natural environment. This trend has not escaped the notice of the travel industry. According to the New York Post, UK travel website Cool Places has modified its marketing tactics to promote properties that lack Wi-Fi. Company founder Martin Dunford comments, "We used to promote Wi-Fi availability as a bonus. Now, we label the places with no Wi-Fi—and those are the ones being booked." It appears that the promise of disconnecting is increasingly appealing to travellers looking for refuge from the digital realm. Luxury vacations that help you disconnect to reconnect Consider Grand Velas Resorts in Mexico. Their digital detox package treats visitors to a high-end stay—without technology. Rooms are supplied not with televisions, but with books and board games. Visitors' cellphones are locked away by the concierge in an impenetrable safe. Rather than binge-watching on television, visitors can participate in activities such as biking, yoga, or snorkelling. These in-depth experiences are crafted to get visitors to connect with themselves and with nature. These retreats are not inexpensive. They cost thousands of dollars a night, but even with the high price tag, there is a demand, especially among high-stress city professionals. For many, especially those in high-pressure fields like tech and finance, this type of escape might seem like a fantasy—a fantasy that is increasingly within reach for those who want to escape the stresses of contemporary life. A digital detox that forces you to unplug completely In America, one highlight is Urban Cowboy Lodge, set in the New York Catskills. This facility presents an extreme digital detox model. Upon entering, visitors have to lock up their phones in a safe box for the time they are on the premises. Many guests do initially go through withdrawal symptoms. As Dunford, who worked with British universities to research digital detox habits, said, "Guests go stir crazy in the first 24 hours. But by the third day, they're either relaxed or even dreading turning the phone back on." This kind of detox holiday is aimed at provoking those who are habitually "online," making them connect again with the world around them, their friends, and themselves without the omnipresent distractions of technology. Psychological impact of 'digital detox' The ones who have experienced digital detox vacations often describe the transition as both unsettling and profoundly healing. The initial silence can feel jarring, but many come to embrace it. One writer recounted the feeling of dread when finally turning their phone back on, after deliberately delaying the moment. They described the sense of peace and solitude they had found without their phone as something they wished to prolong. This feeling is strongly shared by many people in India, especially those who have been affected by the burnout that came from the pandemic-era work-from-home lifestyle. The lines between work and play became more and more blurred during this period, and many professionals felt bogged down by the constant digital din. For these people, a digital detox is no longer a luxury—it's a necessity for their mental health. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Mother's Day wishes , messages , and quotes !
New York Post
11-05-2025
- New York Post
Digital detox retreats rise in popularity
In a time when people can't even go to the bathroom without bringing their phones — surprisingly, the interest around digital detox retreats is rising, and people are willing to pay thousands to go on them. While on vacation, 27% of adults want to be present and spend less time doom-scrolling, according to a 2025 Hilton Trends Report, which was originally reported on by the BBC. And 17% of vacationers are taking things a step further by searching for trips that will force them to unplug and possibly ditch their technology altogether, according to global luxury home-rental platform Plum Guide. Advertisement 'We used to have a tag to show which properties had wi-fi. Now we're adding a 'no wi-fi' tag,' Martin Dunford, the founder and CEO of Cool Places, a UK travel accommodation booking site, told the BBC. Guests at the Grand Velas Resorts in Mexico can book a stay here and sign up for their Digital Detox program. Once travelers arrive at their designated hotel room — they'll notice that the room is free of any tech. TVs are replaced with board games, and guests' devices are kept in a safe by the concierge, according to the resort's site. On a digital detox trip — guests are forced to lock up their devices for the duration of their stay. Aaron Weiss – Advertisement This forces guests to partake in complimentary activities such as biking and snorkeling tours. The average rate for a room is a couple of thousand dollars a night. And if people aren't looking to spend so much money to travel outside the country for this kind of retreat — stressed-out travelers can stay at the Urban Cowboy Lodge in the Catskills, which is only a few hours north of NYC. At this Catskills cabin-style boutique hotel, guests lock their devices in a box for the duration of their stay. Something that might sound terrifying but is ultimately rewarding. Dunford worked with the University of Greenwich and the University of East Anglia to study people's patterns and behaviors when they completely disconnect on a trip. Advertisement As expected, they found that at first, it's quite the adjustment for people to not have access to technology while away. Disconnecting from the outside world allows travelers to partake in outdoor activities. EFStock – 'Guests go stir crazy in the first 24 hours,' Dunford said. 'But after 48 hours, they are well adjusted and start getting into other activities. At the end of a three-day stay – or longer – we find guests may be happy to have their phones back or can be a bit take it or leave it about it.' Advertisement 'By the end of the three days, I was far from excited to open the lockbox and turn my phone back on – in fact, I was dreading it,' said a writer for The Week in a story about their experience taking part in a digital detox trip. 'I prolonged my vacation from society for as long as I could, but was eventually forced to bite the bullet when I got into the car and remembered I was reliant on Google Maps if I had any hope of getting home,' the writer pointed out.
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Yahoo
Eat your way along this culinary hiking trail in Germany
As I meandered down the narrow dirt path of the Stausee-Tafeltour trail in Saarland, Germany, my eyes were drawn to the vibrant green moss that covered the forest floor like a shag carpet from the 70s. The thick grove of beech trees lining the pathway loomed over us, their smooth, gray bark reflecting the few rays of sun that broke through the dim light. A burbling stream that ran alongside the trail broke the silence. Rounding a corner, there were two large wooden crates in a small clearing by a picnic table. I opened the lid of one and it was surprisingly stocked with about six-dozen bottles of local Karlsbrau beer. The other was filled with bottled water and apfelschorle (sparkling apple juice). These crates are called GenussTrühen — food chests, also referred to as "supply stations" — and were recently introduced to the roughly 6.5-mile Stausee-Tafeltour trail, a circular route that pairs scenic hiking with curated culinary stops. This type of active vacation is currently trending, according to the 2025 Hilton Trends Report, with nearly one in five travelers seeking out culinary experiences, 69 percent enjoying being active while traveling, and 20 percent opting for outdoor adventures. And with the German Hiking Institute recently re-certifying the region as a premium hiking destination for the third time since 2015, now is the time to hike the Stausee-Tafeltour trail. The Stausee-Tafeltour trail is one of more than 100 traumschleifen (dream loops), which are part of the larger eco-friendly Saar-Hunsrück-Steig, a long-distance hiking trail that spans roughly 250 miles in the western part of the country. To achieve certification as a premium hiking destination, the region must meet 34 criteria, including user-friendly trail markings, silence, untouched landscape, historic buildings and monuments, inns or huts, and benches and rest areas. Along the Stausee-Tafeltour path, hikers will find lush forests, wooden bridges, wide-open fields, scenic benches, trickling brooks, horse pastures, and charming villages. Points of interest include Scheiden — the highest village in Saarland — with views of nearby France and Luxembourg, the Kneipp facility (foot bath), and SeeGarten. The last stretch of the loop takes hikers through a shady area with a grove of dramatic green and copper ferns, with roots and rocks strewn across the path. Keep going until you reach a sweeping view of Losheim Lake. The trail continues, hugging the lake. Visitors can also purchase a ticket to wander through the whimsical SeeGarten with an array of flowers, shrubs and grasses, as well as a lily pond, nature pond, and water playground with interactive stations to keep children entertained for hours. In the U.S., when setting off for a day hike, I typically pack snacks and plenty of water. Along the Saar-Hunsrück-Steig, look for the trail signs with the chef's hat and the word tafeltour (table tour) and you'll find gastronomy that is easily accessible for hikers. The Stausee-Tafeltour trail was recently awarded a RegionalGenuss (regional enjoyment) certificate, which means culinary offerings (nothing commercial) from the area can be found on the trail, such as in the chests, vending machines, and at local restaurants. Not only are these options a way for hikers to nourish themselves, but also a way for them to get to know the culture of the region through its specialty foods and beverages. The GenussTrühen are stocked by local residents and are kept full April through October. A sign is posted with pricing and there is a box where hikers can leave money, paying on the honor system. The person that provides the supplies keeps the money. My time on the trail ended at jovial Hochwälder Brauhaus, where I rewarded myself with a warm meal and a cold beer. I filled my belly with a regional favorite, homemade saaraländische kartoffelstippchen (potato dumplings) with mushroom sauce at a table overlooking the lake. Additional dining at the lake is also available at the SeeGartenBistro, Restaurant Maison au Lac, and Seehotel-Losheim. For those who want to travel farther on the Saar-Hunsrück-Steig, hotel accommodation is available in Losheim at the Seehotel-Losheim, Pension-Gasthaus Scheidener Stuben, Hochwälder Wohlfühlhotel, or camping at Wellnester Losheim am See. Keep in mind that for a multi-day hike, you'll have to carry your supplies with you, but at least you won't worry about finding something to eat and drink along the way. This story was created with the support of the German National Tourist Board. Sharael Kolberg is a Southern California-based travel journalist with more than 20 years of experience. Her byline has appeared in Travel + Leisure, U.S. News & World Report, Fodor's, Lonely Planet, and USA Today 10Best. She focuses on adventure, wellness, luxury, and sustainable travel. Her work can be seen at
National Geographic
27-03-2025
- National Geographic
Eat your way along this culinary hiking trail in Germany
As I meandered down the narrow dirt path of the Stausee-Tafeltour trail in Saarland, Germany, my eyes were drawn to the vibrant green moss that covered the forest floor like a shag carpet from the 70s. The thick grove of beech trees lining the pathway loomed over us, their smooth, gray bark reflecting the few rays of sun that broke through the dim light. A burbling stream that ran alongside the trail broke the silence. Rounding a corner, there were two large wooden crates in a small clearing by a picnic table. I opened the lid of one and it was surprisingly stocked with about six-dozen bottles of local Karlsbrau beer. The other was filled with bottled water and apfelschorle (sparkling apple juice). These crates are called GenussTrühen — food chests, also referred to as "supply stations" — and were recently introduced to the roughly 6.5-mile Stausee-Tafeltour trail, a circular route that pairs scenic hiking with curated culinary stops. This type of active vacation is currently trending, according to the 2025 Hilton Trends Report, with nearly one in five travelers seeking out culinary experiences, 69 percent enjoying being active while traveling, and 20 percent opting for outdoor adventures. And with the German Hiking Institute recently re-certifying the region as a premium hiking destination for the third time since 2015, now is the time to hike the Stausee-Tafeltour trail. The trail The Stausee-Tafeltour trail is one of more than 100 traumschleifen (dream loops), which are part of the larger eco-friendly Saar-Hunsrück-Steig, a long-distance hiking trail that spans roughly 250 miles in the western part of the country. To achieve certification as a premium hiking destination, the region must meet 34 criteria, including user-friendly trail markings, silence, untouched landscape, historic buildings and monuments, inns or huts, and benches and rest areas. Along the Stausee-Tafeltour path, hikers will find lush forests, wooden bridges, wide-open fields, scenic benches, trickling brooks, horse pastures, and charming villages. Points of interest include Scheiden — the highest village in Saarland — with views of nearby France and Luxembourg, the Kneipp facility (foot bath), and SeeGarten. The last stretch of the loop takes hikers through a shady area with a grove of dramatic green and copper ferns, with roots and rocks strewn across the path. Keep going until you reach a sweeping view of Losheim Lake. The trail continues, hugging the lake. Visitors can also purchase a ticket to wander through the whimsical SeeGarten with an array of flowers, shrubs and grasses, as well as a lily pond, nature pond, and water playground with interactive stations to keep children entertained for hours. What to eat In the U.S., when setting off for a day hike, I typically pack snacks and plenty of water. Along the Saar-Hunsrück-Steig, look for the trail signs with the chef's hat and the word tafeltour (table tour) and you'll find gastronomy that is easily accessible for hikers. The Stausee-Tafeltour trail was recently awarded a RegionalGenuss (regional enjoyment) certificate, which means culinary offerings (nothing commercial) from the area can be found on the trail, such as in the chests, vending machines, and at local restaurants. Not only are these options a way for hikers to nourish themselves, but also a way for them to get to know the culture of the region through its specialty foods and beverages. The GenussTrühen are stocked by local residents and are kept full April through October. A sign is posted with pricing and there is a box where hikers can leave money, paying on the honor system. The person that provides the supplies keeps the money. My time on the trail ended at jovial Hochwälder Brauhaus, where I rewarded myself with a warm meal and a cold beer. I filled my belly with a regional favorite, homemade saaraländische kartoffelstippchen (potato dumplings) with mushroom sauce at a table overlooking the lake. Additional dining at the lake is also available at the SeeGartenBistro, Restaurant Maison au Lac, and Seehotel-Losheim. Where to stay For those who want to travel farther on the Saar-Hunsrück-Steig, hotel accommodation is available in Losheim at the Seehotel-Losheim, Pension-Gasthaus Scheidener Stuben, Hochwälder Wohlfühlhotel, or camping at Wellnester Losheim am See. Keep in mind that for a multi-day hike, you'll have to carry your supplies with you, but at least you won't worry about finding something to eat and drink along the way. How to do it The start and end point of the Stausee-Tafeltour trail is at the Tourist-Information am Losheimer See. From Frankfurt, it can be reached by taking a The start and end point of the Stausee-Tafeltour trail is at the Tourist-Information am Losheimer See. From Frankfurt, it can be reached by taking a Deutsche Bahn train from Frankfurt to Merzig (about three hours), then take bus R1 from Merzig train station to Losheim train station, or take bus R401 from Mettlach train station to Losheim reservoir. Get off at Stausee Infostand, Losheim am See. This story was created with the support of the German National Tourist Board. Travel + Leisure, U.S. News & World Report, Fodor's, Lonely Planet, and USA Today 10Best. She focuses on adventure, wellness, luxury, and sustainable travel. Her work can be seen at Sharael Kolberg is a Southern California-based travel journalist with more than 20 years of experience. Her byline has appeared in, and. She focuses on adventure, wellness, luxury, and sustainable travel. Her work can be seen at
