Traveling Without a Phone: How to Embrace the Journey Unplugged

In today’s hyperconnected world, traveling without a phone might seem nearly impossible or at least impractical.

However, those who have tried it often find the experience both rewarding and refreshing.

For example, in January, Soraya Lemboumba, a 40-year-old project manager from Switzerland, spent ten days traveling in Panama without her phone. She described the experience as life-changing.

She found herself waking up to the natural sounds around her rather than an alarm clock and no longer felt compelled to fill silence with social media updates or phone use. "I spent days fully immersed in the present moment," she explained.

Considering disconnecting on your next trip? Here are some practical steps to get started.

Set Your Boundaries

Before heading to the airport, decide whether you will bring a laptop, a tablet, or no electronic device at all. While laptops can perform many of the functions of a phone, they are less likely to be used casually during meals or beach outings.

If you do bring a device, create a clear set of rules to govern your technology use during the trip. For instance:

Having a physical list helps establish a system and reduces the temptation to reach for your device during moments of boredom or anxiety, which frequently arise while traveling.

Feel free to adjust these rules as you go if they don’t seem to work well.

You can also install app-blocking extensions like Freedom, ScreenZen, or Opal to restrict access to apps or websites such as YouTube, Instagram, and X for specified periods. Temporarily deleting certain apps is another effective way to avoid mindless scrolling.

Navigating Airports Without Your Phone

Much of the anxiety around traveling phone-free centers on logistics—such as airport procedures, schedules, and the possibility of delays or cancellations. A good rule of thumb is to allow extra time for transportation, ideally at least one additional hour to accommodate unexpected issues.

Without a phone to display electronic tickets, rely on printed boarding passes. Most airlines provide free printing at kiosks, but be cautious—some carriers charge fees for this service. To avoid extra costs, print your passes ahead of time.

Without the airline app, keep an eye on airport monitors for updates on delays or gate changes, and don’t hesitate to ask airport staff or gate agents for assistance.

Travel expert Catherine Price highlights that fully digital travel isn’t always necessary. "People forget that paper is reliable," she says, adding that the sense of freedom gained often outweighs minor inconveniences.

Finding Your Way Locally

Upon arrival at your accommodation, introduce yourself to the reception and concierge staff by name—a proven way to build goodwill, which can be helpful if you need directions printed or a taxi called.

To familiarize yourself with the area, try walking in expanding concentric circles around your lodging. Use physical maps and expect to make mistakes—these detours often lead to memorable experiences. Navigating without GPS can help you learn a city more intimately, offering an exciting revelation.

Always carry the full address of your accommodation in your wallet in case you get lost. If necessary, you can show it to a local or taxi driver. Instead of a translation app, consider bringing a phrasebook—many affordable options exist in various languages.

Adopting a conversational mindset can enrich your trip in unexpected ways. For instance, if you encounter a QR code required for entry to a museum, simply explain your situation to the person behind you and ask them to help you gain access by paying cash. This approach can lead to spontaneous friendships and serendipitous moments.

Capturing Memories Without a Phone

Consider purchasing a disposable or affordable digital camera—around $50—and embrace a mindful approach: take a photo of something meaningful, then put the camera away.

Price notes, "Taking photos during vacations often distances you from the moment itself, especially when done for social media. Don’t act out your holidays—live them."

Keeping a journal at the end of each day can solidify the memories you create. Instead of scrolling through photos on a phone, reading your journal allows you to relive your experiences more vividly.

Lemboumba found that forming "mental snapshots" by consciously immersing herself in experiences helped her remember moments more vividly than those she photographed. "Ironically, the times I didn’t capture are now the ones I recall most intensely," she shared.

Handling Emergencies Without a Phone

Fear of emergencies deters many from traveling without phones, though serious emergencies are rare. Most challenges are practical, like missing a train. While stressful in the moment, they usually turn out to be minor setbacks with the right mindset.

Since you won’t have access to Apple Pay or similar services, carry between $200 and $300 in local currency in a secure cross-body travel pouch, along with a credit card. Cash is invaluable in tricky situations. Women traveling solo who feel uneasy without a phone might consider buying a prepaid device for around $40 to keep tucked away for emergencies. Borrowing a phone if needed and sharing your itinerary with loved ones beforehand can also provide peace of mind.

If traveling phone-free alone feels intimidating, joining a group may help. Grace Borges, a 35-year-old research analyst from Washington, participated in a five-day phone-free trip to Cuba last year with a group travel company focused on young professionals. The tour guide managed logistics, and being among others following the same phone-free rule made it easier to adhere to.

In stressful moments, it’s helpful to remember that just a few decades ago, everyone traveled this way.