Thousands of Britons are seeking to escape technology and break their mobile phone habits by booking holidays to some of the most remote locations in the world in 2023. Luxury cruise experts Panache Cruises have reported an increase in demand from those seeking to escape to locations beyond the reach of mobile phone signals and the internet.
They have now named the best destinations across the world for those wanting to unwind and unplug from the constant connectivity of technology and the stress it can cause. There are still some places where it is possible to escape the reach of technology, such as the Svalbard archipelago, around 1200 miles north of Norway - popular with those seeking the Northern Lights.
At the opposite end of the globe cruises to the Antarctic are booming with tourists choosing penguin spotting over emails. The Sinharaja Rainforest in Sri Lanka has no access to the internet and visitors can instead take time to unwind and explore the acres of biodiversity and unique tribal culture.
Kenya is also a fantastic destination for de-stressing, with magnificent wildlife across the savanna grasslands and spending the evening winding down by gazing at the starry night sky in the Koija Community Starbeds rather than scrolling through social media before bed.
While cruise ships usually offer internet connections, speeds can be very slow and the service expensive and often unreliable, especially in remote locations. James Cole, founder and managing director of Panache Cruises said: “We are seeing increasing popularity for remote holiday destinations with many customers reporting they are looking forward to switching off their phones and escaping technology for a while.
“Some really struggle to switch off but by choosing to journey to a truly remote location where even on-board connections will be slow at best, they may find it easier to go cold turkey. “Luckily even in 2023 there are still some spots on earth beyond the reach of the internet and mobile phone signals. “By travelling to some of the world’s most remote locations where there is zero access to the internet or even the slightest bit of phone signal; a complete digital detox in 2023 can be achieved.
“When you go on holiday it’s now become standard to upload pictures of your travels on social media - but with a completely unplugged trip away it instead becomes mandatory to take in the memories for yourself and look at the stunning landscapes and exotic wildlife through our own eyes, rather than through a screen.
“Getting away from technology and hectic schedules is a great stress-buster - the Valley of Flowers in India is full of some of the world’s most exotic and endangered animals, and Antarctica is truly one of those destinations where you can completely escape from the chaos of everyday life.”
Panache Cruises’ six destinations to escape your phone:
- Antarctic Sound, Antarctica
The Antarctic Sound is a channel of water filled with icebergs and has therefore been nicknamed the ‘Iceberg Alley’. At the most northern tip of the peninsula, visitors to the Antarctic Sound will be greeted with an eerie silence, interrupted by the noise of whales, seals, and penguins. The area is recognised as an ‘Important Bird Area’ too, with penguins and other bird populations being conserved. It is certain to say that visitors will not receive any phone signal in the Antarctic Sound to instead admire the wonderful sweeping landscape and unique wildlife.
2. Svalbard, Norway
Svalbard is one of the northernmost inhabited areas in the world - located between Norway and the North Pole. Perfect for those looking for a digital detox, there is only a patchy signal in the settlement of Longyearbyen. Elsewhere, visitors can enjoy the rugged landscape in one of the most remote locations in the world. Best of all, the Northern Lights are often visible throughout the wintertime, and during the summer the ‘midnight sun’ settles - where there is sunlight for 24 hours.
3. Sinharaja Rainforest, Sri Lanka
The Sinharaja Rainforest in Sri Lanka is the perfect tranquil destination for those looking to fully unplug from their phones. There is no signal in the rainforest, where adventurers will instead be surrounded by acres of biodiversity and greenery. There are several villages dotted around the border of the tropical rainforest and visitors can stay amongst locals with stunning panoramic views of Sinharaja.
4. Valley of Flowers, India
The Valley of Flowers is a National Park in India. Perfect for hikers wanting to escape social media and their phones, this destination is a 17 km trek from the nearest town, Joshimath. The National Park is full of some of the world’s rarest and endangered animals such as snow leopards and the Asian black bear. With an extensive rocky and rugged landscape, the park sits within two mountain ranges - easily blocking out all phone signals for visitors to the area. A blanket full of colourful, diverse flowers and fauna, the Valley of Flowers is one of the most beautiful destinations for those looking to unplug.
5. Koija Community Starbeds, Kenya
Kenya is one of the best countries to visit for a safari experience. And the Koija Community Starbeds will be the most unique overnight stay for all visitors. The luxury starbeds are in the heart of the Kenyan countryside, surrounded by a wonderful landscape and the magical starry sky up above, no one would even want the distraction from their phone if they could even get a signal. Savanna grasslands nearby are filled with diverse wildlife for a once-in-a-lifetime experience for those looking for a complete digital detox.
6. Mumbo Island, Malawi
Mumbo Island in the Lake Malawi National Park is the most ideal off-the-grid trip, with no access to the internet in the idyllic area. The island is home to the Mumbo Camp, a luxury camping site for those looking to disconnect and be at one with the natural landscape. The National Park itself was created with the sole purpose to protect aquatic habitats and fish, and the crystal blue waters around the island and stunning mountainous landscape make Mumbo Island a destination for visitors to spend some time in the remote area of outstanding natural beauty.
