Put the phone down: The best mobile-free vacays

A nerdy geek tries to see if his smart phone will bend!

Since the advent of the smartphone and social media, Australians are always switched on. So much so, there is even a term for our addiction to our phones – nomophobia.

Literally meaning ‘No-Mobile-Phone-Phobia’.

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With numerous studies calling out this need to be constantly responsive via our phones, leading to depression, anxiety and even decreased sleep quality, it’s little wonder that when Australians want to switch off, they really want to switch off.

Escapes that are off the beaten track with limited or no WiFi access are becoming more popular; the agoda Travel and Tech Study found three-fifths of us want to travel to secluded and lesser known destinations.

Andrew Edwards, Global director for Brand and Communications at agoda says: “Digital Detox getaways are becoming popular across the world, with 77 per cent of Aussies in our recent survey admitting they like to travel to escape from the stresses of life.

“While few and far between, there’s a variety of fantastic places on agoda for Aussies to go off the grid, and some where there is optional WiFi access from public areas, for those who want to wean themselves off their phones and internet at a slower pace.”

So where are these tech-free locations?

Thala Beach Nature Reserve & Lodge – Port Douglas, QLD

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This secluded getaway is situated on a huge stretch of untouched coastline, where travelers can enjoy the private beach, poolside cocktails and a massage. The only WiFi in sight is in reception.

Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef Hotel – Cape Range National Park, WA

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Sal Salis is miles off the grid and is glamping at its very best; an exclusive safari camp made up of nine spacious tents in the dunes. You’ll be able to check-in at the bar and open lounge area but you won’t be able to ‘check-in’ online, making it a truly special offline experience.

Bamurru Plains Hotel – Mary River, NT

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It doesn’t get any more remote than this safari camp that offers travelers a technology-free experience – no internet, no TV, and no telephones – so you can soak up the surrounding savannah and wetlands for all its beauty without any distractions.

Mawun Raya Resort – Lombok, Indonesia

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Located in Indonesia’s up and coming destination for Aussies, Lombok is the new Bali. This scenic getaway is perfect for those wanting to log off, whilst still providing plenty of entertainment – from horse riding to snorkelling and everything in between. And if you really feel the urge to post scenic snaps, there’s WiFi in the public areas.

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Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

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