Published May 3, 2026 03:36AM<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
As I sat on the bow of a sailboat, marveling at the turquoise waters below and cave-strewn shores ahead, the sun trickled over my bare shoulders and a salty breeze swept through my hair. I reached for the small point-and-shoot film camera in my bag. I carefully lined up my shot to frame the majestic caves of Milos and relished in the satisfying click of the shutter as I captured the image. It was one week into my honeymoon in Greece, and I felt a profound sense of peace as we floated on the Aegean sea. We had taken this trip sans digital devices\u2014and my phone was the last thing on my mind.<\/p>\n
Leading up to this vacation, I had a desperate desire to distance myself from technology; after a year of balancing wedding planning and my career, I needed a break from social media, the barrage of emails in my inbox, and the incessant impulse to check my phone. I wanted to take the time to truly unwind, slow down, and enjoy quality time with my partner. However, I knew that if I picked up my phone every time I wanted to take a photo of Greece\u2019s gorgeous scenery, it would be all-too-easy to mindlessly drift to a distracting app.<\/p>\n
So, a week before my trip, I walked to the small, independently-owned camera store in my neighborhood. I selected a camera, purchased three rolls of Kodak 35mm film, and prepared for a travel experience rooted in presence and intention.<\/p>\n
I didn\u2019t know it at the time, but the choice to distance myself from tech during the trip aligned with a growing trend: analog travel.<\/p>\n
The Rise of Analog Travel\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n\nThe author captured on film in Greece.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\nAmid the raging nostalgia for the 90s and early aughts<\/a>\u2014ripe with romanticisms about landlines, CD players, and days spent outdoors in a world of imagination\u2014the concept of \u201cgoing analog\u201d<\/a> has trickled into our zeitgeist. Whether due to social media, AI, or our society\u2019s reliance on technology, many of us are craving a less dystopian-feeling existence.<\/p>\n\u201cAnalog travel\u201d prioritizes intentional, low-tech experiences on vacation over digital distractions. It\u2019s all about slowing down, using tangible tools like paper maps and film cameras, and seeking memorable, meaningful travel moments, rather than merely capturing content for social media.<\/p>\n
Of course, going offline or off-grid is very common in adventure travel. And, while it might seem counterintuitive considering modern life is increasingly online, analog trips are becoming much more mainstream.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe live in a world where almost every part of daily life now runs through a smartphone, from how we navigate and communicate to how we document and consume our experiences,\u201d says Neal Bateman, head of expeditions at Kensington Tours<\/a>, which offers tailor-made journeys across 120 countries, including some off-the-grid excursions. \u201cFor many clients, that constant connection is creating a growing desire to disconnect in order to reconnect, not just with the people they are traveling with, but with the world around them.\u201d<\/p>\n\u201cThe appeal of analog travel is not about rejecting modern life, but about creating space for wonder, presence, and genuine human connection,\u201d Bateman says.<\/p>\n
We\u2019re seeing this desire come into play across 2026 travel trends. Interest in astrotourism has skyrocketed\u2014with some analysts predicting the already $10 billion nighttime tourism market could double by 2035. Many travelers are also gravitating toward rural destinations: According to a survey by VRBO<\/a>, 84% of travelers are interested in staying on or near a farm, and are particularly interested in nature walks or hiking, the chance to interact with farm animals, and harvesting produce or picking fresh fruit. What\u2019s more, literary retreats<\/a>\u2014which center on reading (primarily physical books) in lovely destinations\u2014are more popular than ever in 2026. All of these trends are rooted in a common desire: More time spent outdoors, connecting with the world, and engaging in tangible activities that bring joy and fulfillment.<\/p>\nIn some cases, the analog approach takes effect before the trip even begins. Many travelers are planning with the help of classic guidebooks<\/a>, travel magazines, and anecdotal recommendations from friends\u2014rather than turning to search engines or AI itineraries.<\/p>\nWhile it may seem tedious, this practice is actually incredible for our brains, says Nicole Vignola<\/a>, a neuroscientist, brain health consultant, and founder of The Mental Currency Method<\/a>. When we don\u2019t depend on technology to think for us, it allows us to hone our critical thinking skills and creativity.<\/p>\nWhat\u2019s more, giving our minds a break from digital distractions allows us to hone our \u201cdefault mode network\u201d\u2014a set of interacting brain regions most active when the mind is at rest or daydreaming.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat part of the brain is like a garden,\u201d says Vignola. \u201cIf you don\u2019t tend to it, in the sense that if you don\u2019t sit with your own thoughts and spend time with yourself, then it becomes a place you don\u2019t want to be. Or, you can spend time with it, cultivate it and plant flowers\u2014eventually it becomes a place that\u2019s enjoyable.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"coastline](\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/greek-coastline.jpg?width=3840&auto=webp&quality=75&fit=cover\"\/)
The Greek coastline, captured on film. (Photo: Kristine Thomason)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nFor those who don\u2019t quite feel comfortable ditching all their tech on a trip (for safety reasons, for instance), Vignola suggests deleting all apps on your phone beyond the ones that are absolutely necessary. \u201cEssentially, you\u2019re restoring your phone to its intended purpose,\u201d she says, rather than a device of rampant distraction.<\/p>\n
Analog travel isn\u2019t revolutionary for travelers who already prioritize off-the-grid trips, where a detachment from technology is built in. But it is becoming all the more desirable for the everyday traveler.<\/p>\n
Hotels Supporting Mindful, Tech-Free Travel<\/strong><\/h2>\nWhile much of this trend is traveler-driven, hotels are taking note, especially those built with analog travel as a cornerstone of their brand. At upscale camping brand Under Canvas<\/a>, for instance, going offline is integral to the experience: They intentionally don\u2019t offer WiFi in their camps, and instead encourage guests to unplug, enjoy the natural surroundings.<\/strong>\u00a0With locations in stunning natural locations, they also offer an array of activities that encourage guests to relish in analog pleasures\u2014from nightly s\u2019mores around the fire to stargazing to destination-specific adventure outings.<\/p>\nProperties in close proximity to national parks are embracing the concept, too\u2014take Hotel Wren<\/a> or Reset Hotel, for instance, which offer modern\u00a0accommodations without any tech in the rooms, inviting guests to recharge and spend time in the nearby Joshua Tree National Park.<\/p>\nWellness properties in particular are responding to the growing need to create distance with the digital world. Properties like Alisal Ranch<\/a> in Solvang offer a number of earth-centered activities, from plant identification walks to flower cooking classes<\/a>; spas like El Monte Sagrado<\/a> in Taos offer \u201cnervous system restoration\u201d treatments, meant to combat our world of constant cortisol spikes.<\/p>\nFor Miraval Resorts<\/a>, mindfulness has always been a foundation of any stay, which means fostering a digital device-free environment. All three of their locations offer \u201ccell phone sleeping bags\u201d in each room, where guests can tuck away their device to take a break from tech during the entirety of the stay. Guests are also provided with paper pads and pens for journaling and reflecting, newspapers for those who wish to stay updated about the world, and maps that designate the few select areas where cell phone use is permitted on property. They also share resources for travelers ahead of their stay, with suggestions on how to mindfully unplug before arrival.<\/p>\n\u201cWe view digital mindfulness as one of the most powerful and rare luxuries we can offer. When guests step away from constant notifications and the pressure to stay connected, they create space to actually hear themselves again,\u201d says Heather David, Miraval Resorts director of digital and brand marketing. \u201cIt\u2019s not about restriction, it\u2019s about giving people permission to fully arrive in their own lives, even if just for a few days.\u201d<\/p>\n
At Cal-a-Vie<\/a>, a wellness resort in southern California, cell phone use is discouraged in common areas. Last year, I took that mindset one step further and committed to a three-day hiatus from my phone while staying on property. Rather than scrolling at night, I read a novel I\u2019d been meaning to finish for some time. At mealtimes, I made meaningful social connections with the other travelers instead of burying my nose in my phone. I filled my days with outdoor hikes, new fitness activities, and mindfulness exercises that left me feeling refreshed and fulfilled, not drained. During my stay, I also felt my creativity flowing\u2014I was compelled to journal and write prose, without any of the blockages I often experience when bombarded with daily tech distractions. It was like I could feel my brain come back to life, even in a short amount of time.<\/p>\nChoosing Adventure and Creating Instead of Scrolling<\/strong><\/h2>\nBeyond just ditching phones for the duration of vacation, analog travel is also about embracing fulfilling activities. It means replacing time you\u2019d be scrolling with more meaningful new experiences, and even new skills\u2014whether it\u2019s taking a surfing lesson in Hawai\u2019i<\/a> or learning to play padel in southern California.<\/a><\/p>\nA vacation is also the perfect time to try your hand at a more niche activity you might not otherwise try. At Ojai Valley Inn<\/a>, for instance, guests learn all about beekeeping\u2014from how honey is made to how hives are structured\u2014under the guidance of the Inn\u2019s resident beekeeper.<\/p>\nWithin the larger analog trend, there\u2019s a pull toward tactile arts and crafts (according to recent data from craft store Michaels<\/a>, searches for analog hobbies such as knitting, crocheting, embroidery, journaling and painting have surged 136% over the past six months). This aspect has filtered into travel experiences<\/a>, as well.<\/p>\nEnchantment<\/a> in Sedona, Arizona, just opened a 2,000-square-foot Artist Cottage<\/a>, where guests can swap screens for hands-on artistry, like watercolor painting, pottery glazing, beading, and wood burning\u2014all intended to serve as creative rituals that quiet the mind.<\/p>\n![\"exterior](\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/artistcottage.jpg?width=3840&auto=webp&quality=75&fit=cover\"\/)
The Artist Cottage at Enchantment. (Photo: Kristine Thomason)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nWhile visiting Enchantment\u2019s sister property Mii Amo<\/a> last month, my husband and I opted to try candlemaking, the signature \u201cjourney into creativity\u201d experience offered the week of our stay. Slowly and mindfully, we learned this new artform together\u2014from melting wax to choosing essential oils to selecting a natural dye. Although the class was just a bit over an hour, time stretched in the most satisfying way. And, now, whenever we burn those candles at home, we\u2019re reminded of our incredible trip to Sedona.<\/p>\nFor those looking to take their creativity outdoors, Enchantment also offers a night sky photography program (among other dark sky experiences<\/a>) in which guests of all skill levels can learn how to optimally capture the stars and moonlit landscape of Sedona.<\/p>\nThe Next Generation of Analog Travel<\/strong><\/h2>\nIn Sedona, I noticed a number of families working on their own crafts in the Artist\u2019s Cottage: a mother and daughter made pottery together; a couple with young children learned to work with watercolor. It occurred to me that analog travel isn\u2019t just an asset to us as adults, but vital for future generations, as well. As so many of us are nostalgic for our own screen-free childhoods, it seems fitting that we find ways to create that same experience for our own children, wherever possible.<\/p>\n
At Pendry Newport Beach<\/a>\u2018s kids\u2019 club, Paintbox<\/a>, children ages 5 through 12 get to let their imaginations run wild\u2014with locally-inspired arts and crafts, group games, and outdoor adventures.<\/p>\nOjai Valley Inn invites kids to participate in creative exploration at Camp Oak<\/a>, a half- or full-day program where they get to enjoy fresh-air activities designed to spark creativity and curiosity\u2014like learning about the surrounding flora and fauna, or trying themed science experiments. Over at Alisal, kids ages seven and older can try out horseback riding under the guidance of skilled instructors.<\/p>\n
Amid the raging nostalgia for the 90s and early aughts<\/a>\u2014ripe with romanticisms about landlines, CD players, and days spent outdoors in a world of imagination\u2014the concept of \u201cgoing analog\u201d<\/a> has trickled into our zeitgeist. Whether due to social media, AI, or our society\u2019s reliance on technology, many of us are craving a less dystopian-feeling existence.<\/p>\n \u201cAnalog travel\u201d prioritizes intentional, low-tech experiences on vacation over digital distractions. It\u2019s all about slowing down, using tangible tools like paper maps and film cameras, and seeking memorable, meaningful travel moments, rather than merely capturing content for social media.<\/p>\n Of course, going offline or off-grid is very common in adventure travel. And, while it might seem counterintuitive considering modern life is increasingly online, analog trips are becoming much more mainstream.<\/p>\n \u201cWe live in a world where almost every part of daily life now runs through a smartphone, from how we navigate and communicate to how we document and consume our experiences,\u201d says Neal Bateman, head of expeditions at Kensington Tours<\/a>, which offers tailor-made journeys across 120 countries, including some off-the-grid excursions. \u201cFor many clients, that constant connection is creating a growing desire to disconnect in order to reconnect, not just with the people they are traveling with, but with the world around them.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe appeal of analog travel is not about rejecting modern life, but about creating space for wonder, presence, and genuine human connection,\u201d Bateman says.<\/p>\n We\u2019re seeing this desire come into play across 2026 travel trends. Interest in astrotourism has skyrocketed\u2014with some analysts predicting the already $10 billion nighttime tourism market could double by 2035. Many travelers are also gravitating toward rural destinations: According to a survey by VRBO<\/a>, 84% of travelers are interested in staying on or near a farm, and are particularly interested in nature walks or hiking, the chance to interact with farm animals, and harvesting produce or picking fresh fruit. What\u2019s more, literary retreats<\/a>\u2014which center on reading (primarily physical books) in lovely destinations\u2014are more popular than ever in 2026. All of these trends are rooted in a common desire: More time spent outdoors, connecting with the world, and engaging in tangible activities that bring joy and fulfillment.<\/p>\n In some cases, the analog approach takes effect before the trip even begins. Many travelers are planning with the help of classic guidebooks<\/a>, travel magazines, and anecdotal recommendations from friends\u2014rather than turning to search engines or AI itineraries.<\/p>\n While it may seem tedious, this practice is actually incredible for our brains, says Nicole Vignola<\/a>, a neuroscientist, brain health consultant, and founder of The Mental Currency Method<\/a>. When we don\u2019t depend on technology to think for us, it allows us to hone our critical thinking skills and creativity.<\/p>\n What\u2019s more, giving our minds a break from digital distractions allows us to hone our \u201cdefault mode network\u201d\u2014a set of interacting brain regions most active when the mind is at rest or daydreaming.<\/p>\n \u201cThat part of the brain is like a garden,\u201d says Vignola. \u201cIf you don\u2019t tend to it, in the sense that if you don\u2019t sit with your own thoughts and spend time with yourself, then it becomes a place you don\u2019t want to be. Or, you can spend time with it, cultivate it and plant flowers\u2014eventually it becomes a place that\u2019s enjoyable.\u201d<\/p>\n For those who don\u2019t quite feel comfortable ditching all their tech on a trip (for safety reasons, for instance), Vignola suggests deleting all apps on your phone beyond the ones that are absolutely necessary. \u201cEssentially, you\u2019re restoring your phone to its intended purpose,\u201d she says, rather than a device of rampant distraction.<\/p>\n Analog travel isn\u2019t revolutionary for travelers who already prioritize off-the-grid trips, where a detachment from technology is built in. But it is becoming all the more desirable for the everyday traveler.<\/p>\n While much of this trend is traveler-driven, hotels are taking note, especially those built with analog travel as a cornerstone of their brand. At upscale camping brand Under Canvas<\/a>, for instance, going offline is integral to the experience: They intentionally don\u2019t offer WiFi in their camps, and instead encourage guests to unplug, enjoy the natural surroundings.<\/strong>\u00a0With locations in stunning natural locations, they also offer an array of activities that encourage guests to relish in analog pleasures\u2014from nightly s\u2019mores around the fire to stargazing to destination-specific adventure outings.<\/p>\n Properties in close proximity to national parks are embracing the concept, too\u2014take Hotel Wren<\/a> or Reset Hotel, for instance, which offer modern\u00a0accommodations without any tech in the rooms, inviting guests to recharge and spend time in the nearby Joshua Tree National Park.<\/p>\n Wellness properties in particular are responding to the growing need to create distance with the digital world. Properties like Alisal Ranch<\/a> in Solvang offer a number of earth-centered activities, from plant identification walks to flower cooking classes<\/a>; spas like El Monte Sagrado<\/a> in Taos offer \u201cnervous system restoration\u201d treatments, meant to combat our world of constant cortisol spikes.<\/p>\n For Miraval Resorts<\/a>, mindfulness has always been a foundation of any stay, which means fostering a digital device-free environment. All three of their locations offer \u201ccell phone sleeping bags\u201d in each room, where guests can tuck away their device to take a break from tech during the entirety of the stay. Guests are also provided with paper pads and pens for journaling and reflecting, newspapers for those who wish to stay updated about the world, and maps that designate the few select areas where cell phone use is permitted on property. They also share resources for travelers ahead of their stay, with suggestions on how to mindfully unplug before arrival.<\/p>\n \u201cWe view digital mindfulness as one of the most powerful and rare luxuries we can offer. When guests step away from constant notifications and the pressure to stay connected, they create space to actually hear themselves again,\u201d says Heather David, Miraval Resorts director of digital and brand marketing. \u201cIt\u2019s not about restriction, it\u2019s about giving people permission to fully arrive in their own lives, even if just for a few days.\u201d<\/p>\n At Cal-a-Vie<\/a>, a wellness resort in southern California, cell phone use is discouraged in common areas. Last year, I took that mindset one step further and committed to a three-day hiatus from my phone while staying on property. Rather than scrolling at night, I read a novel I\u2019d been meaning to finish for some time. At mealtimes, I made meaningful social connections with the other travelers instead of burying my nose in my phone. I filled my days with outdoor hikes, new fitness activities, and mindfulness exercises that left me feeling refreshed and fulfilled, not drained. During my stay, I also felt my creativity flowing\u2014I was compelled to journal and write prose, without any of the blockages I often experience when bombarded with daily tech distractions. It was like I could feel my brain come back to life, even in a short amount of time.<\/p>\n Beyond just ditching phones for the duration of vacation, analog travel is also about embracing fulfilling activities. It means replacing time you\u2019d be scrolling with more meaningful new experiences, and even new skills\u2014whether it\u2019s taking a surfing lesson in Hawai\u2019i<\/a> or learning to play padel in southern California.<\/a><\/p>\n A vacation is also the perfect time to try your hand at a more niche activity you might not otherwise try. At Ojai Valley Inn<\/a>, for instance, guests learn all about beekeeping\u2014from how honey is made to how hives are structured\u2014under the guidance of the Inn\u2019s resident beekeeper.<\/p>\n Within the larger analog trend, there\u2019s a pull toward tactile arts and crafts (according to recent data from craft store Michaels<\/a>, searches for analog hobbies such as knitting, crocheting, embroidery, journaling and painting have surged 136% over the past six months). This aspect has filtered into travel experiences<\/a>, as well.<\/p>\n Enchantment<\/a> in Sedona, Arizona, just opened a 2,000-square-foot Artist Cottage<\/a>, where guests can swap screens for hands-on artistry, like watercolor painting, pottery glazing, beading, and wood burning\u2014all intended to serve as creative rituals that quiet the mind.<\/p>\n While visiting Enchantment\u2019s sister property Mii Amo<\/a> last month, my husband and I opted to try candlemaking, the signature \u201cjourney into creativity\u201d experience offered the week of our stay. Slowly and mindfully, we learned this new artform together\u2014from melting wax to choosing essential oils to selecting a natural dye. Although the class was just a bit over an hour, time stretched in the most satisfying way. And, now, whenever we burn those candles at home, we\u2019re reminded of our incredible trip to Sedona.<\/p>\n For those looking to take their creativity outdoors, Enchantment also offers a night sky photography program (among other dark sky experiences<\/a>) in which guests of all skill levels can learn how to optimally capture the stars and moonlit landscape of Sedona.<\/p>\n In Sedona, I noticed a number of families working on their own crafts in the Artist\u2019s Cottage: a mother and daughter made pottery together; a couple with young children learned to work with watercolor. It occurred to me that analog travel isn\u2019t just an asset to us as adults, but vital for future generations, as well. As so many of us are nostalgic for our own screen-free childhoods, it seems fitting that we find ways to create that same experience for our own children, wherever possible.<\/p>\n At Pendry Newport Beach<\/a>\u2018s kids\u2019 club, Paintbox<\/a>, children ages 5 through 12 get to let their imaginations run wild\u2014with locally-inspired arts and crafts, group games, and outdoor adventures.<\/p>\n Ojai Valley Inn invites kids to participate in creative exploration at Camp Oak<\/a>, a half- or full-day program where they get to enjoy fresh-air activities designed to spark creativity and curiosity\u2014like learning about the surrounding flora and fauna, or trying themed science experiments. Over at Alisal, kids ages seven and older can try out horseback riding under the guidance of skilled instructors.<\/p>\nHotels Supporting Mindful, Tech-Free Travel<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Choosing Adventure and Creating Instead of Scrolling<\/strong><\/h2>\n
The Next Generation of Analog Travel<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"man](\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/analog-travel-greece.png?width=3840&auto=webp&quality=75&fit=cover\"\/)