Skip to main content

The Isle of Man Encourages Visitors to Lock Away Their Smartphones

phone hand manicure
Jae Park

Most travelers would rather forget their passports, underwear, or car keys than leave their smartphones at home. The majority of us agree that we’re addicted to our phones, social media, and the internet in general. Yet, we just can’t seem to break free. Now, a clever initiative in Britain’s Isle of Man encourages visitors to temporarily swap their digital devices for a collection of old-school alternatives.

The Visit Isle of Man “Phonebox” initiative is simple. The local tourism board has placed lockboxes at various glamping and rural retreats around the island. Upon arrival, visitors can opt to lock their devices away in a dedicated phonebox. In return, they’ll receive a kit of analog replacements to chronicle their stay. The most practical are a map, an island guidebook, a travel journal, and an old-school film camera. Nature lovers can also pick up binoculars, a magnifying glass, and bird and plant identification books. There are even free postcards and stamps because nothing says you care like putting pen to paper and sending an actual physical note to your friends and loved ones.

Recommended Videos

Angela Byrne, Head of Visit Isle of Man, said the island wants “to encourage … visitors to disconnect, switch off and step away from digital distractions in order to disassociate from work and social media and concentrate better on surroundings. By installing phoneboxes in glamping locations around the Island, this will help people escape from everyday life and embrace the many activities that the Island has to offer as well as spending time connecting with each other, without relying on technology for entertainment or communication.”

The majority of Brits approve. A full 83% believe their fellow countrymen could use a digital detox. While on vacation, 73% report being annoyed by their travel companions spending too much time on their phones. But, it appears most don’t practice what they preach. Nearly three-quarters claim to spend too much time on social media. Some studies report that American adults spend about 3 hours and 30 minutes daily using mobile internet. That number is expected to balloon to more than four hours in 2021. Clearly, we need a break from all that screen time.

The Isle of Man is already the ideal destination for a digital detox. Nestled in the Irish Sea between England and Ireland, the island is rich in centuries of history, tradition, and legend that blend Viking and Celtic heritage. For outdoor-loving travelers, the landscape is a mix of rugged coastline, national glens, and rolling green hills that all encircle a mountainous center. It’s so unique, in fact, that it’s the only entire nation awarded UNESCO Biosphere status. The island’s long list of “offline” activities includes hiking, wildlife-watching, horseback riding, fishing, exploring castle ruins, climbing, and even scuba diving.

Mobile-free stays for Spring 2020 on the Isle of Man can be booked by emailing phoneboxes@hopeandglorypr.com. Because even tech-free vacations require online booking these days.

Mike Richard
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
These two U.S. airports rank among the world’s most beautiful
Main Terminal, PDX

While air travel focuses on covering long distances quickly, a beautiful airport can elevate the experience. Plain, concrete terminals can feel drab and boring, and only add to the strain of long travel days. However, open spaces inspired by nature can feel like a resort, helping you recharge and explore before your connection.

Recently, the Prix Versailles — a series of architectural competitions — released its list of “The Most Beautiful Airports in the World”, and two U.S. airports were among the winners. Here’s why.

Read more
Ritz-Carlton’s new yacht Luminara offers luxury cruises and top-tier dining
Enjoy all of your favorite Ritz-Carlton amenities at sea
Luminara

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection just set sail on its newest and largest ship yet. Departing from Monte Carlo, yesterday, July 3, Luminara marks the third ship in the brand’s growing fleet.

With 226 spacious suites, each featuring private terraces, Luminara was designed for travelers who want the intimacy of a yacht with the comfort and amenities of a high-end resort. But what truly sets this ship apart is where it’s headed. Luminara will be the first in the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection to explore destinations in Asia, Alaska, and Canada, opening new routes for the brand’s loyal cruisers.

Read more
Where you vacation could raise your skin cancer risk, says new study
New study reveals alarming sunscreen truths
Palm Beach, Florida

Most of us assume everyone knows the importance of protecting our skin from harmful UV rays, yet a new study suggests awareness campaigns aren't doing enough to protect Americans. A recently published study revealed a dangerous gap between what people know about sunscreen and how they use it, putting millions of Americans at an increased risk of developing skin cancer. Furthermore, the study found that specific beach destinations may have higher skin-damaging UV doses than others, indicating that where you vacation also weighs in on your overall risk of skin cancer.

The study analyzed over 378 million UV dose records from the European Space Agency and melanoma skin cancer rates from the World Health Organization for 168 countries. Those seeking the safest beach vacation possible should look to destinations such as Poland, Albania, and Iceland, with the lowest combined average daily UV radiation levels and melanoma skin cancer rates. Meanwhile, other popular beach destinations in Peru, Australia, and Ecuador had the riskiest UV radiation levels. In the U.S., Alaska, Washington, and Maine are the safest states for beachgoers who want to protect themselves from the sun.

Read more