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The 6 best places to unplug: U.S. analog travel destinations

Where to travel in the U.S. when you need to unplug

cheyenne
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According to the #1 rated luxury travel advisor resource, Classic Vacations‘ most recent 2026 Summer Travel Forecast, 67% of travel advisors say their clients are booking vacations simply to rest and relax, a sign that today’s travelers are embracing slower, more intentional getaways. The outdated concept of “go, go, go” vacations doesn’t always hold true anymore, as travelers begin to adopt the mindset that “analog travel” can sometimes be preferable.

Analog travel is a trend centered on disconnecting from devices and reconnecting with local culture, nature, and immersive experiences. While not every analog travel destination is the same, many U.S. analog travel destinations share common characteristics such as a heavy focus on nature, culture, or human connection-style activities, fewer crowds and less commercialization, and a slower pace that encourages mindfulness. There are many types of this style travel that can be geared towards your unique travel preferences, such as a reading retreat getaway for the bookworm to a stargazing adventure for nature lovers.

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Looking for inspiration on where to go in the U.S. for an analog-inspired destination? These six best places to unplug are worth adding to your travel bucket list.

Cheyenne, Wyoming

Cheyenne, Wyoming makes the perfect analog travel destination thanks to its natural slower pace and nature-focused experiences. If you are looking to get away to a spot that’s not overcrowded but still has plenty to do to connect with nature, this spot could be for you.

Home to about 65,000 residents, life moves a bit slower here than your typical New York City or Miami city-style vacation. Plus, there’s plenty of stunning outdoor recreation areas where you can remove yourself from screens, such as Vedauwoo Recreation Area and Curt Gowdy State Park. Cheyenne is a great idea for a wild west adventure — especially if you’re looking for something different than the same old, same old.

Billings, Montana

Billings, Montana is another great spot for an analog travel destination. While you won’t be completely off the grid here, it’s a a city that can invite you to slow down and take nature in to the fullest. Surrounded by wide-open landscapes, there’s plenty to do here outdoors such as fishing, kayaking, or walking on scenic trails overlooking the city. Unlike large cities that are packed with attractions, Billings has a much slower feel where you can spend days roaming coffee shops, bookstores, or dining at local restaurants.

Orlando, Florida

Known as the home of family theme parks, Orlando isn’t generally a spot you’d think of when considering U.S. analog travel destinations. However, this central Florida town can be a great spot for families who want to unplug and spend quality time together. I’ve stayed at Caribe Royale Orlando several times — and it’s one of my favorite spots for an Orlando “unplugged getaway”.

With a 75-foot waterslide, private cabanas, and tons of on-site activities, there’s a lot to do here that you won’t even notice you’re not on your phone. Even though most of us associate Orlando with hefty theme park crowds, if you skip the parks, Orlando can be a great spot to unplug and just enjoy making memories in the sun. Beyond the resorts, there are also lots of downtown Orlando nature options for a day outdoor such as Lake Eola Park.

Tulsa, Oklahoma

In an era of constant notifications and screen time, Tulsa, Oklahoma is a great spot for an analog escape that’s focused on culture, creativity, and human connection. Travelers can spend their days exploring world-class institutions like Philbrook Museum of Art, Greenwood Rising Black Wall Street History Center, the Bob Dylan Center, and the Woody Guthrie Center, immersing themselves in stories, art, and history rather than scrolling through feeds.

Tulsa’s vibrant live music scene encourages visitors to be fully present, whether catching an intimate set at Mercury Lounge or experiencing a legendary performance at Cain’s Ballroom. Plus, outdoor spaces like Gathering Place and the banks of the Arkansas River provide opportunities to unplug and reconnect with nature. Often, analog travel also connects with learning about history. Tulsa is a great spot for visitors to immerse themselves in history such as learning about Route 66 and the city’s oil boom architecture.

Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina is often thought of as one of the premier U.S. analog travel destinations — and for good reason. This charming southern town offers a softer rhythm. Because it is a city built for walking (and not rushing), you can roam historic downtown streets and take a slower pace to days by exploring on foot. From pastel and Victorian homes to walking along the Battery waterfront, travelers can immerse themselves in history here without needing a strict itinerary. In a way, this town reminds me a lot of another of my favorite charming southern towns, Savannah, Georgia (which I also think would make a great analog travel destination).

If you’re looking to take your relaxation to the next level, check out Live Oak Charleston. At the center of this experience is Relax and Reset, an in-room wellness escape with Holy City Healthcare featuring IV therapy, Shiftwave, pneumatic compression with red light therapy, and a red-lightfacial mask, all enjoyed in total privacy.

Forth Worth, Texas

If you ask me, Fort Worth, Texas is an all-around underrated U.S. travel destination. But as for analog travel, it makes the perfect spot because there’s so much to do to take a break from screens. The historic Stockyards District is a great spot to explore, with its legendary twice-daily cattle drive and home to the world’s only year-round rodeo at Cowtown Coliseum, where everyone can get a taste of cowboy culture in real life. From brunch spots to wine tastings at Cowtown Winery, you can spend a day detoxing and unplugging from real life all within walking distance of the Stockyards District.

Over in the Cultural District, renowned museums sparks curiosity for everyone, from digging for fossils at the Science Museum and History to strolling through iconic displays of historic cowgirl fashion at the National Cowgirl Museum. Home to over 7,000 animals, the Fort Worth Zoo invites visitors to tap into the natural world through exciting, screen-free adventures. Stroll through immersive exhibits, from Texas Wild to World of Primates, where you can see your favorite animals up close. 

Emily is a Features Writer at The Manual, where she specializes in food, beverage, and travel content. She focuses on weaving… Read Full Bio
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