‘Deadzoning’ refers to the deliberate act of disconnecting while travelling, stepping away from work emails, notifications and the constant digital noise that many people now struggle to escape, even on holiday.
As remote and flexible work arrangements continue to blur the boundary between office and personal life, people are increasingly searching for holidays where being unreachable feels possible.
Natalie Tambolash, general manager of active travel company UTracks NZ, says people have more freedom to work remotely than any time before, but for a lot of them that also means work follows them everywhere.
‘One of the things walking and cycling holidays naturally encourage is spending long stretches of the day away from emails. It’s pretty hard to answer an email while riding a bike or walking through the Alps.’
UTracks says this is not about rejecting technology altogether. Travellers still rely on navigation apps and phones for photos, but the role technology plays begins to shift.
‘Technology becomes more of a practical tool and less of a distraction,’ says Tambolash.
‘When travellers are focused on the scenery around then, their attention shifts away from screens without even thinking about it.’
She adds that popular UTracks tours that help people get away from digital overload include a seven-day Dolomites Guided Hike, eight-day Balkans High Trails and Culture Guided Hike or Via Alpina Switzerland Hike. Another option is the eight-day Montenegro to Albania Coastal Cycle.
