Leave the Tech Behind: 5 Tips for a Gadget-Free Vacation

14.07.2011
Summer: Sun; beaches; bikinis; picnic lunches; frosty libations. And vacation. Oh yes, vacation.

We all need a good summer reprieve from the hustle and bustle of our daily lives. But in the technology-centric modern world, where do all of our gadgets and other electronics fit in?

The answer to that question varies, of course, for all of us. But for the folks who live and breathe technology, as I do, and who want to truly free themselves from as many electronic chains as possible while on vacation, the answer should be simple: The less tech the better.

Here are some ways to help you get the most out of your summer vacation, the old fashioned way, without technology--or at least with as little technology as possible.

Now, I realize that a truly "techless" vacation just isn't possible for many modern businesspeople even if we wish we could leave all of our gadgets at home. And some of us can actually benefit from bringing technology along with us--think: tablets for watching movies on the plane, or smartphone-based GPS navigation to help find the hotel. Even if this is the case, or if you simply don't want to totally disconnect, the following tips and tricks will still help to balance your technology usage while on holiday.