Isle of Man visitors can now opt to ‘lock away’ their smartphones and receive a range of digital detox ‘analogue items’ in return, including postcards, a map and film camera
- Visitors are being urged to give up their phones for the duration of their trip
- In return, they’ll also get a guidebook, binoculars, a travel journal and a notepad
- Research shows that 83% of Britons think that the country needs a digital detox
Could you survive a holiday where you swap your smartphone for an old-fashioned map, film camera and postcards?
That’s what visitors to the Isle of Man can opt to do as part of a new digital detox initiative.
The Visit Isle of Man scheme will see holidaymakers urged to lock their phone away for the duration of their trip to the island in return for a ‘Phonebox’ full of ‘analogue items’.
The traditional analogue items that holidaymakers on the Isle of Man will receive if they agree to give up their mobile phone for the duration of their stay
These also include an Isle of Man guidebook, bird and plant identification books, a selection of binoculars and magnifying glasses, a travel journal, a notepad and a pack of playing cards.
It is hoped that by switching off the from the digital world, Isle of Man holidaymakers will be able to spend time reconnecting with the natural environment as well as their loved ones.
The Phoneboxes will be at specific rural island retreats – Knockaloe Beg Farm and Glen Helen Glamping.
Research carried out by Visit Isle of Man showed that 83 per cent of Britons think that the country could benefit from a digital detox.
Research carried out by Visit Isle of Man showed that 83 per cent of Britons think that the country could benefit from a digital detox. Pictured is Peel Castle on the island
The study also showed that work-cations have become the new norm with 52 per cent of people from the UK regularly checking work emails while abroad and 54 per cent continuing to work through fear of falling behind on workloads or underachieving.
As such, 66 per cent said that they would reach a better work-life balance if they did not have their mobile phone on them at all times.
Smartphones are also affecting the way people behave on holiday with 29 per cent of Britons saying that digital distraction is the main reason why they are unable to switch off on holiday.
A huge 73 per cent have reported their mood being negatively affected when their travelling companions spend too much time on their phones.
And when asked if they felt that they spent too much time on social media and some time out would be worthwhile, 72 per cent of Brits agreed.
Angela Byrne, head of Visit Isle of Man, said: ‘We want to encourage our 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.
A view across the Isle of Man. A study found that 52 per cent of people from the UK regularly check work emails while abroad
‘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.
‘From our impressive network of heritage railways, medieval castles and heritage sites, to our 18 beautiful national glens, long stretching coastlines and country walks that produce vistas which take your breath away, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
‘Although life without a phone can seem daunting at first, there’s nothing that cannot be solved the good old-fashioned way.’
To book a mobile-free stay on the Isle of Man in Spring 2020, email phoneboxes@hopeandglorypr.com. Slots are available on a first-come first-serve basis.