The arrival of ever-improving communication technology has had as big an impact on the grey nomad lifestyle as just about anything else in the past couple of decades.
With internet satellite now becoming a more realistic option, growing numbers of travellers appear to be asking themselves the same question … are we getting too much of a good thing? And many are looking at whether it’s time to try a digital detox … or at least a partial digital detox.
Veteran traveller Julian Kevin says he’s been as guilty as anyone of spending too much time on the internet in the past, but he’s determined to change his ways.
Is the phone really much better than the view? PIC: Cizza
“I’m definitely going to have longer and longer periods away from my devices,” he said. “First maybe the weekend, and then a week and so on and so forth.”
And it’s seeing other people playing on their phones while sharing a meal or at a Happy Hour that has finally convinced Julian that our tech love affair has gone too far.
“I just want to be in the moment and enjoy what’s happening in the here and now, whether that be natural beauty, good company, or just silence,” he said. “Truth be told, I don’t know what I do half the time on my phone … it’s just a habit!”
And fellow grey nomads, Mal and Nancy Mills, agreed it was about getting your Big Lap priorities right.
“We go out there for scenery and socialising and star gazing … not to be stuck in front of a screen,” they said.
Of course, in such a connected world it is not always easy – or sensible – to totally shun communication technology. Whether grey nomads like it or not, online booking is now a fact of on-the-road life.
And then there is the small matter of safety, and being able to summon help in the event of an Outback emergency.
The secret then for travellers who do feel they are ‘overdoing’ their device time, might simply be to be more disciplined. Are travellers swapping ‘live’ experiences for looking at their phones?
Various studies have shown that this could lead to greater happiness. For many – and not just teenagers – the ever-present digital connection and constant need to keep checking emails, texts, and social media results in an added degree of stress.
“Like most grey nomads I can easily remember what it was like to truly be out of touch while travelling in remote areas,” said Julian Kevin. “And I have to say it did give you more of an opportunity to truly lose yourself and to find that extra bit of peace … and I do miss that feeling of complete escape about travelling today!’
Screw Pegs Australia is offering Grey Nomad members the chance to win one of two Fully Stacked Starter Packs – each valued at $117. The pack includes:
Click here to learn about GN member benefits, how to join … and how to win!
Here I am reading this on my phone stuck inside the van most of the day due to rain here in Roma…BUT tonight wet or not we are attending the Big Rig tour about those who pioneered the oil and gas supply…AND them without any mobile communication I expect LOL. It’s a matter of balance..first hand experience and capturing some memories…power to you, on your phone wherever you go. Max from Nairne.
Personally I don’t own a mobile phone but I have noticed that they appear to be most peoples ”centre of the universe”.