Back in the day, part of the entertainment while traveling was looking at a map and deciding where to go. Okay, we did have a destination in mind - then again - why not wander? Oh, the wonders we discover when we travel together! This is what Johnny Welsh uncovered when he decided to let go of tech and go old school and share his journey in Paper Maps, No Apps An Unplugged Travel Adventure.
A unplugged road trip is not that hard. You simply have to think of your device as tool - not an extension of your body or mind. So, Johnny set out with his girlfriend, Kristy, some luggage, and a lot of attitude to rediscover the world for sixteen days. They were detached
from social media and smartphones, while navigating several states and one foreign country.
Now, they did use technology for certain things like locate and book destinations prior to departure and other necessities. Otherwise, they relied on paper maps and the whims of the road to fill our days and nights. A paper map? Can you imagine? Yes, they still have them. In fact, you can order one with a travel guide from each state or find them at the rest stops along the way. Maps are great to have around in a pinch - we always have one in the car on a trip because GPS is not reliable. How many of you have lost signal in the middle of using GPS and overshot your destinations? Yes, we've been there too!
When using their phones it was for a short time:
• Checking business emails once per morning before his pending radio show interviews.
• They texted their moms every few days - you know how moms are if you don't call.
The goal was to be at least 95% unplugged; and, for most of those sixteen days, Johnny and Kristy went completely old-school. He describes their journey with humor we can understand because we forget what it is like to check off the grid.
When using their phones it was for a short time:
• Checking business emails once per morning before his pending radio show interviews.
• They texted their moms every few days - you know how moms are if you don't call.
The goal was to be at least 95% unplugged; and, for most of those sixteen days, Johnny and Kristy went completely old-school. He describes their journey with humor we can understand because we forget what it is like to check off the grid.
Among the things they did want to do on this trip were:
• Stay balanced. Balance time in the natural interpersonal world with time connecting through technology.
• Read. When was the last time you read a paper or paperback? As Johnny reminds us - the act of reading a physical book quiets and calms us and allows us to become part of the story in a way no quick pop-up headline can and the experience of a physical book incorporates the sense of touch and smell.
• Meditate. Through meditation, you can achieve focus, which is the polar opposite of distraction.
• Stay balanced. Balance time in the natural interpersonal world with time connecting through technology.
• Read. When was the last time you read a paper or paperback? As Johnny reminds us - the act of reading a physical book quiets and calms us and allows us to become part of the story in a way no quick pop-up headline can and the experience of a physical book incorporates the sense of touch and smell.
• Meditate. Through meditation, you can achieve focus, which is the polar opposite of distraction.
How do you thing you would do without your devices? Are you up to the challenge? Check out Johnny's website to learn more about their travels and order copies of his books: Paper Maps, No Apps An Unplugged Travel Adventure .
Photo Credits: NZ Graphics
