Could you truly disconnect from your phone? It’s one thing to head out into the woods for a bit of quiet contemplation, but can you imagine taking a week-long trip with no phone, relying on maps, the kindness of strangers and spontaneity to explore a destination? FTLO Travel, a group travel company geared towards solo travelers in their mid-20s and 30s, wants to encourage digital-free discovery with their new phone-free departures.
FTLO stands for “For The Love Of”, and FTLO Travel takes that to heart. All of their group trips foster a deep love of travel, especially the phone-free trips where travelers are encouraged to explore a destination through personal discovery rather than relying on the instant gratification of a smartphone.
“In today's digital age, we have become increasingly dependent on our smartphones, and it is negatively impacting our mental well-being and our ability to be present. By removing this distraction, travelers can fully engage with the destination they’re visiting and build new relationships with like-minded trip mates,” explains founder and CEO Tara Cappel.
A recent poll revealed that 77% of Americans aged 35-54 would welcome a return to a time before technology took over their lives. The world of travel has changed dramatically with the introduction of new technology, often at the expense of rewarding challenges, meaningful connections and spontaneous adventures. By prohibiting smartphone use for the entirety of each week-long trip, FTLO encourages distraction-free discovery that will lead to richer experiences.
For those who are up for the challenge, the company’s 2024 phone-free departures will include Italy, Cuba, Portugal, Mexico, Costa Rica and Iceland. If you’re not ready for that kind of adventure, FTLO has a packed calendar of expertly curated trips—ranging from 4 to 11 days—to more than 35 countries around the world.