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Digital Detox Travel Is Trending for 2027: 5 Places to Unplug

You arrive at a beautiful destination. The scenery is incredible, the food smells amazing, and the atmosphere is completely different from home.

Then you realize you have spent the last 30 minutes checking messages, scrolling through social media and taking photos you may never look at again.

Sound familiar?

A growing travel trend aims to change that. Digital-detox travel is about taking a break from constant notifications, screen time and the pressure to document every moment online.

You do not have to throw your phone into a lake or disappear into a forest for a month. Sometimes, putting your phone away during a walk, spending an afternoon by the water or choosing accommodation surrounded by nature is enough to make a trip feel different.

Skyscanner has highlighted this trend in its 2027 travel predictions, calling it Signal Severance. Its idea is simple: travelers are looking for more meaningful experiences and fewer digital distractions.

Here are five destinations attracting interest from travelers who want to slow down, explore and reconnect with the world around them.

1. Kingstown, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: An island escape

Best for: Tropical scenery, outdoor experiences and a slower Caribbean getaway.

Kingstown is the capital of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, an island country in the Caribbean.

The city can serve as a starting point for exploring the wider island, where volcanic landscapes, green hills, coastal scenery and opportunities for sailing create a very different pace from a busy urban routine.

Instead of filling every hour with scheduled activities, you could spend time exploring local markets, walking through the city, discovering the island's natural surroundings or arranging a responsible boat excursion.

Skyscanner included Kingstown at the top of its digital-detox destination list, reporting a 124% year-over-year increase in round-trip flight searches in the data used for its report.

That does not mean the destination has suddenly become the world's most visited island. It means interest on the platform has increased substantially compared with the previous year.

Try this: Plan a day around one outdoor activity and leave the rest of the schedule open. Give yourself time to enjoy the surroundings rather than rushing from attraction to attraction.

Travel tip: If you plan to explore beyond Kingstown, arrange reliable transport and check local weather and sea conditions before booking outdoor excursions.

2. Ohrid, North Macedonia: Lakeside walks and historic streets

Best for: History, peaceful lake views, walking and cultural exploration.

If your ideal break involves beautiful water, old streets and long walks, Ohrid deserves a place on your list.

The North Macedonian town sits beside Lake Ohrid, one of Europe's oldest lakes. Its historic buildings, religious architecture and cultural heritage make it more than a typical lakeside holiday destination.

The Ohrid region is recognized by UNESCO for its natural and cultural significance. Visitors can explore the old town, walk along the waterfront, visit historic churches and enjoy the views across the lake.

Ohrid ranked second on Skyscanner's digital-detox destination list, with round-trip flight searches rising 109% year over year in the report's data.

It is a particularly interesting choice for travelers who want a blend of relaxation and culture without building their entire trip around nightlife or shopping.

Try this: Take a slow walk along the lake, visit one historic site, then spend time at a local café without checking your phone every few minutes.

Travel tip: The experience changes with the season. Check local opening hours, weather conditions and accommodation options for your dates.

Learn more: UNESCO — Natural and Cultural Heritage of the Ohrid Region

3. Luxembourg: A small country with room to explore

Best for: Forest walks, charming villages, cycling and relaxed city breaks.

Luxembourg may be small, but it offers a surprising mix of historic towns, forests, valleys, castles and hiking trails.

You could spend part of your trip in Luxembourg City, exploring its old quarters and viewpoints, before heading to a greener region such as Mullerthal, often called Luxembourg's Little Switzerland because of its rocky landscapes and wooded trails.

The country is also convenient for travelers who enjoy exploring at a gentle pace. Its public transport is free nationwide for standard second-class travel, making it easier to plan some journeys without renting a car.

Luxembourg appears third on Skyscanner's digital-detox destination list, with a 95% increase in round-trip flight searches in the period used for the report.

Unlike a remote wilderness retreat, Luxembourg lets you combine access to everyday services with time spent outdoors.

Try this: Choose one walking route, explore a village along the way and allow time to stop whenever something catches your attention.

Travel tip: Check trail distances and difficulty before setting off. Carry suitable footwear and clothing, and follow local guidance about outdoor conditions.

Plan your visit: Visit Luxembourg

4. Gothenburg, Sweden: Quiet islands near a lively city

Best for: Coastal walks, island-hopping, seafood and Scandinavian culture.

Sometimes, a digital detox does not require going far from a city.

Gothenburg, on Sweden's west coast, combines urban attractions with an archipelago of islands where you can walk along rocky shorelines, explore small coastal communities and enjoy the sea air.

The southern islands are known for their relaxed atmosphere and car-free environments, while the northern islands offer a range of settlements, accommodation and services.

You can start the day with sightseeing or a café visit in Gothenburg, then spend the afternoon exploring an island and its walking paths.

The city's official visitor guide presents the archipelago as a destination for tranquillity and outdoor experiences throughout the year.

Gothenburg ranked fourth on Skyscanner's digital-detox list, with round-trip flight searches increasing 71% year over year in its reported data.

Try this: Choose one island or coastal area for the day instead of rushing through several attractions. Walk, enjoy a local meal and take photos only when you genuinely want to.

Travel tip: Weather changes can affect ferry services and outdoor plans. Check transport schedules and seasonal conditions before departing.

Plan your visit: Gothenburg's Official Visitor Guide

5. Victoria, British Columbia, Canada: Gardens, coastline and nature

Best for: Scenic walks, gardens, coastal experiences and a gentler city break.

Victoria is located on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. It offers a mixture of waterfront scenery, gardens, cultural attractions and access to the wider natural landscape.

You can explore the city's waterfront, visit gardens and parks, walk along coastal paths or arrange a guided nature excursion.

The destination provides a useful balance for travelers who want time outdoors without committing to a completely remote trip. You can enjoy a comfortable base with restaurants and services, then dedicate parts of the day to nature.

Skyscanner reported a 68% year-over-year increase in round-trip flight searches for Victoria in its digital-detox destination list.

The rise reflects increased interest in flight searches, not a guarantee that the destination is inexpensive or uncrowded.

Try this: Spend a morning walking along the coast or visiting a garden. Leave your phone in your bag except when you need it for navigation, emergencies or a photograph you genuinely want to keep.

Travel tip: Victoria is a long-distance destination for many international travelers. Compare flight connections, accommodation and the total cost before deciding whether it suits your budget.

Plan your visit: Tourism Victoria

Why is digital-detox travel becoming popular?

Phones make travel easier. We use them to find restaurants, book accommodation, navigate unfamiliar places and stay in touch with family.

The problem is not owning a smartphone. It is feeling that we must keep checking it even when we are supposed to be resting.

Skyscanner's 2027 travel report found that 38% of surveyed US travelers said it takes time to clear their heads before they stop checking their phones on holiday. The report also found that 62% associated going off-grid with feeling closer to nature.

These findings reflect survey responses, not proof that every traveler needs a digital detox. Still, they help explain why some people are attracted to trips that prioritize nature, conversation and experiences over constant online activity.

It is also worth remembering that digital-detox travel does not automatically mean staying somewhere without internet access. Many people simply want to use their devices more intentionally.

How to plan a digital-detox trip without going completely offline

You do not need a remote cabin or an expensive wellness retreat to experience a break from your screen.

Here are five practical ways to start.

1. Choose one part of the day to go phone-free

You might decide that breakfast, a nature walk or dinner is time to put your phone away.

Start with a manageable period instead of trying to disconnect for an entire week.

2. Download what you need in advance

Save maps, reservations, travel documents and useful directions for offline access where supported.

This helps you avoid repeatedly opening apps just to check information, and it provides a backup if connectivity becomes unreliable.

3. Build the trip around experiences

Choose a walking route, cooking class, guided tour, wildlife excursion or local cultural experience.

The point is not to avoid every screen. It is to give yourself something interesting to do that does not depend on one.

4. Tell someone how to reach you

Let family or trusted contacts know your plans and how to contact you if necessary.

If you are exploring remote areas, check mobile coverage, arrange reliable transport and follow local safety advice. Do not sacrifice emergency communication simply to make a trip more “authentic.”

5. Be realistic about your budget

Digital-detox travel can be a simple weekend close to home or an international trip.

Compare the total cost of transport, accommodation, meals and activities. Look for places that offer the experience you want rather than paying extra merely because a retreat is advertised as a wellness escape.

Is an off-grid holiday right for everyone?

Not necessarily.

Some travelers need reliable connectivity for work, family responsibilities, medical needs or safety. Others simply enjoy staying connected while exploring a destination.

You also do not need to follow a travel trend to enjoy a good holiday.

The best approach is to choose a level of disconnection that suits your circumstances. For one person, that might mean leaving the phone in the hotel room during dinner. For another, it might mean spending a few nights in a rural cabin with limited connectivity.

There is no perfect formula.

The takeaway

Digital-detox travel is emerging as an interesting trend for 2027, with Skyscanner highlighting destinations such as Kingstown, Ohrid, Luxembourg, Gothenburg and Victoria.

Each offers a different way to slow down, from Caribbean landscapes and European heritage to forest walks and coastal scenery.

The lesson is not that you must abandon technology to enjoy a meaningful trip. It is that you can choose how much attention you give it.

Sometimes the best holiday upgrade is not a bigger room or a more expensive flight. It is having enough time to notice where you are.

Sources and further reading

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FILED UNDERdigital detox traveltravel trends 2027off-grid travelslow travelplaces to visitnature travelOhrid North MacedoniaSaint Vincent travelGothenburg SwedenVictoria Canadatravel guide