How to be present on vacation
Technology makes it harder than it should be.
It seems we’ve had something of a travel-themed month on The Connected Family! I kicked us off with an ode to the non-optimized vacation, we talked about how you don’t have to go to Europe, and then last week we considered the gift to family gatherings of delaying phones. Today, we’re going to wrap up this miniseries with a few tips I hope will help no matter where you roam: how to be present on vacation in a tech-saturated world.
But first, I’d like your opinion. Somewhat fittingly, my own family will be on vacation next week. I had planned to run an interview with a guest I’m so looking forward to, but since her answers are delayed, I’m going to bring a favorite past newsletter out from behind the paywall for our monthly free-to-all post. Vote here for the one you’d most like to read:
What we lose is this one — the full title was too long for the poll format!
And now, to our topic for the day.
When I say we’re going to talk about how to be present, I’m not talking about us achieving a blissed-out state of zen. What I want for you — and for me — is to be able to live deeply in important and ordinary moments. To give the people we care about our generous attention. To live and remember each day as distinct and praiseworthy rather than just one more in an undifferentiated slog. These are good goals any time of the year, but perhaps even more important on a precious vacation day, when you’re likely with beloved people in beloved places.
Even in the most awe-inspiring surroundings, technology makes being present harder than it should be. If you have a smartphone, the pull of what’s waiting for you behind Face ID is a constant low-grade whine. What’s needed, then, are simple strategies you can easily reach for when you want to set technology aside and enjoy what’s in front of you.
I don’t have all the answers, but this is something I care deeply about, and I’d love to share what works for me to stay present when I’m traveling — including one tip that’s a bit, uh, unusual…