This tour company encourages people to travel without phones
What's the story
Maintaining a phone-free status during travel is a considerable challenge, especially when our routines involve constant location checks, restaurant discoveries, and social media updates. Addressing this, FTLO (For The Love Of) Travel, a California-based group travel business specializing in solo travelers, has introduced the concept of phone-free travel to encourage a break from the habitual digital tether, allowing a more immersive travel experience.
Process
Aims to mingle with the local community
Trips without phones will begin with FTLO in February 2024. It gives users the chance to put down their devices and take advantage of a more immersive experience by mingling with locals and getting used to their new environment. Tourists will travel for five days or a week without using their smartphones. That is, no emails, Instagram, Google Maps or translation.
Company
Traveling without phones
FTLO Travel, which focuses on travelers in their mid-20s and 30s has taken its company name seriously. All of their group excursions inspire a lifelong love of travel. Their phone-free excursions urge tourists to discover a place on their own instead of depending on their smartphones' quick recommendations. The idea is to enjoy the place more without smartphones.
Intend
FTLO ideologies
FTLO Travel founder and CEO Tara Cappel told CNN, "We hope people will embrace the challenge of traveling without a phone and that the device-less trip will result in richer experiences and deeper connections." Being increasingly dependent on smartphones can negatively impact our mental well-being. According to FTLO, removing this distraction can allow travelers to fully engage with the place and the local community.
Trips ahead
Upcoming trips
As per FTLO's website, the company aims to offer a sustainable travel experience. For those who are up for the experience, the company has phone-free trips arranged in 2024 in Italy, Cuba, Portugal, Mexico, Costa Rica, and Iceland. Alternatively, FTLO also offers a whole calendar of carefully planned trips to over 35 countries, with durations ranging from four to 11 days.