The Tamesis
Dunton Hot Springs is an 1800s ghost town-turned-resort located in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. The WiFi signal was poor on the road leading to the cabin accommodations at Dunton Hot Springs. For New Yorkers accustomed to interconnectedness everywhere above and below ground, this may feel like a rocky landing. But after arriving at my cabin (free Wi-Fi; Internet access is only available in the hotel’s common areas), taking my wide-eyed city kids with me, and spending less than a day gazing at those majestic mountains—which happened to be covered in a warm blanket of yellow leaves when we were there at peak September foliage—I completely forgot about the Internet connection. The view fascinated me. Why would I risk destroying my phone by disappearing into it?
Call it “big analog energy”—it’s a trend that’s expanding in scope. Despite the dominance of artificial intelligence and Apple turning 50 this year, people are increasingly seeking respite from a digital-centric world. The emergence of the Mock Bag, a tote filled with items such as books, knitwear, crossword puzzles and drawing boards, was promoted as an alternative to Doomsday Scrolls. There is a renaissance in book clubs, running clubs, dinner parties and craft circles. Film cameras, CDs, and landlines are slowly making their way back. Driving this simulation push may be a desire for more meaningful face-to-face interactions (and connections; dating is also increasingly moving offline) and for something that feels real. Think of it as a collective cultural resistance to infinite scrolling.
Vacationing isn’t immune to the simulation wave: This year, we’ll be traveling like it’s 1999. “Going analog” means slowing down and moving from consumption to appreciation, says Wally Koval, founder of Accidentally Wes Anderson. “Analog travelers prioritize quality over quantity, context over content,” Koval said. Their digital squad begins in the planning stages. Instead of scrolling or clicking through ChatGPT to help organize their trip, they are looking for more curated human resources rather than algorithm-driven ones. Nestor Lara-Baeza, president of boutique public relations agency Xhibition, has seen people turn back to paper travel guides and independent travel magazines for inspiration. “Some of the best travel ideas still come the old-fashioned way: asking friends or fellow travelers and finding real local guides,” adds Koval.
For many travelers, the contents of their sim bag guide their itinerary. “Purpose-driven travel and travel centered around learning, making or practicing something tangible has increased dramatically,” Lara-Baeza said. Like crocheting with master craftsman Henri Purnell at the Casa Lawa guest house at the foot of Mount Etna in Sicily. Or handcraft and glaze pottery at Kyoto’s tranquil Maana House. Or repeat yoga with beloved teachers at SkyTing New York, but in more remote locations like Costa Rica, Greece, and Santa Barbara. “These types of trips have a natural disconnect from the screen because your hands and attention are engaged,” Lara-Baeza adds.
And no need for frequent scheduling. Rather than oversharing, it’s better not to share at all, says Cassandra Napoli, director of consumer forecasting at WGSN. “Social media has fueled the fear of missing out (FOMO), which has now evolved into the joy of logging off (JOLO),” Naples said, adding that mobile phone-free travel is on the rise. “Going on vacation and not sharing any Instagram videos is the new benchmark.” A far cry from those tourists with selfie sticks clamoring for photos. But going with the flow never really leads to discovery. Not to mention the overtourism it inevitably leads to. Whenever Koval spots crowds flocking to the same viewpoint or forming long lines, he looks around the corner or a few blocks away. Lara-Baeza always encourages travelers to explore deeply or take a step sideways. “This might mean visiting a region rather than a major city, traveling during the off-season, or choosing experiences rooted in culture, nature or craftsmanship rather than landmarks,” he said. “Overtourism loses its appeal when travel becomes driven by curiosity rather than validation.”
