Even on vacation, it can be hard to stop checking work email or social media updates from friends, so the tourist island of Ulko-Tamio in Finland has decided to help visitors by declaring itself a phone-free zone. This was announced by the official authorities in a press release, writes CNN Travel.
The island of Ulko-Tamio – one of Finland’s 41 national parks – is uninhabited, but it is home to many rare birds and plants, which visitors can see while walking along the nature trails or from the “bird tower”. There is a mobile network, but tourists are advised not to use it and arrange a digital detox.
“The island of Ulco Tamio, located off the coast of Hamina, will become a phone-free zone this summer. We want to encourage vacationers to turn off their smart devices, stop and enjoy the islands,” Mats Selin, an island tourism expert, said in a press release.
Participation in digital detoxification for tourists on Ulco-Tamio is completely voluntary. However, Parks & Wildlife Finland, which manages the island, hopes the campaign will be a success, with tourists getting off the grid and getting to know the flora, fauna, and other visitors.
“Turning off the phone, exploring nature, and meeting people face to face will improve your mood and well-being. We spend countless hours scrolling through our social media feeds, so a short break from them means you have more time for new experiences,” Sari Castren, a psychologist and research leader at the Finnish Institute of Health, said in a press release. and social security.
Visitors can spend the night without a phone at Ulko-Tamio in tents or a lodge operated by Parks & Wildlife Finland. You can get to the island by private boat, suburban ferry or water taxi.