Even while on vacation, it can be hard to stop checking work emails or friends' social media updates, so Ulko-Tammio, a tourist island in Finland, decided to help visitors and declared itself a phone-free zone. Official authorities announced this in a press release, writes CNN Travel.
Ulko-Tammio, one of Finland's 41 national parks, is not inhabited by people, but is home to many rare birds and plants that 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 go for a digital detox.
“Ulko-Tammio Island, 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 really enjoy the islands,” Mats Selin, island tourism expert, said in a press release.
Participation in the digital detox for tourists at Ulko-Tammio is completely voluntary. However, Parks & Wildlife Finland, which manages the island, hopes the campaign will be successful and tourists will go offline and get to know the flora, fauna and other visitors.
“Turning off your phone, exploring nature and meeting people face to face will definitely improve your mood and well-being. We spend countless hours browsing our social media feeds, so a short break means you have more time for new experiences,” said Sari Kastren, psychologist and head of research at the Finnish Institute of Health and Welfare, in a press release. .
Visitors can spend the night without a phone on Ulko-Tammio in tents or in a lodge serviced by Parks & Wildlife Finland. You can get to the island by private boat, suburban ferry or water taxi.
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