Did you know No Wi-Fi, No Worries: Uncovering the World's Best Digital Detox Locations

 

Holafly, an eSIM provider, made a list of the top ten destinations people can go for a digital detox. The list was made after considering factors like average internet speeds, national parks, internet users and average number of cell towers in different countries. According to that study, Egypt is the best country if you are considering doing a digital detox. It has a score of 71.04 out of 100 on the digital detox index, and it is the best place to go off the grid and stop using digital devices for some days.

The second-best country for digital detoxing is Uzbekistan, with a digital detox index of 69.75. There are 50.47% internet users in Uzbekistan, and it is best when you want to escape technology and travel in nature a bit. It is followed by Nigeria, which has a digital detox score of 61.79, and you can go to places like hot springs at Yankari National Park or Obudu Mountain Resort to take your mind off the digital world. With a digital detox score of 59.41, South Africa is the third-best country where you can experience local culture as well as explore beaches.

 Indonesia also offers you disconnect from the digital world with no Wi-Fi and talking, as it has a digital detox score of 50.50. 77.59% of the population in Indonesia uses the internet, but there are still many areas where you can be free of any digital devices. Brazil is in sixth place as the country best for digital detox, followed by India as seventh. Brazil has a detox score of 49.22, while India has 49.06 on the digital detox index.

Poland is the first European and eighth overall country for digital detox, even though 90.58% of its population is connected online. It's just that the country offers several opportunities for people who want to do a digital detox in the form of lakes, parks, and mountains. The Netherlands scored 47.47 on the digital detox index, making it the ninth-best country for digital detox. At tenth place is Mexico, a North American country, with a 46.00 digital detox score, and it has several beaches, mountains, and jungle retreats to escape this digital world.

Commenting on the study, a spokesperson from Holafly said:

"Digital detox vacations provide a much-needed escape for those looking to disconnect from the constant demands of the digital world. As we face modern challenges where screens dominate our daily lives, these trips offer a chance to step away from technology and be fully present in the moment. However, it’s important to have a safety net, as unexpected situations can arise." Adding further, "Peace comes not from the places we visit but from the freedom we find when we unplug and embrace the moment. From remote deserts and serene beaches to deep forests and mountain hideaways, these destinations provide a rare opportunity to step away from the online world and reconnect with nature, culture, and oneself, offering a sanctuary for peace of mind."

Methodology:
The index was compiled using 4 factors, each standardized on a 0-10 scale for accurate comparison. Factors with a negative impact were inverted. Weightings were assigned as follows: Total cell towers (25%), Terrestrial protected areas (% of land area) (25%), Average internet speed (Mbps) (25%), and % of internet users (25%). The final score was calculated out of 100 based on these weighted factors.

Sources: OpenCellID, World Bank, DataPandas, 2024 Depression Study (PMC).