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7 Tips for Planning the Ultimate Digital Disconnect

By U.S. News & World Report

Disconnecting during a vacation seems great in theory, but it can be harder to accomplish in practice. According to a study conducted by adventure tour operator Intrepid Travel, 38 percent of participants polled reported missing a major life moment because they were too busy on their phones updating their Instagram profile or filming Snapchat videos. As fun as constant social media sharing may seem, it prevents you from being spontaneous and soaking up the beauty and culture around you. So, instead of keeping your eyes glued to your touchscreen, here are simple strategies to help you turn those devices off and absorb new and exciting environments.

[See: 10 Under-the-Radar Spa Retreats.]

Set Aside Time to Disconnect

Going cold turkey may seem like the most effective way to stop checking your Facebook, Twitter and Instagram feeds, but if you’re addicted to staying connected, the immediate disconnect may leave you feeling anxious. Instead, disconnect gradually for a smoother transition. It’s a smart idea to set daily times to check work emails or social media accounts, but don’t bring your phone to bed, and considering leaving your devices in your hotel room during excursions or beach days. Also, plan some Wi-Fi-free hours, such as 6 p.m. to 8 a.m., so you can reconnect with your family — or yourself.

Take a Digital Detox Tour

To get off the grid (and the web) opt for one of Intrepid Travel’s new detox-themed tours, which ban cellphones, cameras, laptops and other technological devices throughout the adventure. A trip devoid of a camera may seem strict, but the tours in Ecuador, Thailand, Morocco and India are designed to ensure your time spent with local families is as immersive as possible, with no constant snapping to detach you from engaging conversations and enriching experiences.

[See: 10 Top Wellness Retreats Around the Globe.]

Fill the Void

For a successful escape from the stresses of everyday life, you need to fill the time you’d normally spend tweeting, emailing or texting with something equally as rewarding or stimulating. On a wellness vacation, you can achieve this in a variety of ways. Go for a run on the beach, participate in the resort’s yoga classes or fitness classes, take a hike, enjoy an expert-led excursion or rejuvenate mind and body with a relaxing spa treatment. Soon enough, you’ll forget you’re not online.

Leave the Phone at the Reception Desk

Luckily for some, many resorts and destinations offer digital detox programs, including St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Bhutan. Some properties even request guests to submit their digital devices upon check-in. It’s not mandatory to depart ways with your technology, but most guests participate. For those who choose to keep their devices, the lack of Wi-Fi and hefty data fees prevent them staying glued to their smartphones, tablets and laptops anyway.

Ask for a Room Without a TV

Aside from devices with Wi-Fi capabilities, a relaxing technology-free getaway demands time away from all screens. To get away from it all, ask your resort for a room without a TV, DVD player or computer. And instead of watching a movie or a show after dinner, play a board game with the family, read a book, enjoy a rejuvenating facial at the spa, take a meditation class or simply enjoy the sunset from your room with a glass of wine.

Visit Off-the-Grid Places

If you’re seeking enlightenment, enrichment and the chance to engage with your surroundings rather than your smartphone, plan a trip to an isolated, digital-free destination. St. Lucia in the Caribbean and a variety of destinations across Mexico and Thailand are widely Wi-Fi free. In addition, many places in the U.S., such as remote national parks and deserts in California don’t have a strong Wi-Fi or data connections, leaving you free to soak up breathtaking landscapes without disruption.

[See: 9 Ways to Travel Better.]

Skip Investing in an International Phone Plan

If your travels are taking you abroad, the easiest way to avoid connecting constantly is to skip purchasing a data plan. This will keep you from paying steep roaming fees to surf the internet and scan emails while you’re exploring the sights, whether it’s a food tour of London or an epic bike ride through the streets of Bangkok. Not having access to Wi-Fi when you’re on the road will make it easier to free yourself from the web, and embrace the natural surroundings, cultures and landmarks around you.

More from U.S. News

5 Ways to Maintain Your Vacation Happiness

Why Travel Is Good For Your Health

Best Vacations for Health Nuts

7 Tips for Planning the Ultimate Digital Disconnect originally appeared on usnews.com

Don’t Settle for Student Loans to Pay for Online Education

By WTOP Staff
Online college programs are becoming a more popular choice for prospective students, with one study finding that more than 6 million students enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2015. The popularity of these courses can be attributed in part to their flexibility with working adults' schedules, students' ability to progress more quickly through online programs and, oftentimes, cheaper tuition. [See 10 low-cost online bachelor's programs for out-of-state students.]Online degrees can be beneficial to many college students, but some studies have shown online learners complete their programs at lower rates than students at traditional brick-and-mortar campuses. Individuals with student loans but no degree comprise two-thirds of defaulted borrowers. Though these numbers are not encouraging, just like for traditional programs, there are ways to reduce how much you'll need to borrow for an online program to ensure you won't become one of these statistics. Don't just settle on borrowing student loans to cover the whole cost of your program and living expenses. Instead, start thinking about how to cut costs and cover your balance in different ways, such as the following. -- Grants and scholarships: Even though you are taking an online course, you can still apply and receive grants and scholarships. But your first step should be to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, which will allow you to receive a Pell Grant if your expected family contribution is low enough. The EFC criteria and award amounts are adjusted annually, but the 2017-2018 academic year awards range from $606 to $5,920, which could significantly lower the amount you borrow annually. Your next step is to apply for scholarships. You can start by checking online scholarship search engines, such as the Salt Scholarship Search, College Board's BigFuture and Peterson's. But don't forget to take advantage of local organizations and your school's financial aid office. Both may offer scholarships that you can't find with a national scholarship search. [Review these 10 sites to kick off your scholarship search.]For instance, organizations like the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus or the Rotary Club typically offer scholarships annually to local students. Just because you're going to school online doesn't mean you're ineligible. Visit your local library for scholarship listings, and ask around town. You might be surprised how many local organizations offer scholarships. While these scholarships typically aren't large, every little bit counts. Each dollar you receive in a scholarship is a dollar you don't have to borrow and pay interest on. -- Work-study: Another option for online students may be work-study awards. Not all students enrolled in online programs are eligible, but students at some schools -- including, for example, SUNY Empire State College and Liberty University -- are. Work-study awards are not given upfront like scholarships and grants. In most cases, they are an offer to earn up to the awarded amount if you secure an eligible work-study job. While there is a misconception that all work-study jobs must be on campus, students can work for off-campus, nonprofit or public employers as long as the work is in the public's interest. You may be able to work for a for-profit employer if the job is relevant to your course of study. No matter who the outside employer is, it will need to have an established agreement with your college for you to receive work-study funds. Remember, to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must be enrolled and pursuing a degree or certificate. If you're not working toward a credential, Pell Grants and work-study won't be option, but you may still be able to take advantage of private scholarships -- just be sure to read the eligibility criteria carefully. [Explore what to know about financial aid in online programs.]-- Pay as you go: One of the great benefits to enrolling online is the flexible schedule, which can allow you to complete your college coursework around your responsibilities. But prospective students often overlook using their part- or full-time job earnings as an option for paying for college. Almost 80 percent of college students in 2015 worked at least part time while attending classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By budgeting and thinking strategically about your college costs, you can likely reduce your dependence on student loans by paying a portion out of pocket. Many -- but not all -- online programs are less expensive than traditional programs and often have shorter payment periods. Six, eight or 10 weeks are common course durations. Because of the frequency of payments in an online setting, you may be well-placed to pay as you go and possibly avoid borrowing altogether. Attending college online and avoiding student loans may be challenging, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you can limit the amount you need to borrow. More from U.S. News Q&A: Understanding Student Loan Discharge Eligibility Student Loan Refinancing Isn't Right for All Borrowers
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