What would exploring a new city without relying on technology be like?

Lisa Abend is a journalist who regularly contributes to AFAR, the New York Times travel section, and National Geographic Traveler, among others. In response to the collapse of many traditional media outlets for narrative travel writing and how social media has sucked the serendipity and sense of discovery out of travel, she launched a Substack called The Unplugged Traveler. For the newsletter, she travels to a new European city every month without using the internet—that means no Google research, no online reservations, no GPS maps, no AirBnB or Uber, and no mindless scrolling while in a cafe or on a train.

Lisa shares her unique travel philosophy, giving a fresh perspective on what it means to travel authentically. Her stories and strategies challenge the "must-see" checklist mentality, encouraging us to embrace serendipity and let go of travel FOMO. You’ll learn how going offline can deepen your connection to people, places, and unexpected moments to create a more immersive travel experience.

What’s one place you’d like to explore without relying on your phone or social media? I'd love to hear where you’d go, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.

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Tune In To Learn:

The unusual way Lisa went from academic to a journalist in Spain
Her experience living as an outsider in Spain and Denmark (and what makes the Danes so happy)
Lisa’s philosophy behind "unplugged" travel and letting go of the pressure to see everything
How to use curiosity and spontaneity to guide your travels
Practical advice on finding accommodations and local recommendations offline
How she navigates destinations without a GPS or Uber
Lisa’s favorite memories of authentic encounters and unexpected discoveries
How small inconveniences can lead to richer, more memorable travel stories
Why it’s important to consider what you really want out of your travel experience
How the experiment has changed her relationship with technology and choosing destinations
And so much more

Resources:

Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport
Sign up for our FREE newsletter
Subscribe to the Unplugged Traveler Substack
Follow Lisa on Instagram

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