How Are You ​Celebrating National Day of Unplugging March 1-2?

Signs and DIY kits available with resources on the National Day of Unplugging website

In today’s often overly connected world, it’s no wonder the National Day of Unplugging – a relative newcomer to the list of recognized holidays – is growing in popularity. National Day of Unplugging is a 24-hour global respite from technology between sundown on Friday, March 1 through sundown on Saturday, March 2. (They even provide the signs above to tag them on social!) Easy for me to participate – I will be heading off to a conference for writers of color in San Diego later in the day and lasting all weekend long so probably won’t be attached to too much technology and doing my part for those hours.

Photo by Kevin Ianeselli on Unsplash

​Did you know that research shows that simply having a phone or other device within your line of sight can negatively impact your experience of the quality of your interactions with others?
 
At Encore and Thousand Trails, National Day of Unplugging is one of the most favorite holidays of the year. At more than 200 locations nationwide, they have campground destinations where unplugging and taking a break from the everyday hustle and bustle comes easy. 
 
Whether you prefer to rough it in a tent, hook up your RV or “glamp” in a cabin, cottage, yurt, or even a tiny house, you can choose the camping style that is most comfortable to you. (Interested in the idea of RV camping but don’t own one? Consider renting one from Mighway, often considered the AirBnB of RVs!)
 
Here are a few spots in the US where you can close your laptop, put down the phone, and connect with family and friends, not just today but anytime you'd like to zone out:
 
Rancho Oso RV & Camping Resort - Vacation at a western-themed ranch, secluded in the beautiful mountains of Santa Barbara, where you can stay in a super-quirky teepee or covered wagon (or opt for a less rustic experience in a cozy cabin). Explore 310 beautiful acres filled with history dating back to 1845. Endless opportunities for horseback riding, hiking, photography, and onsite recreation events and entertainment. 
 
Gettysburg Farm RV Campground – Immerse yourself in a working farm in the beautiful Amish country of Pennsylvania with opportunities to feed and pet the animals, watch the planting and harvesting of crops and take in some American history at the nearby Gettysburg battlefields. Stay in a cabin or increase the quirk factor of your unplugging adventure by driving a rented RV from Mighway to the RV campground. 
 
Leavenworth Tiny House Village – This tiny gem sits just east of Seattle with the beautiful Cascade Mountains providing the perfect backdrop to relax or enjoy numerous recreational activities in the secluded alpine setting of the Thousand Trails Leavenworth RV Camping Preserve. From skiing at Steven's Pass Ski Resort or ice fishing at Fish Lake to kayaking or paddle boating on Alpine Trout Lake and Otter Pond, it doesn’t matter which time of year you are looking to unplug from technology. Want to get away but still be part of something special? Each year, two to three million people visit the Bavarian Village of Leavenworth, located 17 miles from the RV camp in Washington. The village is world famous for its Bavarian architecture, seasonal festivals, unique German restaurants, specialty shops, and art galleries. 
      
Circle M RV Campground - In the heart of Amish Country is a perfect place to unplug. Reserve a yurt and take in all that Southeast Pennsylvania has to offer. What’s a yurt, you ask? A popular and fun way for modern vacationers to immerse themselves in the outdoors while maintaining some of the comforts of home. These types of dome-shaped, circular tent-style structures have been used as shelters for nomadic peoples for thousands of years. Though the yurts at Circle M boast a shape that harkens back to those ancient times, inside they include all of the modern-day amenities that you’d expect: a functional kitchenette, space to sleep up to five people and private restrooms with showers. 
 
So how are you going to be unplugging? Even for a few hours? 

Photo by Cameron Vaughan on Unsplash