How To Handle Technology While You Travel

If you know Outward Bound Costa Rica, you know how much we love to promote “living in the moment.” We’ve developed a no technology policy while students are on course with us to enable them to re-connect with nature and disconnect from technology. However, we understand that travelling is different for everyone, and handling your technology use while traveling can be challenging.

Moreover, when you return home from course, you won’t have an instructor whose job it is to keep track of the time. Once you go back to your daily routine, can you still live in the moment without being consumed by technology?

We came up with some tips for you to use technology while traveling in the best way possible:

1. If you’re concerned, get some international credit

While you don’t need to be on your phone every time someone likes your Instagram photo, or every time someone comments on a Facebook post, having some international credit can allow you to call your loved ones when you arrive at your destination safely. It can also allow you to warn them or the people waiting to pick you up if you are delayed. If you are anxious about giving up technology, make sure you actually have access to it when you might really need it.

Knowing that you have that access will allow you to cut down phone use when you actually should – and will keep you from dropping your phone in the ocean when you prepare for scuba diving.

2. Choose a program or trip where you won’t need your phone

That’s one of our favourites, of course! Going on a program where others are in charge of following the schedule and getting you places means that you don’t actually need technology. You can dedicate your trip to reconnecting with what’s happening around you, getting insights about yourself and developing friendships with your course mates.

3. Take loads of pictures

Though we take phones and computers away, we are big fans of taking pictures! We love seeing how you surfed, hiked or took a Gap Year in Costa Rica and Panama. Also, photos are such a great way to show others what you have been up to.

Plus, if you are a social media junkie, wait for your following to explode as you post gorgeous pictures of Central America!

4. Get postcards!

Just because you can’t text or Whatsapp doesn’t mean you can’t let others know you are thinking of them. While our students get the chance to call home at least once, most still decide to use our customized postcards so they can send beautiful images of Costa Rica to their friends and families while they are on course.

While postcards may seem a bit dated, they are actually a really lovely way to let people know you are thinking of them despite the fact that you are having a blast on the other side of the world. And we are sure they have some space on that fridge door for one more card!

Check out why students decide to travel with Outward Bound Costa Rica and what last summer was like for them! If you have any questions about our Summer Expeditions, Girl Scout Destinations or Gap Year & Semester Programs, check out their website or contact the office.

You can stay in touch with Outward Bound Costa Rica’s community to get more advice on travelling and making your time abroad meaningful by following us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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