- Hyperconnectivity can reduce periods of rest and mental recovery, according to the National Institute for Safety and Health at Work (INSST), which highlights digital disconnection as a tool to promote rest, work-life balance and wellbeing.
- 3CamperDays proposes turning the motorhome into a tool for an ‘urban detox’, with routes that combine nature, the open road and freedom to reclaim time free from notifications.
In a world where technology allows us to stay connected practically anytime and anywhere, switching off also becomes a way of reclaiming time for oneself. It is not about giving up screens altogether, but about creating spaces where they no longer dictate the pace: a few hours without notifications, a meal without a mobile phone, or a day where the landscape takes centre stage.
Digitalisation has transformed the way we work, communicate and organise our leisure time. Whilst it has brought greater flexibility and autonomy, organisations such as the National Institute for Safety and Health at Work (INSST) warn that constant availability can hinder mental recovery and reduce the quality of rest.
The European Commission highlights the emergence of an ‘always-on’ culture as one of the challenges associated with this transformation, whilst acknowledging the benefits offered by technology. The challenge, therefore, is not to disconnect completely, but to reclaim spaces where being connected is no longer the default option.
It is precisely within this balance that the concept of ‘urban detox’ fits. At CamperDays, the leading platform for motorhome and campervan hire, the idea is to turn the journey itself into an opportunity to slow down, change scenery and rediscover activities that don’t require a screen. Travelling by motorhome allows you to make ‘disconnecting’ part of the journey itself: driving at a leisurely pace, making an impromptu stop, cooking, walking, reading or simply enjoying the scenery.
“The great thing about travelling in a campervan is that there’s no fixed itinerary. Everyone decides where to stop, how long to stay and whether they fancy following a route or simply staying put and reading with the door open. And ultimately, it’s that flexibility that allows you to truly switch off,” says Adriana Neves, Marketing Manager at CamperDays.
Five destinations for an ‘urban detox’ on four wheels
CamperDays offers campervan hire in over 35 countries and has a fleet of more than 40,000 vehicles, with destinations ranging from short local getaways to long road trips through unspoilt natural landscapes.
Iceland: nature in its purest form
For those seeking a complete break from the urban hustle and bustle, Iceland offers volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls, black sand beaches, fjords and vast expanses of unspoilt nature. Travelling by campervan allows you to explore the country flexibly and gives you the freedom to stop whenever the landscape takes your fancy.
The less-explored north and east are particularly appealing to those seeking quieter routes and greater contact with nature. CamperDays recommends setting aside more than seven days for the trip to avoid turning the journey into a mere succession of kilometres.
Scotland: scenic roads and remote landscapes
The Highlands, the Isle of Skye, the Cairngorms National Park and Glen Coe combine mountains, lakes, forests and coastline. For a getaway focused on unwinding, the Scottish Borders and the Outer Hebrides also offer quieter areas and a greater sense of seclusion.
The North Coast 500, a circular route of approximately 830 kilometres, takes you along the country’s north coast, combining roads, beaches, cliffs and small villages.
Norway: fjords to slow the pace
Norway offers a chance to swap the urban landscape for vast natural spaces and scenic roads. One of the routes suggested by CamperDays connects Bergen and Ålesund over a distance of approximately 450 kilometres, passing through fjords, mountains and glaciers.
The Sognefjord is one of the route’s major highlights. To enjoy the destination without turning the trip into a race to clock up the kilometres, CamperDays recommends spending several weeks on some of the country’s routes.
Portugal: switch off without straying too far
Portugal offers the chance to enjoy a ‘urban detox’ closer to home, combining roads, nature and the coast. From the Peneda-Gerês National Park to the Algarve, the country boasts a wide variety of landscapes within relatively manageable distances.
Travelling by motorhome allows you to alternate between villages, beaches, cliffs and natural areas and, above all, to tailor the itinerary to each traveller’s pace. The Algarve is also one of the destinations highlighted by CamperDays for motorhome travel.
Spain: unplugging without leaving the country
The ‘urban detox’ can also begin much closer to home. Spain offers everything from the green north and mountainous regions to the Mediterranean coast and Andalusia, with plenty of options for short getaways.
Travelling within the country means shorter journeys and more time for offline activities such as hiking, enjoying local cuisine, reading or simply taking in the surroundings. CamperDays’ main pick-up points in Spain include Barcelona, Madrid, Málaga and Valencia.
Five small steps to turn a road trip into an ‘urban detox’
Beyond the destination, CamperDays suggests making the most of the journey itself to reconnect with the offline world:
- Switch to aeroplane mode when stopping or taking a break, to enjoy your surroundings without being interrupted by notifications or calls.
- Put your mobile away when you reach your destination, especially during meals, walks or as the evening draws in.
- Leave room for improvisation, without turning every day into a checklist of places to visit.
- Rediscover offline activities, from reading or cooking to playing cards or board games with the family, going for a walk or simply taking in the scenery.
- Set aside moments without a camera, or have a go with an analogue camera, to enjoy the experience without thinking about editing or sharing it straight away.
Because switching off doesn’t have to mean going far away. Sometimes it’s enough just to change the pace, switch off notifications and let the journey take centre stage again.
About CamperDays
Launched in Germany in 2013, CamperDays is Europe’s leading motorhome tour operator, working with 150 suppliers at over 1,000 stations worldwide.
CamperDays provides access to over 40,000 vehicles available for hire in more than 35 countries worldwide, including destinations such as Spain, Europe, Australia, the United States, Canada and South Africa. The platform allows customers to choose from a selection of trusted providers worldwide via a simple three-step booking process, with hire rates starting from just 100 euros a day.
Since its launch, CamperDays customers have booked over 1,000,000 nights in vehicles hired through the site. CamperDays offers access to a wide selection of motorhomes and caravans for all types of travellers, with transparent pricing and no hidden costs. All vehicles come with insurance, so hirers can enjoy a worry-free holiday. For more information or to make a booking, visit the website:
Source: ATREVIA Comunicación