Summer of silence: This remote island is the world’s first phone-free destination
If unplugging seems like an unattainable goal this summer, this destination will leave you with no choice but to turn off your cell. The Finnish island of Ulko-Tammio is now the world’s first phone-free tourist area.
The secluded island is the ultimate facilitator for a “digital detox,” as its local parks and wildlife organization urges visitors to sign out of Instagram and smell the roses. USA Today shared a statement from Joel Heino, the outdoor recreation and visitor management manager at Parks & Wildlife Finland, about the island’s new effort.
“We encourage visitors to put their phones away voluntarily and to focus their senses on nature rather than on their phones,” Heino said. “This is a great initiative that could be implemented in other nature and recreational destinations, too.”
Located off the coast of Hamina, Ulko-Tammio is one of the islands in the Eastern Gulf of Finland National Park. Visitors can take mental pictures of the area’s untouched shorelines, hiking trails and pristine swimming sports. The summer weather is usually perfect for outdoor activities.
The outlet added the island is uninhabitable by people and only accessible by private boat or ferry. The island’s rare birds are the perfect company for tourists, which are viewable from the bird watching tower that provides a view of the entire national park.
Accommodations may not be worthy of your Explore page, but they are available. News 24 reports that tents and cabins maintained by Parks & Wildlife Finland are available for overnight visitors.
While the initiative is entirely voluntary, there is scientific backing that an electronic fast can be great for your health.
“People are not meant to be glued to screens all the time,” said Terhi Mustonen, a psychologist and program manager of the limitless gaming and social media programs at the Sosped Foundation. Even a short digital fast can be useful and improve our well-being and help relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression.”
Martie Bowser is a journalist and public relations professional in Charlotte, NC. She enjoys amplifying the voices of POC and women that fill a void within their community. Her favorite things to cover include “person of interest” pieces, small business highlights, pop culture commentary, entertainment features, and everything about Beyoncé. Her bylines can be found in Blavity, Black Excellence, Signature Bride, Black Wall Street Times, and HipHop Weekly. Martie can be reached via email at martiebowser@detourxp.com.
This story was originally published June 28, 2023 at 11:52 AM.