Going away doesn’t always mean switching off, let alone disconnecting from the digital world. How could it when we carry it around in the palm of our hand? So, to make things easier and help turn your next getaway into a genuine ‘reset’, we’re sharing a few recommendations that certainly work for us.

Your digital detox doesn’t begin when you reach your destination; it starts before you even turn off your computer. Let your manager, colleagues and team members know which days you’ll be away, make a list of the urgent tasks you need to complete before you leave and delegate anything that will need following up in your absence. Finally, turn on your out-of-office reply, stating the date you’ll be back and providing a telephone number where you can be reached in an emergency. You may still be using technology, but you’re already switching into worry-free mode.

Avoid temptation and uninstall all work-related apps from your smartphone. If you’re not quite ready to do that because checking them every now and then gives you peace of mind, at least turn off your notifications. That way, you decide when to take a look, rather than allowing a flashing screen to interrupt your downtime. If you’re in any work WhatsApp groups, the best option is to leave them for a few days. Let everyone know and ask someone to add you back when you return.

Checking our phones is often something we do automatically, chasing the instant gratification that notifications provide. Swap that glance at the screen for another activity that makes you feel good. Make a list of possible alternatives — reading, exercising, going for a walk outdoors, writing… — and keep them in mind whenever you feel the urge to check your phone.

Ideally, you would keep your phone in flight mode throughout your break, but going from constant connectivity to none at all can be an ambitious goal and may even cause anxiety. Instead, try to reduce your digital connection as much as possible — leaving your smartphone at the hotel always helps — while setting aside a specific time each day to go online and catch up on WhatsApp and your personal social media accounts. Just try to avoid anything work-related. Make sure these designated online periods don’t clash with time spent with your travel companions or any planned activities and, whenever possible, keep screens out of your bedtime routine. The best thing about this approach is that, day by day, you’ll notice yourself reaching for your phone less and less.

We’ll turn to a familiar phrase here: “disconnect to reconnect”. After all, the best way to stop focusing on what’s happening in the digital world is to start paying attention to what’s happening within yourself. This isn’t about doing activities simply for the sake of it. It’s about finding whatever makes you feel good. If you need some inspiration, yoga, meditation, crafts and spending time in nature… are all excellent ways to slow down and listen to yourself, whether you’re travelling alone or with someone else.

Book a hotel that doesn’t give you any reason to keep reaching for your smartphone. In other words, choose a hotel where reception can answer any questions about your stay; where the team can share their insider tips if you need inspiration for exploring the destination; and where they can help you arrange tickets for local attractions. And why not choose somewhere with Wi-Fi or a business centre? Sometimes, simply knowing you can go online if you really need to is the best way to forget about doing it. These are just some of the things you can expect when staying at one of Sercotel’s hotels, depending on the services available at each property.