I went to Mexico to unplug. My phone addiction came with me

By helitra·November 5, 2026·7 min read

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LA SALADITA, Mexico — My solo surf trip to Mexico was a much-needed vacation – not just from the daily grind, but from my cell phone too.

As my taxi got closer to my destination of La Saladita, a small coastal surf town in Guerrero, my phone began to lose service. It felt fated, since I was already planning to use my week-long trip in October to completely unplug.

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It was a rare instance in which I could actually spend time off my phone. As a travel reporter, my device rarely leaves my side so I can stay connected with work, even when on the go. But now, on a personal trip, I could take advantage of not needing to reply to any emails or messages.

The rules were pretty simple: I turned off notifications and could only use my phone when necessary, like for directions or translations. I’d check in with friends and family in the mornings or at night. Otherwise, no phone usage for entertainment or distractions.

My goal was to recharge and feel more present — and to spend copious amounts of time surfing, something that actually makes me feel good. Like most Americans, I’d been experiencing the repercussions of being addicted to my devices, like chronically poor sleep. I was in a brutal cycle of burnout and then mindlessly doomscrolling on Instagram, which only exacerbates anxiety and stress. My daily screen time usually averages over six hours.

I’m not alone in feeling this way. In Skyscanner’s Travel Trends 2027 report, more travelers are intentionally using trips as a digital detox, with over half saying it helps them reconnect with themselves and loved ones.

There’s real science behind forgoing your phone. Cutting back on screen time can lead to feeling more satisfied with your life, and less anxious or stressed, according to a 2025 Georgetown University study. It can also help improve your sleep and attention span.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t as easy as I thought. Here’s how I fared at my phone-free vacation and what I learned.

How hard is it to go phone-free on vacation?

I admit that maybe I was overzealous, but I had expectations of surfing all day and not having the energy or desire to touch my phone because my cup was so full.

Mother Nature had other plans. The first several days of my trip coincided with Hurricane Simon, a Category 4 hurricane that brought nearly 24/7 rainfall and large, messy swell. My surf forecasting app told me the waves ranged between eight and 12 feet. I wasn’t up for it being my last surf session ever, so I stayed on land.

Ironically, the reason I had chosen La Saladita for my trip was the fact that there was nothing else to do except surf. The quaint village had one tiny market — no major grocery store or pharmacy — and no other attractions or activities. If the surf is good, it’s the dream. But since it wasn’t, I found myself at a loss for how to pass the time and struggled not to reach for my phone. Although I didn’t have service throughout most of the town, the rain kept me indoors where I had access to WiFi.

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The first day started off strong. I spent it reading and doing some creative writing, which is something I rarely have time or energy for when I’m at home. However, the constant rain and resulting mud deterred me from walking around outside, and by the second day of being cooped up in my room, I was getting restless. My cell phone was like a siren, calling me to scroll.

Fully unplugging is easier said than done for others as well. According to Skyscanner, 38% of travelers who mean to disconnect say it takes a little while to clear their heads, although a quarter are able to do it as soon as their trip starts. (If this is you, please teach me your ways.)

I quickly learned how tough it is to actually break the addiction to our phones. It’s so automatic that I found myself mindlessly wanting to reach for my phone when I was bored. Our brains love the quick, frequent dopamine hits we get from social media and technology.

Giving yourself grace

Thankfully, the storm had passed by the latter half of my trip, and I was finally able to surf, which made it much easier to stay off my phone for hours at a time. Once the weather cleared up, I could also walk around town and take advantage of not having service.

One of the most memorable days of my trip was when I went on a spontaneous adventure with other travelers I met. I truly felt connected to others and disconnected from my phone.

When I was off my phone and living in the moment, I felt pretty free. When the weather was stormy, I met some other travelers watching the massive waves from the beach, and we became fast friends commiserating over the bad surf. One day, we rented a car, loaded our boards on top, and embarked on a spontaneous adventure together to find smaller waves. This was one of the most memorable days of my trip. I truly felt connected with others and not distracted by my phone.

But to be totally honest: I did end up going on my phone more than I had hoped. I only managed to slightly cut down on my screen time that week, and on some days, spent the usual amount on Instagram.

At first, it was hard not to be disappointed in myself for a lack of willpower. But I think there’s a lesson here in giving myself grace for even attempting to break away from my phone. This was the first I had ever tried a digital detox. Looking back, I realize that just having the commitment to being more present had a positive impact. Even though I wasn’t perfect at it, I know it’s something I’d like to try again — both on future trips and maybe on a weekend day at home.

I admit to having more realistic expectations now. I don’t anticipate I’ll pull it off completely the next time I try, but I know I’ll get there eventually.

Tips for a phone-free vacation

Fill your schedule. For me, it was hardest to be off my phone when I was stuck indoors without anything else to do. I don’t think you need to have back-to-back plans, but knowing you have activities you enjoy each day will help you stay in the present moment. It can be as simple as having a few books you’re excited to tackle.
Accept the struggle. As I experienced firsthand, it’s difficult to free yourself from your phone in one go. According to an article by addiction expert at Stanford Medicine, Anna Lembke, people should expect to feel withdrawal symptoms and strong urges. When you want to check your device, do something else like go for a quick walk and remind yourself it’ll get easier over time.
Create friction. I never turn off my email and Teams notifications, but it did help me check my work messages less. It became out of sight, out of mind. A small 2022 study found that small “nudges” that create friction between you and your phone, such as charging your phone away from your bed at night, can be effective in reducing screen time.