How to disconnect on your vacation

“There are always loose ends in real life,” wrote Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling. So, tying up loose ends is definitely easier said then done, of course! But in the week leading up to your Barcelo getaway, make an effort to wrap up everything you possibly can. Answer emails, delegate responsibilities, finish projects, tidy up your house and desk, return phone calls. That way, you’ll have as little as possible to take your mind back to the tasks that await you when your getaway comes to a close.

This one is obvious – but most people bring their work computers on vacation! Not a great idea if you're really trying to disconnect on vacation. Even when it’s just sitting there, not turned on, your work computer is going to be an instant reminder of – you guessed it – work. Remove the temptation to keep up with the office and leave your laptop behind. Don’t worry, it’ll be there when you get back. Another tip: take your work email off of your phone, along with work-related apps like Slack.

Your smartphone is amazing. It connects you to your friends, family and pretty much the rest of the world. But it also connects you to the stress and strain of your life back home. While most of us are not quite ready to leave our smartphone behind entirely when we go on vacation, there are things you can do to disconnect on vacation. There are handy apps (including AppLock, Screen Time Parental Control, and Parental TimeLock) that set limits on the daily amount of time you can use a particular application, such as Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. When your time is up, you’ll often get an alarm sound, or the app will simply lock until the next day. It might feel a little scolding at first, but it’s a great way to put a little distance between you and your iPhone.

Remember cameras? Not camera phones – real cameras! Because our smartphones these days take great photos we want them to accompany us wherever we go on our vacations, in case we encounter a gorgeous vista, a historic site or just a place that demands a selfie or two. But standalone cameras still exist. With digital technology, you can take thousands of great pics – and leave your smartphone back in your resort suite. Don’t worry, you can upload all your snaps and share them on all your social feeds later. Go old school during your Barcelo vacation!

If you're trying to disconnect on vacation, it's not all about technology, of course. It’s about discovery, exploration and breaking out of your normal routines. The best way to do those things? Try something new! At Barceló Hotel Group’s all inclusive Latin American resorts, you’ll have no shortage of fresh experiences, from cultural immersion to outdoor adventure. Here are just a few ideas.

• Learn to scuba dive. Allegro Cozumel’s Ultimate Dive Package has everything you need for certification, gear, and transportation. You’ll be under the waves in no time, exploring an aquatic wonderland.
• Travel back in time. There are countless fascinating historic attractions to discover in Mexico’s Riviera Maya. Chichen Itza, with its spectacular Mayan ruins, is a must-visit.
• Get above it all. Have you ever gone on a hot-air balloon adventure? Vacaciones Barceló’s Hot-Air Balloon excursion is one of the greatest ways to get above it all.

“Self-care” is a bit of a cliché at this point. But the cliché is reality at Barceló Hotel Group’s Latin American resorts. Here, you can refresh and rejuvenate far away from your cares, whether you’re relaxing on the beach, a cocktail in hand, or paying a visit to the on-site U-Spa. At Barceló’s state of the art U-Spas, you’ll have the chance to indulge in a wide range of treatments, from hot-stone massages to luxurious facials. In Barceló’s hands, you’ll feel like you’re a world away from your troubles.

So go ahead, disconnect on vacation! You can do it — and you won't regret it.