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Are you ready for a 'digital detox' vacation?

Print | Comments () Posted by Melanie Nayer April 22, 2012 07:43 PM

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It was only a matter of time before detox hit the digital world. Between the iPhones, iPads, Blackberry's, bbm-ing, checking-in, Instagram-ing, liking, tweeting and pinning, it's clear: we are living in a digital world, and we're addicted to it. Admitting it is the first step. The second step is taking a vacation away from your technology (at least that what the hotels listed below hope you do).

Screen Free Week, the nationwide initiative by the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood, is challenging you and your kids to turn off your electronics and explore the world without being connected from April 30 - May 6. Are you up for the challenge?

For travelers who want to indulge in a week without screens, the following hotels are offering guests some unique outdoor activities for a discount, in order to help you kick the digital habit.

Farm Sanctuary, a 175-acre haven in the Finger Lakes region of New York, houses rescued animals from industrial farming sites all across the country, as well as onsite cabins where guests can get back to nature and down on the farm. Visiting here offers travelers the unique opportunity to be part of a working farm, mingle with the animals, and learn about healthy vegan and vegetarian lifestyles.

At the Westin St. John Resort & Villas, become one with water at the resort's underwater snorkeling trail. Located on Trunk Bay, you'll enjoy a 675-foot long trail around the Cay where you'll spot coral, fish and marine life. Snorkeling equipment is available for rent through the National Park Service, which operates the site, and beach facilities include showers, restrooms, changing rooms, public telephones, picnic tables, and a snack bar. Through Dec. 31, Westin St. John is offering a $100 resort credit and transfers for guests who volunteer at nearby Virgin Islands National Park.

Check into the Wyndham Rio Mar Beach Resort & Spa in Puerto Rico and sign up for the resort's Bioluminescent Bay Kayaking. You'll paddle your way through the mystical mangrove channels leading to “Laguna Grande”. Enjoy the life of the ecosystem and learn how to protect your natural surroundings from the experts on hand. Nearby the resort is the El Yunque National Forest Tour, the only tropical forest in the U.S. National Forest System, spanning 28,000 acres and reaching an elevation of 3,624 feet.

A little closer to home, the New Orleans Marriott is offering guests the chance to see the Big Easy on bike. The French Quarter hotel provides bicycle, motorcycle and Vespa rentals starting at just $15.99 a day. Grab a map from the concierge and explore the city by bike, then leave the phones, computers and hand-held games in the room and hit Bourbon Street for some old-fashioned fun.

This blog is not written or edited by Boston.com or the Boston Globe.
The author is solely responsible for the content.

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About the author

Melanie Nayer is a travel writer who spent many years in the newsroom before jetting off to see the world. Her goal is to bring readers the best insider information More »