Five Tech Tips for a Truly Restful Vacation

You’ve saved. You’ve planned. You’ve packed the bags. Your family or friends are excited. You head out for time away—hoping for rest, connection, and memories. But instead...all the screens continue to steal attention and get in the way.

Sound familiar?

We live in a world where technology follows us everywhere—even to the beach, the mountains, the family place. And without intentional boundaries, our devices can quietly rob us of the very moments we worked so hard to create.

The good news?

You don’t have to ditch your screens to have a vacation that actually refreshes your soul. You just have to use them wisely. Here are five practical tech tips to help you stay fully present on your next getaway:

1️⃣ Set Phone-Free Zones
Choose a few key moments where devices are completely off-limits—like mealtimes, game nights, or an hour before bedtime. Get everyone on board ahead of time. Use a basket, drawer, or designated “tech-free box” to make it easy (and fun!) to unplug.

2️⃣ Create “Free Phone” Times
Phones can also enhance your trip—when used intentionally. Designate times when it's okay to use your tech, snap photos, video call a friend, or look up restaurant reviews. Kids can even help research local activities! Giving your tech a “purpose” and window during vacation keeps it from stealing your attention at the wrong times.

3️⃣ Practice What You Preach
Want your family or friends to stay off screens? Show them how it’s done. Kids, especially, mirror what they see. It's common behavior that when one person looks at their phone, others do, too. If you slip up, (and it happens) and need to check something, step aside and handle it privately—then come back fully present.

4️⃣ Try a Real Camera
Digital and instant cameras are making a comeback! Consider leaving your phone in your pocket and using an old-fashioned digital camera or handing out disposable cameras instead. You’ll involve more of your family and capture fun, candid memories at the same time—and nobody has to scroll through notifications to do it. :)

5️⃣ Remember: Physical Time is Focus Time
One of the easiest ways to ditch screens is to get moving. Plan simple, active moments—beach walks, hiking, swimming, or a family treasure hunt - with NO tech...but a perfect spot for that digital or disposable camera, though. When your hands and feet are busy, your mind more naturally disconnects from digital noise.

Stay Prayerful, Flexible, and Kind. 

Even with the best tech plan, your vacation might not go exactly as planned. That’s okay.

Remember Proverbs 16:9: “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”  

Stay prayerful. Be flexible. Protect unity over perfection.

Rest is one of God’s special gifts and He loves to meet you there, tech distractions aside. So take a deep breath. Unplug for a while and come home with more than photos on your phone—come home truly refreshed and rejuvenated.

NEXT STEPS: If you want to go a little deeper, please listen to Money Made Faithful podcast Episode #189 titled: 5 Tech Tips for Your Best Vacation Ever (19 minutes)

Apple: Episode #189: 5 Tech Tips for Your Best Vacation Ever 

Spotify: Episode #189: 5 Tech Tips for Your Best Vacation Ever