You don’t need to go off-grid to enjoy the outdoors

It’s generally accepted now that going off-grid can offer definite benefits to our mental and physical health. So much of our lives are spent hunched over a computer or staring endlessly at a phone or tablet that is constantly vibrating in your hand or pocket.

Being constantly connected to literally everyone else opens up amazing worlds of opportunities, but there are pitfalls it means our minds struggle to stay in ‘the moment’. It is really depressing to be outdoors in a stunning landscape that seeing a group of people on a hike with their eyes glued to their phones, not talking to each other except to show them an amazing photo they’d just seen on Instagram – if they’d only look up they’d see something just as amazing… but in real life.

This constant barrage of information, and the feeling of never being able to switch off, is one of the reasons why we are heading off to the great outdoors more than ever and getting ‘off the grid’ even if it’s just for a day or two. Thankfully, for our mental health at least, nature does a really good job of making it hard to get a good mobile signal in some of our more remote and wild national parks – so we can all enjoy our walk, climb, bike, etc.. without the constant passive harassment of notifications buzzing in your back pocket.

Can we really live without the internet though?

For the average person, a weekend ‘off grid’ is probably one of the best things you can do for your blood pressure and general well-being but is it really workable for everyone.

We live in a digital age, and for some of us as amazing as ‘going off the grid’ sounds – in practice it can potentially be a problem. What if you are self employed and NEED to check emails or perhaps you business is internet based – what happens if something goes wrong? What if people are relying on you as a point of contact, or if you’re a teacher or group leader who needs to share or get information for the group?

The fact of the matter is disconnecting from Twitter, Facebook and Instagram is definitely possible for most people, but if you are one of us that actually NEEDS the internet or a phone to be able to run a business (assuming no one can cover for you), the heading ‘off grid’ is probably the last thing you want to do.

Find Bunkhouses with Wi-Fi

Once you’ve decided you’re going to do the ‘outdoor thing’ perhaps to refresh your mind and body or maybe you just feel like walking some moors or climbing a rock… but you know you can’t totally go off the grid. The ideal solution is to find a bunkhouse or hostel to stay at that offers an internet connection. Have fun during the day during your adventure then get your laptop, tablet or phone out when you get back.

Bunkhouses and hostels can be remote and may not have a broadband connection. When you are browsing for your outdoor accommodation on Bunkr you can now filter the results depending on if the accommodation has wi-fi.

Click below to find bunkhouses with wi-fi^*

^*If Wi-Fi is critical to your trip always make sure you check availability directly with the accommodation provider. Charge may apply for Wi-Fi use.