What would exploring a new city without relying on technology be like?

Lisa Abend is a journalist who regularly contributes to AFAR, the New York Times travel section, and National Geographic Traveler, among others. In response to the collapse of many traditional media outlets for narrative travel writing and how social media has sucked the serendipity and sense of discovery out of travel, she launched a Substack called The Unplugged Traveler. For the newsletter, she travels to a new European city every month without using the internet—that means no Google research, no online reservations, no GPS maps, no AirBnB or Uber, and no mindless scrolling while in a cafe or on a train.

Lisa shares her unique travel philosophy, giving a fresh perspective on what it means to travel authentically. Her stories and strategies challenge the "must-see" checklist mentality, encouraging us to embrace serendipity and let go of travel FOMO. You’ll learn how going offline can deepen your connection to people, places, and unexpected moments to create a more immersive travel experience.

What’s one place you’d like to explore without relying on your phone or social media? I'd love to hear where you’d go, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.

Premium Passport:

• Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to all episodes for only $3/month. Subscribe now!
  

Tune In To Learn:

• The unusual way Lisa went from academic to a journalist in Spain 


• Her experience living as an outsider in Spain and Denmark (and what makes the Danes so happy)


• Lisa’s philosophy behind "unplugged" travel and letting go of the pressure to see everything


• How to use curiosity and spontaneity to guide your travels


• Practical advice on finding accommodations and local recommendations offline


• How she navigates destinations without a GPS or Uber


• Lisa’s favorite memories of authentic encounters and unexpected discoveries


• How small inconveniences can lead to richer, more memorable travel stories


• Why it’s important to consider what you really want out of your travel experience


• How the experiment has changed her relationship with technology and choosing destinations


• And so much more

Resources:

• Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport


• Sign up for our FREE newsletter


• Subscribe to the Unplugged Traveler Substack
  


• Follow Lisa on Instagram
  

Want More?

• Is Technology Ruining Your Travel Experience? With Seth Kugel


• Unplugged America


• Top 7 Grand European Journeys With Lucas Peters

Thanks To Our Sponsors

• 
  Unbound Merino - Use code ‘TRAVEL10’ to get 10% off your Unbound Merino order.


• 
  Defender - Explore the full lineup at landroverusa.com
  


• 
  Airalo - Get $3 off your first eSIM with the promo code ‘ZTT.’