Finland has reigned supreme as the "world's happiest country" for six years in a row. It should be no surprise considering the Nordic nation contains countless stunning locales for unforgettable trips, inviting Finns and foreigners alike to soak in the beauty on their vacations. This summer, one Finnish island in particular is so serious about making people enjoy the nature around them that it's been declared a phone-free zone.
Ulko-Tammio is located off the towns of Kotka and Hamina in the eastern Gulf of Finland, just a few miles from the country's maritime border with Russia. The picturesque island is an uninhabited national park and is home to several rare birds and plants. Hiking trails and a birdwatching tower provide several ways to see everything.
Mats Selin, an expert in island tourism at Visit Kotka-Hamina, spoke about the unique approach to help visitors connect with their surroundings this summer. "The island of Ulko-Tammio, which is located off the coast of Hamina, will be a phone-free area this summer," he said in a statement, per CNN. "We want to urge [vacationers] to switch off their smart devices and to stop and genuinely enjoy the islands."
This summer visitors to the remote Ulko-Tammio island, located in the Eastern Gulf of Finland National Park, will be asked to voluntarily put their phones away during their stay to encourage holidaymakers to take a break from social media and enjoy nature: https://t.co/iTshdSecwA pic.twitter.com/v0OF4ZK34u
— Discovering Finland (@DiscoverFinland) June 21, 2023
To make it unplugging even easier, visitors will be given stickers to cover their phone screens and cameras. Given that the island has cell service, it may be tempting to look at your phone even when you're trying to disconnect.
Parks & Wildlife Finland, a body that manages public lands and waters all across the country, believes that the campaign will have a far-reaching impact on those who decide to participate beyond just getting to see gorgeous sights.
"Switching off your phone, exploring nature, and meeting people face-to-face are bound to boost your mood and well-being,” Sari Castrén, a psychologist and research manager at the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, stated plainly. “We spend countless hours scrolling our social media feeds, so taking a short break from them means you have more time for new experiences."
Photos and videos may capture a moment, but it's the memories that will last a lifetime. So why not follow the Finns' lead?
from Men's Journal https://ift.tt/G9PfBjs
No comments:
Post a Comment