10 destinations Where Your Grandkids’ phones Won’t Work

by Mike Zoob

Any 21st-century grandparent understands the perpetual struggle of trying to pry grandkids away from their smart phones. We’ve got the perfect solution for you: take them on an educational adventure somewhere in the world that doesn’t have Wi-Fi.

These Top 10 remote destinations around the world will force your grandkids to put away their phones and focus on some amazing activities, locations and learning—all with their grandparents by their side.

In a submarine, 100 feet under Waikiki

There are an endless number of fun activities in Hawaii that will keep your grandkids busy and phone free. But the kids will certainly have trouble getting reception if they’re 100 feet under water. Ride a passenger submarine as you dive together to an exciting marine environment with tropical fish, sea turtles, sharks, reefs, sunken ships and other artifacts.

On Safari in Chobe National Park

Chobe

National Park is one of Africa’s premiere gameviewing areas. Take your grandchild on an unforgettable safari in the park to explore its pristine ecosystem. The only reason you may want your cellphone is to grab some selfies with one of “The Big Five” — lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards and rhinos – as well as rare antelope that inhabit the region.

In the Grand Canyon

The activities that abound for you and your grandkid in the Grand Canyon are so plentiful, they won’t even be thinking about texting their friends. Entertain them with hiking adventures with geology lessons along the way and a rafting trip along the Colorado River to spot bighorn sheep, wild burros, hawks and lizards.

Near the Sierra Negra Volcano, Galápagos

At Machu Picchu

Satellite signals are spotty at Machu Picchu, so you and your grandkids will just have to settle for the incredible views on your field trip to this sacred site. Enjoy the switchbacks, the view from the top of the both the ruins and the surrounding countryside and all there is to learn about the history of the ancient citadel.

Make the 10-mile roundtrip trek to the edge of the largest caldera in the Galápagos Islands. The Sierra Negra is the second largest volcanic caldera in the world, measuring over six miles across. Hike across an otherworldly landscape of lava fields and fumaroles along routes where lava flowed as recently as 2005.

While snorkeling along the Elafiti Islands in Croatia

Leave your electronics safe in your hotel room in Dubrovnik and depart for the Elafiti Islands.

Explore the three inhabited islands of Kolocep, Lopud and Sipan and go swimming and snorkeling together in the crystal blue waters off one of the islands.

From a tundra buggy on Hudson’s Bay, Manitoba

Travel out into the tundra with your grandchild to view polar bears in their natural habitat. Your Tundra Buggy will take you through the Churchill Wildlife Management Area on special trails that minimize the impact on the tundra. Churchill Wildlife Management Area is the largest management area in Manitoba and the summer home for hundreds of polar bears.

In the Costa Rican Rainforest

Escape the internet and electronics in Arenal National Park with your grandchild and explore this exotic ecosystem on a walk through the rainforest canopy. Discover a two-mile system of natural trails and hanging bridges designed and maintained for both beauty and safety, leaving the natural environment (and your grandchild) intact. Or head to Arenal Volcano National Park to walk around the base of the volcano, keeping your eyes peeled for many of the 850 species of birds that live in Costa Rica.

On horseback in Feather River Country

Join your grandchild on horseback as you discover the beautiful Feather River Country. At Greenhorn Creek Guest Ranch, experienced wranglers will provide expert instruction to you and your grandchild, keeping safety top of mind for both of you. Then hit the trails to ride through the beautiful terrain of the High Sierra.

Check out the Grandparent & Grandchild Travel Tips at RoadScholar.org for more intergenerational travel inspiration.

In an Aboriginal National Park in the Australian Outback

The Aborigines don’t need cellphones, and neither do you in the vast, isolated and remote expanse of the Australian Outback. Sleep under the stars in the true Aussie bush tradition. Visit an Aboriginal community to learn about the challenges and rewards of cellphone-free Aboriginal life, and walk to Walpa Gorge.

Road Scholar is the nation’s largest educational travel organization for adults – a true university of the world. This not-for-profit educational organization offers 5,500 extraordinary learning adventures in 150 countries and 50 states. Road Scholars are immersed in a variety of educational activities, enlisting renowned faculty and experts who offer insider access not available to most individuals. Dedicated to making educational travel available to everyone, Road Scholar offers financial aid for those who otherwise could not participate in its programs. Road Scholar educational adventures are created by Elderhostel, the not-for-profit world leader in educational travel for adults since 1975.