More travelers are choosing vacations with less screen time

• Travelers are unplugging: More people are seeking "digital detox" vacations to escape screens, social media, and constant notifications.

• Cheaper trips often work best: Cabins, campgrounds, state parks, and small towns naturally encourage less screen time and lower travel costs.

• Start small: Set phone-free hours, plan offline activities, and limit screen use instead of trying to disconnect completely.

For years, vacations were supposed to help us relax. But somewhere along the way, many travelers started bringing their stress with them.

Instead of disconnecting, we're checking work emails from the beach, scrolling social media while sitting around a campfire, and spending hours staring at screens while supposedly taking a break from everyday life.

Now a growing number of travelers are pushing back as interest in "digital detox" vacations is surging as people look for ways to escape constant notifications, social media feeds, and the pressure of always being available.

According to data shared by rail booking platform TrainPal, searches for "digital detox" have risen dramatically this year as travelers seek slower, simpler trips focused on rest and presence rather than screen time.

The trend comes as many Americans admit their digital habits may be taking a toll. Nearly half of adults ages 18 to 34 say their online behavior negatively affects their well-being, helping fuel interest in vacations designed specifically to encourage unplugging.

The good news? You don't need an expensive wellness retreat or a luxury resort to benefit from a digital detox. In many cases, the best digital detox vacations are also among the most affordable.

Why travelers are choosing to unplug

The appeal is simple. Phones have become alarm clocks, cameras, entertainment centers, GPS devices, shopping tools, workstations, and social hubs all rolled into one.

The downside is that many people rarely experience a moment when they're completely disconnected. That constant stimulation can make it difficult to relax, sleep, focus, or fully enjoy time with friends and family.

A digital detox vacation aims to reverse that by intentionally reducing screen use and encouraging travelers to engage with their surroundings.

Rather than documenting every moment online, the goal is to actually experience those moments.

Even a weekend away can help people reset unhealthy habits and return home feeling more refreshed.

The cheapest digital detox destinations are often the best

One surprising aspect of the trend is that many digital detox vacations cost less than traditional trips.

Rural destinations, state parks, cabins, campgrounds, lake houses, and small towns naturally encourage travelers to slow down.

They're also often significantly cheaper than major tourist destinations.

According to Airbnb's summer travel trends, many travelers are choosing closer-to-home destinations this year, partly because they offer lower costs and less stress.

Instead of flying across the country, some families are opting for:

• State park cabins

• Camping trips

• Mountain towns

• Lakeside rentals

• National forest campgrounds

• Rural Airbnb properties

Many of these locations have another built-in advantage: spotty cell service.

When scrolling isn't an option, unplugging becomes much easier.

Start with a realistic goal

One reason many digital detox attempts fail is because travelers try to quit technology completely, like 100% cold turkey.

Instead, decide what you're hoping to achieve and build your plan around that

For example, do you want to:

• Spend more time with family?

• Reduce stress?

• Improve sleep?

• Take a break from social media?

• Reconnect with nature?

Having a clear objective helps shape the trip and makes your success easier to measure.

For example, if youre looking to improve your connection with your spouse or kids, you might prioritize board games, hiking, and shared meals. Conversely, if youre more focused on reducing stress you might prefer reading, meditation, or yoga.

Pro tip: Consider starting with a "phone curfew." Instead of eliminating phone use entirely, establish specific hours when devices are off limits. For example, no phones during meals, hikes, or after 8 p.m. This feels far less restrictive while still reducing your screen exposure significantly.

Replace screen time with something better

One of the biggest mistakes travelers make is simply putting their phone away and hoping for the best. Without an alternative activity, boredom often sends people right back to their screens.

Experts recommend planning offline activities ahead of time. Popular options include things like hiking, fishing, reading, journaling, photography, biking, yoga, and card/board games.

The goal isn't to stay busy every single minute. But rather it's to have enough meaningful activities available that scrolling becomes less appealing.

Pro tip: Choose lodging with limited Wi-Fi. If temptation is a concern, pick accommodations where internet access is intentionally limited or unavailable. Many cabins and campgrounds now market this as a feature rather than a drawback.

Tell people you're going offline

Many travelers remain tethered to their devices because they worry about missing messages.

A simple solution is to set expectations before leaving. Tell friends, family, and coworkers that you'll have limited access to your phone.

You can also:

• Set an email auto-response

• Enable Do Not Disturb mode

• Create an emergency contact plan

• Designate a specific check-in time each day

Once people know you're unavailable, the pressure to constantly monitor your phone often disappears or dissipates.

Pro tip: Make sure you pack plenty of the good ol fashioned analog entertainment. Stuff like books, magazines, puzzles, playing cards, and travel games provide easy alternatives when you encounter some downtime.

Use technology strategically

Ironically, if you use technology the right way, it can actually help support a digital detox.

Specifically, before you leave home, try a few of these options:

• Download maps for offline use

• Save travel reservations

• Download music playlists

• Screenshot important directions

• Save emergency contact information

This allows you to access essential information without repeatedly reconnecting to the internet.

Many travelers also temporarily remove social media apps from their phones before departure. The inconvenience of reinstalling and remembering usernames and passwords can help to keep you off the apps that encourage scrolling.

Pro tip: Bring an actual camera if you still own one. Many people reach for their phones to take photos and then get distracted by notifications. A basic digital camera allows you to capture memories without opening social media.

The goal isn't perfection

Using your phone to navigate, check weather forecasts, or contact family members isn't failure. The real objective is reducing the mindless screen time and becoming more present during your vacation.

If that means checking your phone once a day instead of once every ten minutes, that's still a win. In a world where we're constantly connected, even a small break from screens can feel surprisingly refreshing.

Pro tip: Try a 24-hour challenge first. You don't need a week-long retreat. A single day without social media or non-essential screen use can provide many of the same benefits.

New online rules aim to reshape childhood experiences

• The U.K. government plans to ban social media platforms from offering services to children under the age of 16.

• Additional restrictions would limit features such as livestreaming and communication with strangers for younger users.

• The proposed measures are expected to be introduced to Parliament before Christmas and could take effect in spring 2027.

The U.K. government has announced plans to prohibit children under the age of 16 from using major social media platforms.

The move is part of a broader effort to give young people more time away from screens and strengthen online protections. According to the government, the proposal would establish a new standard for future generations and represents one of the most significant changes to online child safety rules in recent years.

The announcement follows a nationwide consultation that generated more than 116,000 responses from parents, children, and experts. Government officials said the feedback showed strong support for tougher online safeguards, with nine in 10 parents backing a social media ban for under-16s. The government also reported that two-thirds of young people agreed that children younger than 16 should not be allowed to access at least some social media platforms.

Parents want to keep their kids safe and happy, but the online world has made that harder than ever, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a news release.

Ive heard firsthand from families crying out for change and we will do right by them. Thats why were going further than any country in the world by banning social media for under-16s and putting wider protections in place to give kids their childhood back. This is a line in the sand. Tech giants had their chance and failed, but were stepping in to protect children, back parents, and set a new normal for future generations.

What the proposal would do

Under the plan, platforms that are primarily designed for user interaction and content sharing would be prohibited from offering services to children under 16.

The government specifically identified platforms such as Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X as examples that would fall within the scope of the ban. Messaging services like WhatsApp and Signal would not be included.

The proposal goes beyond social media access. The government also intends to restrict features it considers particularly risky for young users, including livestreaming and communication between children and strangers online.

These restrictions would apply across a broader range of online services, including some gaming platforms. Additionally, certain protections would remain enabled by default for 16- and 17-year-olds.

Officials also announced that AI chatbots designed to simulate romantic or sexual relationships would be required to enforce a minimum age of 18. The government said further details on potential measures, including overnight curfews and interruptions to infinite scrolling, will be released in July.

What this means for families

For parents, the proposed rules could create a clearer framework around what online services are considered appropriate for younger children. The government says the goal is to place more decision-making power in the hands of families while establishing consistent protections across online platforms.

The changes are not immediate. The government expects to bring the legislation before Parliament later this year, with the first regulations potentially taking effect in spring 2027.

If approved, the proposal would significantly change how children access social media and other online services in the U.K., while introducing a broader set of digital safety requirements aimed at younger users.

Tech companies have had countless opportunities to keep children safe, yet they have failed to act, Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said in the release. That is why we are taking power away from the tech giants and putting it back in parents hands.

My driving force has always been to give every child, from every background, the best possible start in life. That is what these regulations will deliver.

Three hospitalized infants prompt nationwide safety review of formula

• Federal health officials are investigating three cases of infant botulism linked to a powdered infant formula brand.

• Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Powdered Infant Formula has been recalled nationwide as a precaution.

• Parents and caregivers are being urged to stop using the formula immediately and watch for symptoms of infant botulism.

A nationwide recall of a powdered infant formula is underway after federal health officials identified three cases of infant botulism in babies who had consumed the product.

The investigation, led by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is still in its early stages, but the agencies are advising parents and caregivers not to use the recalled formula while testing continues.

Infant botulism is a rare but serious illness that occurs when Clostridium botulinum bacteria produce toxins in an infant's body. According to the FDA, early symptoms can include constipation, poor feeding, loss of head control, and difficulty swallowing. In severe cases, the illness can progress to breathing difficulties and respiratory arrest. Health officials note that symptoms may not appear immediately and can take several weeks to develop after exposure.

What officials have found so far

The FDA and CDC are investigating three confirmed or suspected infant botulism cases reported in California, Pennsylvania, and Washington. All three infants consumed Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Powdered Infant Formula before becoming ill. The reported illnesses began between April and May 2026, and all three infants were hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

As part of the investigation, officials have collected leftover formula from some households for testing. Those analyses are still underway, and federal agencies say additional testing by FDA and state partners is expected to continue in the coming weeks.

Because of the severity of the illnesses and the apparent connection between the cases, the FDA recommended that Nara Organics recall its products.

On June 13, the company agreed to voluntarily recall all Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Powdered Infant Formula. The product was sold nationwide through Target stores, Target.com, and Nara.com between July 2025 and June 2026.

What this means for consumers

For families who have purchased the recalled formula, the FDA's guidance is straightforward: stop using it immediately.

Parents whose children have consumed the formula should monitor for symptoms such as poor feeding, difficulty swallowing, loss of head control, or reduced facial expression and seek immediate medical care if those signs appear.

The FDA also recommends saving information from the formula container before disposing of it. In some cases, state health officials may request leftover formula for testing if an infant develops symptoms. Caregivers should also thoroughly wash bottles, feeding equipment, and any surfaces that may have come into contact with the formula.

Officials emphasize that the investigation remains ongoing, and additional information will be released as more test results become available.

Leaving items in your cart and waiting for a discount email could lead to significant savings

• Waiting to complete an online purchase could trigger discount emails worth as much as 65% off.

• Beauty, fashion, furniture, travel, and subscription brands all follow different discount timelines after shoppers abandon their carts.

• Knowing when retailers typically send offers can help consumers save money without spending extra time hunting for deals.

Many online shoppers have experienced the temptation to click "buy now" the moment they find something they want. But according to new research from Decodo, a little patience could pay off.

The company analyzed 1,500 products across 120 retailers in more than 40 countries throughout 2025 and found that many brands routinely send discounts to shoppers who leave items behind in their online carts. In some cases, those offers can be substantial, with savings reaching as high as 65%.

ConsumerAffairs spoke with Gabriele Vitke, Product Marketing Team Lead at Decodo, who explained that these discounts are often part of a retailer's automated marketing strategy rather than a one-time promotion. That means shoppers who understand the timing behind cart abandonment emails may be able to use the system to their advantage and score a better deal without much extra effort.

Whats driving the discounts?

Vitke credits the predictability of these discounts to three things: margins, the speed with which shoppers intent changes, and inventory. Her insight: these tactics arent likely to come from company marketers.

When it comes to margins, Vitke explains that fashion can afford to discount fast and deep. On top of that, a home goods retailer working on thin margins just can't, so it doesn't.

Then there's how fast the intent fades, Vitke says. A sweater you almost bought tonight isn't a sweater you might want next Tuesday, which is why impulse categories hit you within hours, and a couch purchase gets left alone.

The third is whether the inventory rots. Travel inventory doesn't survive the week, so it moves in minutes. Furniture sits in a warehouse, so the brand waits too. Put those together, and you get timing that barely moves year to year. We started calling it a fingerprint.

Breaking down the categories

Based on Decodos research, certain categories are more likely than others to offer shoppers discounts after they abandon their carts.

The findings show that subscription and meal kit brands are the most aggressive, often sending 40-65% off within hours of cart abandonment. However, luxury retailers rarely discount at all, while electronics brands may wait up to 72 hours before offering modest savings, if they offer anything.

According to Vitke, there's a strategy here. For meal kit companies, they know if they capture a customer, theyll end up paying that amount back over time. For luxury retailers, theres a different mindset.

Net-a-Porter and the brand boutiques never discount, since a coupon would chip away at the brand, Vitke said. Electronics look quiet too, but the reason is margin, not prestige. Those retailers reprice constantly and just nudge you toward financing instead of a discount code.

Tips for shoppers

If you want to make the most of this, Vitke has some practical tips when it comes to waiting for a discount:

• Fast fashion or beauty. Dont wait more than 48 hours; the discount peaks early and disappears.

• Furniture or direct-to-consumer. Patience is rewarded; the deepest offer is usually email three or four, not email one.

• Luxury. Stop waiting, go check the seasonal sale instead.

• Meal kits. The 60% off is a customer acquisition tool; the math relies on your renewal. Set a cancellation reminder before you click buy.

• Travel. Decide in 24 hours or less; perishable inventory means the offer goes away fast.

• Amazon, Walmart, Ulta. Come back on a Sunday, thats the cheapest day of the week in our data.

The Path to Pro program is designed for those who want to learn a trade

• Learn a trade for free: Home Depot's Path to Pro program offers free online training in electrical, plumbing, HVAC, construction, and jobsite safety.

• Get connected to employers: Participants can join a job-matching network that helps connect skilled trades workers with contractors and hiring companies.

• A college alternative: The program gives recent high school graduates and career changers a way to explore high-demand trades without taking on student loan debt.

For years, young Americans were told that a four-year college degree was the best path to a good-paying career. Today, that advice is being challenged as demand for electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, carpenters, and other skilled trades workers continues to surge.

Now, The Home Depot is trying to help address the shortage through its Path to Pro program, a free training and career-development initiative designed to connect job seekers with opportunities in the trades.

For those looking to start a new career, avoid student loan debt, or simply learn more about trade jobs, the program is definitely worth a closer look.

What is Path to Pro?

Path to Pro is a collection of free resources offered by The Home Depot and The Home Depot Foundation to help people explore, train for, and connect with careers in the skilled trades.

The program includes:

• Free online training courses

• Job networking opportunities

• Scholarships for trade school students

• Resources for high school students and career changers

• Military transition programs for service members entering civilian careers

The goal is to help more Americans enter high-demand trades where employers are actively hiring.

Free training anyone can access

One of the biggest benefits is the free Path to Pro Skills Program.

The online training platform offers self-paced courses covering construction basics, jobsite safety, tool usage, building materials, communication skills, and introductions to popular trades including:

• Electrical

• Plumbing

• HVAC

• Painting

• General construction

The training is available on demand, allowing students to complete lessons whenever their schedule permits. Some courses can be completed in as little as an hour, while others provide more in-depth instruction.

Connecting workers with employers

Training is only part of the equation.

The Path to Pro Network functions as a free job-matching platform where job seekers can create profiles and connect directly with contractors and businesses looking to hire skilled workers. Employers can post jobs and review candidate qualifications through the network.

According to Home Depot, the network includes more than 100,000 candidates seeking trades jobs and thousands of hiring professionals.

Why skilled trades are getting attention

Part of the interest comes from simple economics, as many trade careers require significantly less schooling than a traditional bachelor's degree while offering competitive wages and strong job demand.

Another big part of the equation is the simple fact that college is not for everyone, and some young workers would be much more satisfied working in a trade, especially one that will not by swallowed up by AI automation in the future.

Home Depot cites ongoing labor shortages throughout construction and the skilled trades as another reason the industry continues to recruit aggressively.

The company also points to growing demand as older workers retire and fewer young people enter trade careers.

Tips to consider before pursuing a trade career

• Try the free training first: Before paying for a certification program or trade school, use free online courses to see whether the work genuinely interests you.

• Research local demand: Some trades are in higher demand depending on where you live. Check local job boards to see which skills employers are actively seeking.

• Look beyond starting pay: Many trades offer apprenticeships, certifications, overtime opportunities, and eventual business ownership. Focus on long-term earning potential, not just entry-level wages.

• Apply for scholarships: Home Depot's Path to Pro scholarship program accepts applications year-round and can help offset training costs for eligible students pursuing skilled trades education.

• Consider it as a second career: The trades aren't just for recent high school graduates. Many participants are career changers looking for stable, hands-on work with strong hiring demand.