I Traveled Iceland with a Paper Map Instead of My Phone’s GPS — It Was the Most Fun I’ve Had in Years

A few years ago, I booked my first trip to Iceland. I was excited to soak in the country’s legendary hot springs, hike under the midnight sun, and explore the black sand beaches and ice caves. I chose Hotel Ranga on Iceland’s South Coast as my base. 

The boutique, family-run hotel offered a range of unusual amenities, including a house astronomer, northern lights wake-up calls, and hot tubs fed by thermal hot springs that were open year-round. Another unexpected option? For a small fee, I could purchase an “analog menu” to help keep me off my phone and focus on Iceland’s beauty and culture. I impulsively added it to my room. I was skeptical that anything, including Iceland’s stunning landscape, could truly get me off my phone while traveling. Still, I thought the analog package could help, and at minimum it seemed kitschy and fun, so I was excited to give it a try. 

After a short six-hour flight on Icelandair from my home in Washington, D.C., I arrived in Iceland. When I got to my room, I found a disposable camera, a paper map, a deck of cards featuring paintings by Icelandic artists, and colored pencils along with a coloring book filled with historical facts about Iceland. I was intrigued. Could such simple items really enrich my trip?

I was also a little nervous. I wasn’t sure I even remembered how to read a map without a floating blue dot keeping me on track. I also wondered whether a coloring book could hold my attention or if I could resist the urge to take endless selfies, as I typically do on vacation. Still, I was willing to give it a shot. I went into my analog adventure with an open mind. 

Almost immediately, the analog items started making my trip better. Instead of plopping on my bed and mindlessly scrolling on my phone right after check-in, I picked up the coloring book and started drawing while learning facts about Iceland. Although I struggled at first with reading a paper map, my pre-iPhone skills came roaring back as I used a pencil to mark my route. When I went outside for a walk, I found that I could, in fact, navigate without looking at a screen every few steps. I didn’t worry nearly as much about getting lost as I thought I would, and I enjoyed my surroundings more. I felt calmer and more connected. 

Having a disposable camera also forced me to slow down because I had a limited number of shots to take. I wanted to make sure I got the best photo, not just as many photos as possible. I also didn’t have to fight the temptation to check social media or my email every time I wanted to take a photo. I kept my phone in my pocket, switched off, just in case I got lost or needed to take more photos. Having it as a backup gave me the peace of mind to go analog. Back at the hotel, I used my cards to play a few rounds of 21 with my friend, and later played a round of solitaire. 

My analog experience in Iceland still shapes how I travel today. As a mom, I don’t think I can ever be completely disconnected for days at a time, but I’ve found ways to work in non-digital aspects to my trips. I still take plenty of photos, but I’ve started traveling with a digital camera that doesn’t require me to reach for my phone constantly. I’ve also started buying guidebooks, which typically have plenty of maps along with tons of suggestions for activities and restaurants. Although this shouldn’t be a huge revelation, I also find that I am more relaxed and sleep better when I spend more of my free time on vacation off my screen. I don’t always travel with a coloring book, but I often pack a deck of cards and travel-friendly games to play with my companions before bedtime.

Additionally, I used to read on my phone before falling asleep. Now, I use my Kindle to make sure I have plenty to read on a device that doesn’t tempt me to open Instagram for “just a few minutes” that inevitably turns into a half-hour or more of scrolling. Although a Kindle technically has a screen, I read a lot, and it gives me plenty of reading material without adding a ton of weight to my luggage. By incorporating analog elements into my trips, I am much less distracted and more present.