Putting Down the Phone and Living in the Holiday Moment
Social media is a constant companion these days. We share our lives in real-time, from the good times to the bad. And of course, no vacation is complete without capturing those precious moments with photos and videos. But what happens when that constant screen time starts to take away from the actual experience?
Recently, on a trip to Rarotonga, I had a fantastic time at Te Vara Nui. The music, the show, the food - it was all amazing. It was also my son's 12th birthday, and the staff even sang him Happy Birthday while I filmed it. But here's the thing - I stopped filming halfway through.
Why? Because I wanted to be truly present in the moment. I didn't want to see the show through the tiny screen of my phone. Capturing memories is important, but so is living in the now and experiencing everything with all your senses. How can you truly appreciate a vibrant performance with a phone blocking your view?
While social media offers a way to share our experiences, there's something special about printed photos. My husband and I get our family photos printed into albums every year. We spend time reliving those memories as we fill up the next album. It's a tangible reminder of the good times.
Sure, we might not always have a photo or video of every moment, and that's okay. Maybe your friends and family get a little tired of seeing those vacation photos for the hundredth time (we've all been there!). But those photos spark conversations and bring the experiences flooding back.
The best vacations create lasting memories. Capture them however you choose - photos, videos, or simply etch them into your mind. But don't forget to put down the phone sometimes and truly be present in the moment. That's where the most magical memories are made
