As travelers increasingly seek more meaningful and immersive experiences, a growing number are turning away from digital conveniences in favor of analog methods that emphasize mindfulness and human connection. This trend manifests in choices such as using film cameras, consulting travel advisers, and embracing paper journals, aiming to create trips that are less automated and more personal.
Bob Gourley, a technology professional based in Washington, DC, exemplifies this shift. On a recent trip to Muscat, Oman, he eschewed online flight bookings and smartphone photography, instead hiring a travel adviser and using a 35 mm film camera. Gourley said this approach encouraged him to slow down and observe more closely, resulting in more contemplative photographs and a deeper engagement with his surroundings. His itinerary included visits to places like the historic Mutrah Souq, guided by personal recommendations rather than algorithm-driven suggestions.
Research conducted by ALG Vacations reveals that despite the increased use of artificial intelligence in trip planning, a majority of travelers—77% overall—prefer human input to finalize arrangements. Among younger travelers in the millennial and Gen Z demographics who use AI tools, just over half also turn to travel advisers for bookings. This indicates a desire to balance digital efficiency with genuine human expertise and personalized service.
Industry professionals report that this analog revival extends beyond preferences for photography or planning. Richard Campbell, founder of 10Adventures, forgoes pre-trip videos of destinations to preserve the element of surprise and discovery. Hotels have also adapted: Hotel Rangá in southern Iceland offers an “Analog Menu” package that includes disposable cameras, historical coloring books, playing cards, postcards, and hand-drawn maps highlighting staff-recommended locations—suggesting a growing market for experiences that resist algorithmic standardization.
The resurgence of travel advisers is a notable feature of this trend. Michael Johnson, president of Ensemble Travel Agency Consortium, explains that travelers increasingly seek the empathy, perspective, and reassurance that human agents provide, especially for complex or customized journeys. Johnson cites examples such as advising clients on the suitability of different expedition ship sizes for trips to Antarctica. Jacquie Whitt of Adios Adventure Travel adds that interest in adviser services is rising among travelers under 40, who may value expert guidance on tours, activities, and entry requirements despite appreciating online booking conveniences.
Although embracing analog elements, experts acknowledge that technology remains an essential travel tool. Smartphones continue to be vital for boarding passes, translations, and emergency contacts, as noted by Joe Cronin, president of International Citizens Insurance. Advocates for analog travel emphasize the importance of mindful device use—knowing when to engage and when to unplug.
Suggestions for cultivating an analog travel experience include using limited-shot film cameras to encourage delayed gratification, maintaining physical records like sketches or handwritten journals, and participating in activities such as writing postcards to oneself as souvenirs. These practices aim to foster richer memories and a deeper connection to the places visited.
In an era dominated by immediacy and digital saturation, the deliberate choice to slow down and disconnect offers travelers an opportunity to return home feeling refreshed rather than overwhelmed. This pursuit of genuine, tactile experiences represents a nuanced response to the evolving landscape of modern travel.