- Egypt is the best country to travel to for a digital detox, with a high digital detox score of 71.04 out of 100
- The USA is the worst travel destination for digital detoxes, as the country scores only 11.67
- Digital detox trips allow you to fully unplug from tech, however, an expert says don’t ditch your safety net completely
A new study has revealed the top destinations around the world for a digital detox vacation, ideal for travellers looking to disconnect from their devices and reconnect with the moment.
Placing top is Egypt, which earned the highest score based on factors like internet coverage, national parks, and the percentage of internet users.
Travel eSIM provider Holafly created an index score for a list of popular travel destinations, using the number of cell towers, national parks, average internet speeds and internet users. They analysed and ranked these digital detox scores from highest to lowest to reveal the world’s top 10 digital detox capitals.
Top 10 Best Countries for a Digital Detox
| Rank | Country | Digital Detox Score |
| 1 | Egypt | 71.04 |
| 2 | Uzbekistan | 69.75 |
| 3 | Nigeria | 61.79 |
| 4 | South Africa | 59.41 |
| 5 | Indonesia | 50.5 |
| 6 | Brazil | 49.22 |
| 7 | India | 49.06 |
| 8 | Poland | 47.94 |
| 9 | Netherlands | 47.47 |
| 10 | Mexico | 46 |
A digital detox is a period of time when someone stops using digital devices like laptops or smartphones, including going on vacation to carry out this break and escape from the digital world.
Egypt is crowned the world’s best destination to travel to for a digital detox. The African country scores 71.04 out of 100 on the digital detox index, with 50.06% of the population being internet users. Egypt is home to ancient wonders and history like the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. Or you can go off-grid at the Siwa Oasis, escape to the White Desert or float down the Nile on a relaxing river cruise.
Uzbekistan in Central Asia is in second place, with a digital detox score of 69.75 out of 100. 50.47% of the population are internet users. You can escape from technology and stay in a traditional homestay in the Nuratau Mountains, camp in a yurt in the Kyzylkum desert, experience stunning natural views at a nature reserve or see the ancient cities.
Ranking third is Nigeria, with a score of 61.79 out of 100. In Nigeria, 72.31% of the population are internet users. In this African country, digital detoxers can disconnect at the Obudu Mountain Resort, experience hot springs and a safari at Yankari National Park or stay in an eco-lodge deep in the jungle at Omo Forest Reserve.
In fourth place is South Africa, scoring 59.41 out of 100 on the digital detox index. Also in Africa, 58.09% of people are internet users. Visit the Wild Coast and experience untouched beaches and local culture. You can also stay in an off-grid mountain lodge in the Drakensberg Mountains or another one of the many nature reserves South Africa has to offer.
Indonesia ranks fifth, with a score of 50.50 out of 100. Located in Asia, 77.59% of Indonesians are online. In this country, you can disconnect at one of the many off-grid retreats where a signal is weak, and you can instead spend your days snorkelling, experiencing local culture and traditional villages or delve into one of Bali’s silent retreats with no talking and no Wi-Fi, just nature and mindfulness.
In sixth place is Brazil in South America, which scores 49.22 on the digital detox index. 83.10% of Brazilians are internet users, but Brazil offers off-grid experiences like the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park with no service, its rolling white sand dunes and blue lagoons, or visits to remote Jalapão where there is no service, just pure nature with waterfalls, natural springs and off-grid lodges.
India is in seventh place, scoring 49.06 on the digital detox index. In India, 59.23% of the population is on the internet, and digital detoxers can unplug and experience serene landscapes and meditation retreats on their travels. Join a no-talking meditation escape at Varanasi’s Silent Ashrams, or visit Rishikesh, the yoga capital of the world, to stay in an ashram with strict digital detox rules.
Ranking eighth is Poland, in Europe, with a digital detox score of 47.94 out of 100. In Poland, 90.58% of people are internet users. Here, there are countless opportunities to disconnect, including stunning national parks, mountain ranges and lakes. Digital detoxers can stay in remote guesthouses in the forests at Ojców National Park, charming villages in the Roztocze National Park, wooden cabins in the Karkonosze or Bieszczady Mountains or experience a spa and wellness retreat in Krynica-Zdrój.
The Netherlands in Europe scores 47.47 out of 100, putting the country in ninth place. Despite 93.71% of people being internet users, the Netherlands offers quiet islands, peaceful forests, and remote countryside retreats where you can truly unplug.
In tenth place is Mexico in North America, with a digital detox score of 46.00 out of 100. In Mexico, 87.13% of people are online. Mexico has secluded beaches, jungle retreats, mountain hideaways, and peaceful desert landscapes where you can escape the digital world and reconnect with nature.
Commenting on the study, a spokesperson from Holafly said,
“Digital detox vacations provide a much-needed escape for those looking to disconnect from the constant demands of the digital world. In an era where screens dominate our daily lives, these trips offer a chance to step away from technology and be fully present in the moment. However, it’s important to have a safety net, as unexpected situations can arise.
“Having an eSIM installed as a backup plan on your device ensures you stay connected instantly in emergencies, without the hassle of worrying about Wi-Fi, roaming costs, or SIM cards.
“Peace comes not from the places we visit but from the freedom we find when we unplug and embrace the moment. From remote deserts and serene beaches to deep forests and mountain hideaways, these destinations provide a rare opportunity to step away from the online world and reconnect with nature, culture, and oneself, offering a sanctuary for peace of mind.
“By analysing factors like national parks, nature reserves, internet usage, cell towers, and internet speeds, this research identifies locations where disconnecting from screens is not just possible but encouraged.
“Peace of mind is the true luxury of travel. In a world full of distractions, unplugging from technology brings clarity and restores your connection to the present moment.”
