If the purpose of vacation is to disconnect and unwind, then putting away our smartphones is a must. However, many of us just can't seem to do it, even with the best intentions. We decide to check our email quickly and before we know it, we are responding to a third email and are sneaking in "just a little bit" of work. Or you check social media and thirty minutes later, you realize you got sucked in. Not only does your smartphone habit have an impact on you, but it affects your relationship with the person or people you're traveling with. Relationships sometimes need the quality time that only a vacation can provide.

Because many travelers lack the self control to ditch their phones while on vacation, a new travel company, Off The Grid, came up with an interesting concept. It offers group trips with itineraries, lodging and meals with one catch - no phones allowed. When you check in, you surrender your phone and you're given a "dumb phone" without internet connection that can make and receive calls, with preprogrammed emergency contacts. Without a phone to distract you, you're free to focus on your surroundings and the people around you. The peer pressure of other phoneless travelers helps keep everyone on track.

Off The Grid’s initial trips sold out quickly, so the idea seems to be popular. And it’s capturing a wide array of people, from college students to people in their 60’s.

If you're interested in a phoneless vacation, but don't have the will power to keep the phone down, then consider some of these  benefits which you may not have thought of.

When you see something beautiful, your first thought is probably to take a picture and upload it to Facebook or Instagram. When you leave your phone behind, you force yourself to focus on your surroundings and appreciate the sights.

Many travelers cite "getting lost" as one of their favorite parts of traveling. Not getting lost in a dangerous way, but the kind of lost where you accidentally stumble upon a quaint little street or an excellent local restaurant off the beaten path. Ditching your phone and the GPS will force you to use a map, which in and of itself can be a fun part of vacation. Even better, you may be forced to meet and interact with the locals which again, can often be fun.

Americans collectively check their smart phones 10 billion times per day! So, it’s no wonder people experience some “mental freedom” when they ditch their devices during vacation. Unlock your mind, and you will enjoy the flow of undistracted thoughts and peace in your head, free of constant buzzing and notifications distracting you.

Whether the thought of leaving your phone behind makes you feel relieved or panicked, we highly recommend it. Surely you could make it a week!