How I Holiday Without the Distraction
The Reader’s Edge | Charlie Samways | June 21, 2026 |
It's that time of year when people start getting away for a well-earned break.
As my own holiday plans were forming, I put extra thought into the tech that helps me rest.
The biggest switch I made was swapping physical books for Kindle.
When the reading phase of my life began, I was that typical person who took five books on holiday with them. That ate up case space, and I still found myself looking for more to read when I was done.
When I introduced a Kindle into my holiday tech, that revolutionised things. All of a sudden, what I was able to read felt limitless. And the weight of my bags eased too.
So this year, I'm taking things a step further.
I've always taken at least one notebook abroad with me. Some years that meant more than one, if I had different purposes for each.
Over the last couple of months, as I finished my last journal and notebook, I moved over to writing only on my Scribe. I've loved the results. The Scribe feels close enough to that paper experience that it works. It's not perfect, but what's lacking is made up for by the ease of transferring documents to be stored digitally when I'm done.
That means my holiday tech now consists of my iPhone, AirPods, Kindle Paperwhite and Kindle Scribe. Four devices, four jobs, and a clear line around what each one is allowed to do.
Role-Based Tech
How do I stop tech from taking over my holiday?
It's an approach that allocates each device a specific role.
I've mentioned how my Paperwhite is the reading tool, and my Scribe is the writing tool. When I'm abroad, these two devices fulfil those purposes to the level I need, and nothing more.
The iPhone is the device that runs the highest risk of distraction, thanks to the number of apps available. Because of this, I see my phone as the facilitator of two key actions: travel support and relaxation.
Modern phones make travel much more convenient. Intentional tech principles let our phones play a part in this, rather than printing out documents that have to be carried when travelling. I allow my iPhone to support this function.
For relaxation, I know that when I'm on holiday, I enjoy listening to music, audiobooks and podcasts. Especially on flights, these are a crucial support I enjoy having. I also know that for me, social media apps and streaming platforms are a doorway to entertainment I don't want to let in, so I remove these apps before leaving.
Working alongside my phone, my headphones provide one function: letting me hear what my phone is playing.
Applying roles to your tech may sound simple, and that's because it is in principle. The hardest part is preventing these parameters from being broken. One notification, one absent-minded app open, and the role quietly expands. That breakdown is what costs you the rest you went away for.
Before you leave, consider what role each piece of technology plays for you, before deciding whether it makes it into your travel bag.
This Week’s Question
What’s one piece of technology that you couldn’t go on holiday without? What role-based function does it provide for you?
Reply to me at hello@charliesamways.com. I read every one.
From The Channel This Week
The channel is taking a two-week break while I’m away, but in the meantime, you can check out my Free Kindle Guide, available to download here
Wishing you all the best this week, and planning how your tech will fit into your holiday plans.
Catch up next week,
Charlie Samways