What does a “phone-free” place really mean?

The same phrase can describe very different experiences. A café may host an offline evening without banning phones for the rest of the week. A concert may require a phone pouch during the performance. Accommodation may offer somewhere to store your device during a stay.

Before featuring a place, Look Up aims to clarify its practice: who organises the experience, when the rule applies, what visitors are asked to do and how they can regain access to essential functions. We will also state the source and when it was checked.

Three different formats

A one-off gathering. The Offline Club describes café meetups and phone-free dinners. The promise applies to the organised event; it is not enough to describe everything offered by the venue hosting it. Official website.

An organised space. Yondr describes a system using pouches and areas where phones may be used, depending on the event. Check the arrangements with the relevant organiser. Provider FAQ.

An offline stay. Unplugged presents cabins with phone storage and equipment for offline activities. Until an editorial visit has taken place, a Look Up listing should make clear that it describes the operator’s offer. Official description.

A selection with sources

Being featured here does not mean receiving a health certification or becoming a Look Up partner. Our first task is to make the offer understandable: what is actually organised, which source describes it and what remains to be confirmed. Venue and event conditions can change; check the official website before visiting.