Dan Sanchez, a Distinguished Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Economic Education (FEE), concluded that Adam Smith’s seminal work, The Wealth of Nations (published in 1776) is as relevant today as it was then. Sanchez notes that “humanity’s propensity to truck, barter, and exchange one thing for another,” is arguably built into our DNA. Proof? “Nobody ever saw a dog make a fair and deliberate exchange of one bone for another with another dog,” he wrote, injecting a bit of humor into his thesis!
If you’re like most of us, trading began when we were kids undertaking toy swaps, but as we age, trading becomes more advantageous. Sometimes we swap favors (reciprocity), barter goods at “swap meets,” or exchange one experience for another to improve our lives, health, and well-being. The best example of this is found when trading the cacophony of noise for time on an island—especially if that destination happens to be an adults-only enclave of relaxation and peace in English-speaking Belize.
Why trading wi-fi for waves helps you recover your sensibilities
Belize’s Coco Plum Island Resort is as close to utopia as it gets, so a calming, soothing environment awaits anyone eager for a digital detox. Need help making the trade? Health.com professionals suggests turning off push notifications, designating tech-free hours, and “spring cleaning” social media accounts before you arrive. Why is this critical? Because the more time we spend on social media, the worse we feel, and you’re on a mission to improve your mental health by visiting paradise on earth, right?
Coco Plum’s all inclusive packages are not just a time and money saver, but there’s a gateway to customizing your stay by offering tours, adventures, add-ons and experiences so amazing, your phone will be the last thing on your mind. Don’t be surprised if leaving your device behind during tours gives you the confidence you need to consider doing it more often.
What about that “waves” tradeoff?
It’s impossible to ignore soothing waves on an island vacation. This background noise is so therapeutic, the urge to check your wi-fi feed recedes like waves on shore. Instead, you’ll experience bliss shared by one Coco Plum visitor who enthused: “Coco Plum allowed me to disconnect from the noise of the world and embark on a journey into a place of exquisite beauty, tranquility and adventure.”
“Ocean waves are nature’s white noise,” say scientists who match the rhythmic tempo of waves to our breathing rates and heartbeats. No wonder synchronization happens during an island getaway.
While major renovations are currently in the works, anticipate Coco Plum’s grand re-opening by doing what savvy travelers do: Plan in advance and take advantage of return guest discounts, the “fifth stay free” program, and specials that reward loyal guests. What happens when you trade wi-fi for waves? So much, you’ll wonder why you never thought to make this trade before now!
