Tech tips for an unplugged vacation

CHICAGO - With summer travel kicking off, we're offering several tips on how to really disconnect from work electronically. After all, isn't taking a minute to enjoy a breathtaking view more important than a corporate email? We think so.

Disable email. Actually, disable everything. Turn off your work email, and really hide it. For example, on an iPhone, go to "settings" and then "mail". Go to "accounts", and swipe the button to turn off your work email account, so it won't automatically download emails or show the red number of new messages.

Also, disable alerts. We do not understand why people feel the need to have a palm-sized list of updates from "homes you might like" and "news that may scare you". Create a smartphone environment where you seek out information.