hips don't lie: Technology holiday: We"re a nation of gadget addicts on holiday, says survey

Thứ Sáu, 15 tháng 3, 2013

Technology holiday: We"re a nation of gadget addicts on holiday, says survey

By

Travelmail Reporter

PUBLISHED:

09:58 EST, 15 March 2013

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UPDATED:

09:58 EST, 15 March 2013

While the idea of a holiday is to switch off, it seems Britons just can’t part with their gadgets.

The average holidaymaker is likely to pack five devices when they escape for a break this year, research has revealed.

And more than half with a work smartphone (53 per cent) said they planned to take it with them, TravelSupermarket’s Travel Trends Tracker Report found.

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Some 65 per cent of us use smartphones, laptops or tablets to check in with friends and family at home, the survey of just over 2000 British holidaymakers suggested.

Almost half (42 per cent) said they relied on their smartphone to look up activities, attractions and directions, compared to two per cent who considered having it with them on holiday ‘a hindrance’.

And a total of 24 per cent of those qui ed confessed to using their electronic device to log in to Facebook and Twitter, the comparison site found.

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It seems travellers could be hindering their ability to unwind, a GP said of the results.

Dr Gill Jenkins commented: ‘Having your phone with you and being able to get in touch with home if you need to can put your mind at rest during your break, but make sure you’re not checking Facebook, Twitter and work emails constantly.

‘Using technology on holiday is fine in moderation, but it can get addictive, and people can start to feel a sense of anxiety if they’re not able to get updates instantly.’

She added: ‘When you’re on holiday, try to enjoy the break from your routine as it does you good to switch off completely now and then to de-stress and recharge your batteries.’

The research also found that digital cameras, smartphones and mobiles were the top technology devices travellers took with them, while 62 per cent said they wouldn’t travel without beauty gadgets such as hair straighteners and electric toothbrushes.

TravelSupermarket’s Bob Atkinson said, at times, technology can come in handy.

‘If you’re taking your gadgets away, use them to your advantage,’ he said. ‘They can be useful to help you explore your surroundings, help translate foreign menus or check out local public transport options.’

The advent of mobile technology has prompted the emergence of so-called ‘digital detox’ holidays, where devices are banned for the duration of the break.