“People used to go on holiday to unplug. Now they’re demanding to be plugged in. That secluded, desert island-type getaway may soon be as dated as the post-vacation slide show as more travelers use e-mails, Facebook and Twitter to nurture the ties that bind even while they get away from it all.
“For many travelers figuring out how to stay connected is as integral to the travel process as packing sun lotion and swimwear,” said Amelie Hurst of travel website TripAdvisor. “In times gone by this just wasn’t an option. Traveling went hand in hand with being disconnected,” she said. Hurst said clients planning their trips routinely factor in the best means of staying in contact. “Travelers ask the quality of cell phone service, international data plans. Staying connected can offer travelers a real comfort,” she explained.
A recent survey of 2000 travelers by American Express found that 77 per cent of Americans intend to stay connected while on vacation via Internet, phone, social media and other channels. The motivation is social, not business. Only 14 per cent said they would stay connected for work. “Eighty-nine percent of people want to talk to family and friends, to be very connected in real time,” said Audrey Hendley of American Express Travel. “Even five years ago that wasn’t the case.”
Connectivity means more than just checking e-mail. “Sharing information, sharing photos, it’s a change in lifestyle, it’s ‘Now I want to tell you about me,’” she said. The poll revealed that 20 percent updated their social media sites while on vacation.”
Read more at Reuters (Thanks @XxLadyClaireXx)
Oh dear, I’m reading this on holiday.
This is so right for nowadays. It’s not essential for me to be connected, but just knowing it’s there is a comfort.
For example, im on holiday right now, with internet on my phone and typing a comment on here.
Happy times.
Phone and postcards .. we stayed in touch too when there was no other media .. And also, there are tons who want stay in touch with lots of people when being away .. just a few perhaps .. def. not all ..
I wont, that’s for sure.
staying connected to friends & family is fine…but what happens if work finds out about it? or someone ya dont wanna be connected to? “no, boss, i’m not taking my cellphone…”
i’m just worried about coercion.
Remember the old Orwelian Dystopias where governments went to massive lengths to find out about every aspect of their citizens’ lives? It all seems a little pointless now-all you have to do is give people broadband, a webcam, and let the ‘lookatmelookatme’ reflex do its thing.
Progression? Staying in touch has been made more accessible to us. I think it’s a good thing and will add that it’s an individual preference how much or how little one feels the need to ‘reach out and touch’ whilst ‘on holiday’.
Sharing experiences has a good ring to it perhaps?
Will there be social pressure to keep in touch. Out of touch will become rude?