Do you take gadgets on holiday
· Almost a quarter use gadgets to keep up-to-date with Facebook and Twitter updates
· Two thirds of those who will go on holiday in 2013 will take smartphones, laptops and tablets with them to stay in touch with home
· Over half of those who have a work smartphone take it away with them
· Nearly two thirds don’t leave home without their beauty gadgets
The average holidaymaker takes five gadgets away with them on holiday, while 65 per cent use smartphones, laptops or tablets to keep in touch with friends and family and to find out what’s going on back home, according to new research from TravelSupermarket.
Almost a quarter of holidaymakers surveyed admit to using their gadgets on holiday to keep on top of Facebook and Twitter conversations and trends, proving that even though a break is meant to be a time for switching off, people can’t resist a quick status update.
If you’re taking your gadgets away, use them to your advantage. They can be useful to help you explore your surroundings, help translate foreign menus or check out local public transport options.
The research also reveals that over half of holidaymakers find it hard to leave their work at home, with many who have a work smartphone taking it with them on holiday too.
General Practitioner, Dr Gill Jenkins,said: “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.
“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.”
Smartphones and tablets that help us check Facebook, Twitter and work emails aren’t the only gadgets that are seen as holiday essentials.
It also seems that holidaymakers can’t do without their creature comforts when they travel, with 62 per cent of those surveyed confessing that they take beauty gadgets away with them, not leaving home without hair straighteners, hair trimmers and electric toothbrushes.
Bob Atkinson, travel expert at TravelSupermarket, said: “If you’re taking your gadgets away, use them to your advantage. They can be useful to help you explore your surroundings, help translate foreign menus or check out local public transport options.
“When travelling abroad ensure you know any charges you will incur for data from your service provider. There are always great ways to get online for free using wifi options in cafes and hotels where offered. Look out for hotels with this option if you can’t give up the gadgets.
TravelSupermarket’s Travel Trends Tracker Report 2013 also reveals that just two per cent think having a smartphone on holiday is a hindrance, with almost half admitting they rely on their smartphone to find things to do and avoid getting lost on holiday, proving just how much we’re embracing technology when we go on holiday.
Whilst the most popular gadget is still the digital camera (88 per cent of those holidaymakers who own one will take it with them), devices such as eReaders and tablets are also finding their way into more suitcases as more than two thirds of those surveyed want things that will keep them entertained.
Bob added: “It is also important to check your baggage allowance with your airline before you travel – there is no point taking a hairdryer, for example, if your hotel provides one. The extra luggage space will come in handy when you hit Duty Free.
“And finally, ensure that you don’t leave your gadgets lying around, vulnerable to theft. Use a safety deposit box where available and make sure all items are covered on your travel insurance.
“The last thing you want to find is that they are not protected if damaged, lost or stolen while away.”
The top 16 gadgets people take with them on holiday:
Digital camera
Smartphone
Mobile
Kindle / eReader
Ipod / MP3 Player
iPad / tablet
Electric Shaver
Work Smartphone
Electric toothbrush
Hair straightners
Sat Navs
Hairdryers
Portable Games Console
Laptops
Epilators
Hair Clippers
How many gadgets do you take on holiday? Tell us in the comments below or tweet us @FemaleFirst_UK