A new study showed that 9 out of 10 travelers do not leave for their personal or business trips without at least one mobile device. The findings suggest how modern travelers have become dependent on mobile devices, such as smartphones, tablets, e-readers, laptops or smartwatches.
The study, conducted by business travel company Expedia Inc., involved 8,856 people from 25 countries. An online survey was used to collect data to determine mobile device usage of travelers during their trips.
Researchers categorized the trips into personal and business. Mobile devices are necessary for business trips in order to increase productivity. Leisure travelers, on the other hand, use their devices for research and planning purposes, such as acquiring information about the best places to eat, or to search for an activity to do.
"We are entering a new era where people are moving fluidly across desktop, phone, tablet, even wearables as they dream, plan, book and then ultimately take their trip," said Dara Khosrowshahi, president and chief executive officer of Expedia, Inc. and president of Expedia Worldwide. "This is the new normal when it comes to traveling."
The participants were asked which device they considered as crucial during travels. As expected, smartphones topped the list at 76 percent, followed by laptops (70 percent), and tablets (48 percent).
The study also looked at the mobile device etiquette of the travelers to know which habits people consider as annoying or offensive. More than half of the respondents said that making calls on speakerphone is offensive, followed by using noisy devices, and taking photos or videos of strangers.
Travelers have also factored in Wi-Fi availability when booking flights and hotels. Eight out of 10 travelers prioritize complimentary Wi-Fi for these transactions. This finding makes sense because only 35 percent are willing to pay for international data/roaming charges when traveling.
Despite the significance of mobile devices during travels, not many are worried about losing them. Losing their passports, money, and travel companion remained their biggest worries.
