Appy holidays! Travellers spend more time on smartphones than sunbathing

Holidaymakers are set to spend 50 per cent more time using their smartphones than their sunbeds this summer, according to a new survey.

The global study of 9,200 travellers across 31 countries by Hotels.com Mobile Travel Tracker reveals that while away we turn into social media addicts, using mobile phones to search for our next meal and have Facebook Face-⁠Offs with travel companions.

Social media beats suntans

It seems being sun smart has paved the way for travellers to indulge in more phone time, as globe trekkers are now spending more time on their phones than in the sun. Instead of spending hours relaxing around the pool or exploring the sights and attractions of a new city, holiday makers spend 50% more time on their to smartphones than their sunbeds.

The survey reveals we spend an average of two hours a day topping up our tan, compared to three hours a day using mobile devices. Shockingly, almost 10% of travellers will spend more than seven hours a day with a smartphone in their hands.

40% of travellers use social media to gloat about their holidays

British are humble travellers

Globally, 40% of travellers use social media to gloat about their holidays but only 22.33% of Brits indulge in this self-⁠gratifying social media practice. While 27% of global respondents admitted to checking in to show off their holiday, only 13% of Brits admit to doing the same.

Mobile access

75% of British travellers list Wi-⁠Fi access in hotels as being an important factor when booking hotels and a further fifth claim their mobile devices are their most valuable source of information while travelling. While on the move, mobile devices are most often used for the following:

• Restaurants and food markets (40.33%)
• Sights /⁠ tourist attractions to go and see (37.67%)
• Local public transport information (19.67%)
• Maps and directions (38.67%)

Can we survive without our apps?

Smartphone apps play a huge part in Brits’ annual holidays as they pose for pictures and message friends and loved ones back at home. More than one in 10 (12%) admit to only selecting a hotel if it offers free Wi-⁠Fi.

Although social media access plays a huge part in Brits’ addiction to the smartphone, messaging and music also play a huge role. When given access to Wi-⁠Fi, the survey reveals the following top five mobile uses for Brits abroad:

• Social Media (42%)
• Messaging (31%)
• Mapping (23%)
• News Service (22%)
• Travel (21%)

Travel technology

The smartphone has become the ultimate travel companion with almost half (46%) of people globally using one to get around thanks to map apps, and a further 20% using them to translate words or phrases to communicate with the locals. Around the world, 14% of travellers have used their mobile device to check into their hotel and another 5% have even used their device as a room key. Checking the weather forecast in their destination is also popular for Brits abroad with almost a third (32%) using their mobile devices to find out if and when the sun will be shining.

Dan Craig, senior director of Mobile at Hotels.com brand, said: “For travellers the mobile effect begins with booking, as 42% of people in our study have booked a hotel on mobile. It’s therefore no surprise that today’s modern tourist is so reliant on their smartphone, and as technology is advancing it’s becoming a more indispensable travel companion.”