The Gen XY Lifestyle
Singapore Travellers Fifth Most Technology-Dependent Worldwide
Singapore travellers have been ranked fifth worldwide amongst countries least willing to give up their mobile devices even while holidaying, according to a new global survey released by Hotels.com.
The study, which looks into digital holiday habits across 28 different countries across the world, explores the nations that find it most difficult to achieve the ever-important work-life balance and switch off when holidaying. Asian destinations topped the charts, with Thailand coming in first as a huge majority (85%) of travellers admitted to being inseparable from their devices. Korea trailed close behind in second place with 78%, followed by Japan (69%) and China (67%).
However, the findings also revealed that over one in five (23%) Singapore travellers actually regret spending too much time on their mobile devices once they’ve returned to home soil. No wonder then, as a whopping 77% admitted to checking work e-mails while away, despite eight in 10 (79%) conceding that they try to use their holiday to forget about work. Nevertheless, being unable to disconnect isn’t just about being overly connected to work. In fact, having access to social media, wherever they are, is also very important to almost half (45%) of all Singaporeans. To be fair however, with the proliferation of useful travel apps, it is of no wonder that the smartphone is a vital object to carry along on a holiday, making us technology-dependent.
At the same time, the study also revealed Singapore travellers’ top ten most important travel items. With a vast majority admitting to their smartphone addiction, it is no surprise that tech-savvy Singaporeans have also ranked their beloved mobile device in second place, just behind the ever-important passport. While sunscreen and swimwear came in fourth and fifth place respectively, the gym kit was placed tenth, demonstrating Singapore travellers’ preference to keep their holidays laid back and restful. So bear in mind and make a list of important things to bring prior to a holiday.
