Thai Travellers Tied to Technology, but Canadians Disconnect

Travellers from Thailand are the least prepared to give up their mobile technology when going on vacation, according to a new global survey from Hotels.com™. When looking at which countries are the least willing to ditch their devices, a staggering 85 per cent of Thai travellers voted against it, while only 27 per cent of Canadian travellers felt the same.

The study examined digital vacationing habits across 28 countries worldwide, identifying the countries that find it most difficult to achieve work/life balance and switch off when on vacation. Turns out Asian countries dominate in this respect with Korea in second place with 78 per cent of votes, followed by Japan (69 per cent), China (67 per cent) and Singapore (60 per cent).

"Going away on vacation should be a time to unwind, whether you're lying on a beach in Cancun or snowboarding down a mountain in Whistler," says Taylor L. Cole, APR, travel expert at Hotels.com. "While smartphones are useful for checking the weather or viewing maps, travellers would benefit from switching off their e-mails to disconnect and restore a little more of the all-important work/life balance."

On the other end of spectrum is India with a mere 20 per cent of votes, followed by Argentina at 22 per cent. Our American neighbours also more willing to give up their devices with 35 per cent of votes, yet still 8 per cent higher than Canada.

When it comes to Canadian travel habits, the study reveals that the majority of Canuck travellers are able to disconnect, with 65 per cent returning home with no regrets about spending time on their mobile devices. In fact, almost half (44 per cent) admitted to spending no time at all on social media while on vacation and another 41 per cent would be prepared to go on a vacation without a mobile device or laptop.

Countries least willing to ditch their devices while on vacation

The Hotels.com study also reveals the top 10 most important travel items for Canadians, showing travel basics, from passports to travel insurance and smartphones, taking the top spots.  Physical fitness and personal hygiene (in the form of gym kits and deodorant) are ranked least important, which perhaps speaks to the importance Canadian travellers put on actual relaxation when on vacation.

Top ten most important travel items for Canadians:

When it comes to bragging rights and which countries are most likely to exaggerate their vacation experiences, China comes in on top with 67 per cent of respondents likely to lie to friends and family when returning home. Germany is close behind in second place with 64 per cent, and Korea is third place with just under half (48 per cent) admitting they would embellish a travel story to impress others.

Canada, on the other hand, is tied with New Zealand in 21st place – perhaps all the time away from their smartphones frees up more time for genuine enjoyment? 

Countries most likely to exaggerate their vacation experience

If you're not on vacation, grab your favourite device for staying connected and share your travel technology habits on Twitter at @hotelsdotcomca using #mytraveltech.