Near half the adults asked who are over the age of 55 check their phone three to four times a day during their holiday. Since roaming charges are now not an issue and Wi-Fi is available in most public places, 9 out of 10 people feel more relaxed on holiday.
Forget about a digital detox when on holiday, research has revealed over 55’s who have access to their mobile phone on holiday allows them to relax more.
The research, which was commissioned by river cruise and tour operators Riviera Travel, found that over 40% of the adults asked who are over the age of 55 feel the need check their phone three to four times a day during their holiday.
The research reveals, in order, holiday makers biggest worries about their home when they go abroad:
- Locking the door- 28%
- Turning non-essential electricals/ water off – 34%
- Locking the windows- 21%
- Setting the alarm- 16%
- Locking the car- 11%
- Turning your out of office on at work- 7%
Andrew Bridgewater, Chartered Psychologist and author offers advice as to why people can’t disconnect from home whilst on holiday: “We tend to forget these important things because we do them subconsciously and often while thinking about something else in the rush to get everything done. Consequently, we can't recall whether we did them or not.”
He suggests to “add them to your packing list and mark each one (and any others you'd like to add) and complete as you leave the house or when you arrive at the airport.”
Despite people’s worry regarding their home safety, 90% of adults aged over the age of 55 felt happier in the last year since the EU mobile roaming charges lifted, going abroad knowing they can easily use their mobile phone and that Wi-Fi will be available in most public places.
Social media not only helps ensure that all is well at home, with half the people aged over 55 admitting they use Facebook whilst being abroad it also allows those back at home to keep updated and have the reassurance that you are safe and well.
Social media expert Charlotte Gill shared with Riviera Travel: “While Instagram has influenced the way we choose where to travel, it is Facebook that takes the top spot for travellers over the age of 55. In fact, people over the age of 55 made up the second largest demographic of Facebook users this year.
“The main reason for this is that older generations frequent this platform to keep up to date with updates posted by their children or grandchildren, so it makes sense that this is where they would ask for travel advice or contact friends and family while abroad.”
Additionally, the study also found that 75% of people use their mobile phone abroad to capture the best moments, making sure they don’t miss any sunsets, hidden gems or spontaneous moments.
Supporting Charlotte Gill’s social travel trends, over half the people asked admitted they use their mobile phones for family communication, followed closely by keeping an eye on the news and with one in ten using their phone abroad whilst on holiday to check work.
Andrew Bridgewater adds comment to Brits who can’t disconnect from work during their holiday: “It tends to mean that they are still in "work mode" and have a head full of unhelpful thinking about what may be going on at work, which probably isn't true and which they can ignore whilst away.”
Marie-Clare Dixon, Head of Digital at Riviera Travel, commented: “Having a relaxing holiday is something we all desire, from finding authentic experiences to tasting foods around the world.
“Understanding social media has recently had a huge impact on the way people travel, communication with home has become very important to allow people to relax.
“Very often people are enjoying sharing real-time experiences.
“Our results have demonstrated how using your mobile phone abroad aids your holiday experience. Cutting off from the world and online social media can only add further stress to your holiday.”
Tatiana is the news coordinator for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). Her role includes monitoring the hundreds of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skimming the most important according to our strategy.
She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.
