Majority of backpackers 'prefer to leave smartphone at home'
Seventy-three per cent of backpackers preferred speaking to people directly about what to do on their travels, versus the 14 per cent who preferred using social network, via their smartphones, to get tips
THE majority of backpackers would prefer to leave their smartphones at home when travelling, according to a new study.
Despite smartphones boasting a number of features which would benefit a backpacker, new research has discovered that the majority of those travellers globetrotting for extended periods, aged between 18 to 35, favour word-of-mouth advice for the best travel recommendations, over suggestions from social networking sites.
Seventy-three per cent of backpackers preferred speaking to people directly about what to do on their travels, versus the 14 per cent who preferred using social network, via their smartphones, to get tips.
The majority of backpackers (85 per cent) who own Blackberry handsets, and 68 per cent of those who own an iPhone, would prefer to totally leave their handsets at home.
In spite of all smartphones having a sat-nav function, a camera and crucially, an internet connection, 90 per cent of the 18 to 35 year-old backpackers polled by the TNT Travel show team, said that their favourite travelling gadget was unquestionably the standalone camera.
Kevin Ellis, the chief executive of the TNT Travel Show said: “Our survey shows that even if the good old-fashioned holiday postcard is disappearing into youth tourism’s sunset, nevertheless our audience loves human contact. They believe it’s simply not smart to spend your travel time gazing at a smartphone.”
More than 1,000 backpackers were polled for the survey.
- Emma Barnett
© Telegraph.co.uk
