We Love our Travel Gadgets--And We Take Them with Us

It would be interesting to see the breakdown between domestic trips and international trips.  I think we'd see the rates of smartphone use drop on international journeys because of the complexities and cost of connecting, unless it's with wi-fi.  Tablet use probably wouldn't change significantly.

But no, I'm not surprised at all.  

You're probably right, but I think the gap is narrowing rapidly. In the study, nearly half those surveyed cited fear of losing touch with friends and news.

And, it's getting easier to travel with your phone! For those who aren't sure how, I recommend our TravelGumbo series on Staying in Touch on the Road

That's interesting.  I travel in part just so I CAN lose touch.  Except once.  On a stroll through a Borneo jungle, emerged alongside the only restaurant for many miles, it's TV announcing the election of Pres. Obama.  An exciting moment but the only one I can think of when I was momentarily glad to be in touch.  Maybe another thing that separates tourists from travelers is the "need" to be available.  

Like PortMoresby, I also like times where I'm out of touch.  For me my favorite escape is into the wilderness, hiking, camping, backpacking.  Always enjoy coming home but always look forward to the next time I can do it all again.