Plugging into How Travelers Use Tech

Ninety-two percent of prospective travelers that YouGov surveyed planned on bringing their smartphone with them on vacation. Rather than disconnecting from technology, YouGov found that respondents thought that technology-enhanced their picture, enabling them to share pictures with loved ones back home.

YouGov found that travelers use technology in different situations depending on where they are. Laptops dominate how travelers get ready for their trips, playing central roles for planning and booking travel and accommodations. Nearly seven in ten respondents reported using their laptops for the planning and booking portion of their trip. Just over one in ten travelers used their smartphones for this end.

Once travelers leave home, laptops take a back seat. While travelers are away, they turn to their phones to check-in and figure out travel plans on the go. Phones were particularly useful for travel and accommodation check-in, boarding flights, picking up rental cars and booking activities. Seventy-one percent of people YouGov surveyed reported using their phone to board their flight, while just a fifth of travelers found that a laptop was important for this activity.

Brands should create desktop and mobile-friendly websites, along with mobile apps to accommodate consumer behavior. Knowing what stage travelers use certain devices can help inform user design.