Connected travelers suffering technology-separation anxiety

I'm off on holiday soon. I'll be staying in a Samoan hut, a 'fale', on a remote beach for a week. My first concerns? Not what the weather will be like, or the food, or the standard of accommodation. Instead, I emailed the owners asking "Will there be a power outlet to charge my smartphone?" and "Can I get a mobile reception?". It appears I am not the only traveler with technology-separation anxiety.

A recent survey conducted by Intel Corporation and commissioned by TNS explores the attitudes of Americans towards travel and technology. It turns out many, like me, are anxious.

"Gone are the days of travel as simple escape of 'daily life' as more people seek to enhance and share vacation experiences in real-time and use technology to truly make travel more fun and more memorable," said Mike Fard, Intel Ambassador.

Do you suffer from technology-separation anxiety? If you can identify with any of the following, then perhaps you do.

- 44% of U.S. travelers feel anxious when travelling without their mobile computing device;

- 87% of 18-29 year olds feel much happier when travelling with their device;

- 46% of travelers said they would compromise personal comfort and even hygiene to access a power source to keep their device charged. Think public conveniences and sitting on the floor in an airport.

- Young travelers are more likely to forego hygiene and comfort to keep their device powered (63%);

- Even personal appearance is sacrificed to ensure enough room in the luggage for beloved devices. 64% would remove toiletries, a hairdryer or even shoes to make room in their suitcase.

There is, however, one stat from the research that doesn't fit my psyche. Over three-quarters of respondents (77%) ranked losing their mobile computing device as more stressful than losing their wedding ring (55%).

Tags: consumer attitudes, mobile, mobile device, travel habits, travel market, vacation