Home Travel News

One thing us Aussies just can't travel without

Remember the days when a holiday was truly an escape? An escape from work, everyday life, family and technology? No, us neither.

Remember the days when a holiday was truly an escape? An escape from work, everyday life, family and technology? No, us neither.

 

Apparently they were truly a digital detox and the only bit of technology you really needed was the old school film camera which hung comfortably from your neck.

Things started to change towards the end of the 20th century when companies introduced new devices – digital cameras, mobile phones, tablets, mp3 players etc.

Suddenly we had to have our own music with us everywhere we went and we needed to have our mobiles in case of an emergency.

Despite the new tech we still had our usage under control, this was mainly due to the lack of efficient internet at hotels, on cruise ships and in planes. Our devices were essentially useless while travelling.

Technology and business travel

But as new technology continued to roll out (iPads), demand for better Internet connections at sea, in rooms and in the sky rose, forcing companies to invest in faster Wi-Fi.

Now with affordable and fast Wi-Fi available pretty much everywhere and anywhere, Australians have developed a pretty intense addiction to technology while travelling.

Research conducted by Southern Cross Travel Insurance found around 92 percent of Aussies say they ‘cannot bear to leave the country without their gadgets’.

Then there’s a third or 35 percent that have completely ruled out the possibility of an unplugged holiday, while 26 percent would be hesitant to choose a destination if they had to go tech-free.

While Aussies continue to favour smartphones (71 percent), cameras (68 percent), and tablets (45 percent), over two-thirds (65 percent) spend their holiday capturing the perfect social media pictures, with selfie sticks and GoPros being added to the packing list.

What’s more impressive is that research found Australians are travelling with up to $5,000 worth of technology :0.

karryon_women_technology_post2

Despite this costly figure, most people are not insuring their technology.

“Aussie travellers are now bringing thousands of dollars of tech on holiday, yet many aren’t insuring these valuable items.”

Craig Morrison, Southern Cross Travel Insurance CEO

“Unfortunately when things go wrong – and items are lost or stolen – it’s not only making a severe dent in the pocket, it’s ruining holidays.

“We encourage all Aussies to check their travel insurance policies to ensure their gadgets are adequately covered so they can relax and enjoy their holiday.

“That said, we encourage all travellers to be as responsible with their personal belongings overseas as they would be at home.”

Lost, stolen or damaged laptops, PCs and tablets are covered up to $3,000 per item, whilst other electronic devices are covered up to $1,500 per item.

Higher value items can be specified on the policy and covered up to $10,000 per item, with a $15,000 total limit for all specified items, for an additional premium.

Do you have a digital addiction?