Travel has become an intrinsic part of young Indians' lives. To most people, travel means “vacation", a temporary break from reality, often to some place warm and exotic. While traditionally this has been a time to disconnect and recharge, a new survey by Opera and Wudstay reveals that lack of mobile connectivity is the biggest fear of Indian travellers today.
Smartphones rule the lives of people when travelling
Smartphones have become a must have, especially when travelling. Some 34.5 per cent of people most dread the lack of their mobile network while travelling. Another 6.9 per cent fear high roaming bills making a hole in their pockets, while 7.8 per cent are concerned about losing their smartphones while travelling.
More than 30 per cent of people fear overspending while staying in exorbitant hotels, eating at over-priced restaurants and taking taxis. More than 10 per cent of people fear theft while travelling as it is easier for the thieves to spot travellers and trap them.
With smartphone cameras becoming more compelling, people across different age groups love taking good pictures with their smartphones. Not surprisingly, 9.5 per cent of people fear taking bad photos.
Travellers are smitten by the social-media bug
The survey showed that 32.8 per cent people use their mobile data for social media posts. People are equally inquisitive, hence 28.4 per cent use their mobile data to look up information about the places they are visiting. Around 16.4 per cent of people use their mobile data to stay connected with their family and friends, whereas 17.2 per cent of people spend their data using GPS while travelling.
Travellers will give up a lot for a good internet connection
In all, 33.6 per cent of people reported they are willing to sacrifice drinking for an evening to have a good internet connection. Another 28.4 per cent will not use a restroom for 6 hours to have a good internet connection. Then, there are another 13.8 per cent who will go without eating for an entire day for a lag-free internet connection. Interestingly, 14.7 per cent will give up on showering during their entire vacation to enjoy a great internet connection. Clearly, Indians want to be connected on vacation too!
More findings from the survey
Men prefer travelling with their guy friends
While men can be loyal to their girlfriends and committed to their families, when it comes to travelling, their lost and forgotten male friends suddenly come into picture. They certainly want to chill with their best buds and not anyone else while travelling. Around 50 per cent of men prefer travelling with their guy friends instead of their family. On the other hand, 37 per cent of people like to travel with their family. Women are more home-oriented, with as more than 76 per cent of them preferring to travel only with their families.
Littering is the most dreaded habit of Indian travellers
People travel to enjoy natural beauty and rejuvenate. Hence, 37.8 per cent Indians detest the habit of littering while travelling. Then there are people who love to drink while flying because drinks are free. Around 13.8 per cent hate people who drink too much on flights. Some 10.3 per cent of people abhor fellow travellers who break queues and try to barge in. The worst thing one can come across while travelling is people ogling women wearing short clothes. More than 22 per cent hate this habit in their fellow travellers.
