TripAdvisor conducted a small survey asking its visitors from few European countries whether and how they use a smartphone to plan their travels. 5,013 respondents across Europe, including 1,313 Brits, submitted their responses from 23 to 31 May 2011. Other countries surveyed were France, Italy and Spain.
The results suggest that 22% of British respondents are using a mobile device to plan their travels. Of those that do – 29% have booked or researched accommodation, 27% researched destinations, 26% read traveler reviews, 23% researched restaurants, and 18% booked or researched flights.
What’s more, nearly half of British respondents (45%) have used their mobile devices to plan and research their trip once they’ve arrived at their destination: 29% researched restaurants, 28% checked their flight status, 21% researched attractions, 18% – accommodation, and 16% used their phone to research tours.
Some other findings include:
- 39% of British respondents have a travel app installed on their mobile device
- 14% have reviewed a hotel, restaurant or attraction using their mobile device while on a trip
- 15% have “checked in” to a place using their mobile device while on a trip
Unsurprisingly roaming charges remain the biggest barrier to using mobile devices on international holiday. Almost a half (47%) of respondents quoted roaming fees as the main reason for not using their mobile phone when travelling to another country. Further 18% said it’s sporadic connectivity, and another 7% said – small screen.
In other findings, TripAdvisor spotted the “mobile hypocrisy” — while 75% of respondents reported using a mobile device when travelling, a substantial 79% of respondents claim to get annoyed when other travelers do the same.
Finally, it’s worth noting that British travelers are playing mobile catch up with the rest of Europe (at least countries that were included in the survey). For instance:
- 22% of Brits have planned a trip on their mobile device compared to 27% of Europeans
- 20% of Brits have booked accommodation using a mobile device, compared to 28% of European respondents, and 32% of French respondents
- 45% of Brits have used a mobile device to research their trip while in-destination, compared to 53% of European respondents