Travelling used to be a simple affair – you’d pack your bag, hit the road at the sunset, stop every now and then to click a picture or two, and write a postcard home. With the dawn of the digital travellers, the plot has completely changed. Postcards have turned into real-time social media feed, capturing moments has turned into a constant series of selfies.

Today’s traveller needs everything beforehand – be it abundant information or all time connectivity. From the moment this modern traveller plans the trip till he returns home – usage of the digital tools crosses the threshold of being just an added accessory and becomes a travel essential instead. Everyone is using a smartphone to stay connected and it’s an equally important travel accessory for a baby boomer on a world tour as well as for the 28-year-old millennial on a wild escapade.

According to Travelport’s ‘The Global Digital Traveler Research,’ India is the most digitally-advanced traveller nation. India outshines its Asia Pacific counterparts, China and Indonesia, in terms of its extensive smartphone usage. Now that also makes us wonder whether technology is a boon or bane for this new age traveller, so we decided to explore the good and bad of technology in a traveller’s life.

Digital Pain Relief

Information Galore
The biggest pain relief that technology offers is a world full of choices. In recent years, the count of travel related smartphone apps has mounted up and that leaves us with abundant choices and options to pick from. All the information we need or we might need at some point in our journey is just a tap away. These apps help us plan the trip, explore the city, travel within the city, or even plan the rest of our trip.

Staying Connected
There are numerous reasons as to why the modern traveller likes to have online access even when away from home. On an average, Indian travellers use 19 different categories of apps for a trip. Travelling today is more about keeping your family and peers in loop with real time updates.

The eternal fear of missing out
The digital traveller today sees it essential to have Wi-Fi as his primary need. 61% avoid hotels and resorts that charge for Wi-Fi additionally. Fear of missing out on what is happening out there while they travel is a prevalent concern.

Digital Dilemma

Youthful Indecision
Young travellers leverage social media and review websites to plan and process their travel. However, having as many resources as we have available in the virtual world can sometimes get a little overwhelming. To zero in on one option gets tricky as one is always unsure of what they should trust.

Switching off
Despite the 24X7 connectivity and access to social media and the digital world, the underlying need to disconnect from time to time for a wholesome retreat by the pool is another major concern amongst the digital travellers. The all-time connectivity somehow keeps them from indulging fully into their deep desire to unwind and escape.

Are we trusting the right source?
When there’s so much to plan and look into, the modern traveller looks for a single source which he can trust. However, the sanctity still remains in question – how genuine this review is exactly? 91% Indian use review sites to help them with research and planning, even though 52% also worry about whether you can trust the reviews or not.

The big downside
The biggest pain point for Indian travellers despite all this dependence on technology is understanding the complicated terms and conditions. In addition to this, 58% of Indians believe that the amount of time spent looking for a good deal is also one of the downsides of technology and having too much information and options available at hand.

Despite Indian travellers being at the top of the digital league table, they see technology as both a boon and bane for them. While 82% appreciate the convenience and accessibility technology provides them with, many still would prefer a single source of reliable information. This availability brings to them enthusiasm but also makes them anxious about technology or batteries failing during their travel trip.


Reference:
Travelport. (November 2017). The Indian Digital Traveler Research.