Singapore Travellers Fifth Most Technology-Dependent Worldwide

SINGAPORE, Aug. 12, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Singapore travellers have been ranked fifth worldwide amongst countries least willing to give up their mobile devices even while holidaying, according to a new global survey released by Hotels.com today. In fact, for over one in five (60%) surveyed, the thought of going on a holiday without their beloved gadgets would actually make them "break into a cold sweat". 

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The study, which looks into digital holiday habits across 28 different countries across the world, explores the nations that find it most difficult to achieve the ever-important work-life balance and switch off when holidaying. Asian destinations topped the charts, with Thailand coming in first as a huge majority (85%) of travellers admitted to being inseparable from their devices. Korea trailed close behind in second place with 78%, followed by Japan (69%) and China (67%).

However, the findings also revealed that over one in five (23%) Singapore travellers actually regret spending too much time on their mobile devices once they've returned to home soil. No wonder then, as a whopping 77% admitted to checking work e-mails while away, despite eight in 10 (79%) conceding that they try to use their holiday to forget about work.

Nevertheless, being unable to disconnect isn't just about being overly connected to work. In fact, having access to social media, wherever they are, is also very important to almost half (45%) of all Singaporeans.

Countries least willing to ditch their devices while on holiday

At the same time, the Hotels.com study also revealed Singapore travellers' top ten most important travel items. With a vast majority admitting to their smartphone addiction, it is no surprise that tech-savvy Singaporeans have also ranked their beloved mobile device in second place, just behind the ever-important passport. While sunscreen and swimwear came in fourth and fifth place respectively, the gym kit was placed tenth, demonstrating Singapore travellers' preference to keep their holidays laidback and restful.

Top ten most important travel items for Singaporeans:

When it comes to which countries are most likely to exaggerate their holiday experiences, China came top of the pile with 67% of respondents likely to lie to friends and family when returning home. Close behind in second place was Germany with 64%, and Korea in third place with just under half (48%) admitting they would embellish a story to impress others. On the contrary, Singapore travellers came in 11^th place, with just a third (35%) admitting to bragging about their adventures.

Countries most likely to exaggerate their holiday experience

Zoe Chan of Hotels.com said, "Going away on holiday should be a time to take stock and unwind, whether you're lying on a beach in Lombok or snowboarding down a mountain in South Korea. Although smartphones do have their plus points while on leave from work, such as using them to check the weather or view maps, it seems travellers can afford to switch off a little more and really disconnect. Not only does this allow them to truly take a mental break from work, it also enables them to achieve that much needed work-life balance."

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Notes to Editors:

*2,495 respondents surveyed in July 2014 across 28 countries.
Issued on behalf of Hotels.com by LEWIS Public Relations

About Hotels.com

Hotels.com is a leading online accommodation booking website operated by Hotels.com, LP. with nearly 325,000 properties around the world, ranging from international chains and all-inclusive resorts to local favourites and bed & breakfasts, together with all the information needed to book the perfect stay. Hotels.com benefits from one of the largest hotel contracting teams in the industry, and offers frequent sales, special deals and promotions. Regular customer e-newsletters provide exclusive offers and advance warning of up-coming sales. There are more than 11 million reviews on the site from users who have actually stayed in the hotels to ensure customers can make an informed choice when booking. Through its industry-leading loyalty program -- Welcome Rewards -- customers can earn a free night at more than 100,000 hotels for every 10 nights stayed, subject to the terms and conditions set on www.hotels.com. Under its Best Price Guarantee, if a customer can find the same deal for less on a prepaid hotel, Hotels.com will refund the difference, subject to the terms and conditions set out on www.hotels.com. Travellers can book online or by contacting one of the multilingual call centres. Special apps for mobile phones and tablets can also be downloaded at http://www.hotels.com/deals/mobile_sg/ enabling customers to book on the go with access to 20,000 last minute deals.

Follow Hotels.com on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hotelscomSG and on YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/HotelsAPAC/.

Hotels.com, LP. is part of Expedia, Inc., one of the world's largest online travel companies with an extensive portfolio that includes some of the world's best-known brands.