Technology appears to be impacting many different areas of our lives, including our travel and holiday plans. We are now using apps on our smart phones as well as websites to help us arrange and organize our trips away from home.

An article has just been written by Kate Schneider and published in The Australian discussing how we as Aussies are changing the way we plan our holidays by using some of the modern technology that now surrounds us each day.

• Aussies ditching extensive holiday planning
• Turning to phone apps and reviewing services
• One in four Aussies planning a short trip

THE explosion of digital devices and the rise of group buying have seen Australians ditch extensive holiday planning over doing it on the go.

 

But one in four Australians say they are planning on taking more short trips at home in the next 12 months as they seek certainty and nostalgia in an increasingly complex world.

Facebook is also becoming a popular platform for travellers to share photos and memories from their trips. Many even share their pictures and videos during their holiday so that friends can share the journey with them.

According to TNS only 7 per cent left their phone at home during their last domestic holiday and 61 per cent own a smart phone.

 

“Travel is seen as one of the important enriching life experiences to which status is now attached… where people used to buy things, now they buy experiences,” the report found.

 

The study says the current Aussie mindset provides an historic opportunity to turn around the 8.7 per cent decline in trips since 1998 by promoting Australia as the “no worries” holiday.

 

But the number of Australians choosing overseas travel instead of domestic trips continued to increase with the perception it offers “new experiences” and satisfies those seeking fun, adventurous and relaxing trips.

 

Regardless of where they travel to, Aussies are resisting the urge to splurge, opting for smaller treats instead of large-scale indulgences and seeking the best value for money.

Many of us are investing time reading reviews from other travellers, on sites such as TripAdvisor, and using this information to then decide where we will stay and what we will do on our vacations. People are free to leave their honest opinions, whether positive or negative, and then these reviews can help other tourists make better informed decisions.

Please feel free to leave a comment below on how technology has affected your life and how you plan your family or business trips.