There's no denying it: We're pretty attached to those rectangular gadgets in our bags and pockets. Indeed, a new survey found that even when offered a hotel discount in exchange for unplugging while on vacation, many Americans still wouldn't give up their beloved mobile devices.
In March, a survey commissioned by SpringHill Suites by Marriott interviewed 1,048 American adults, ages 18 and up, across the nation. They asked what people would be willing to give up during a vacation if they were given 25% off of a hotel stay. (Note that only 85% of the respondents in the sample were willing to give up anything at all.)
Out of those willing to sacrifice something for the hotel discount, the survey found that 54% (who were above age 21) would give up alcohol. But when it came to giving up digital devices, respondents were far more reticent.
Only about a quarter of the survey group (26%) said they would give up access to their smartphone or tablet in exchange for the hotel discount. A small number (13%) said they would surrender their camera and the ability to document their trip.
When it came to social media, 43% were actually willing to stop logging onto social networks for the discount. The reluctance of the 57% who were unwilling could be explained by travelers' social-media habits while on vacation: Among those surveyed, 29% said they have gotten pleasure from seeing the number of likes or comments on their vacation photos and posts on social media.
You know who you are -- in between Mai Tais and dips in the pool, you tweet, Facebook, Instagram up a storm. Perhaps it's time for a digital detox?
Could you plan a no-technology vacation, or are you just too attached? Let us know in the comments.