Ringing in the holiday

20 August 2014 - 02:02 By Andile Ndlovu
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Self-portraiture has been around for centuries, but the global proliferation of smartphones with built-in digital cameras -- plus the ability to share photos instantly on social media -- has taken the genre to a new level.
Self-portraiture has been around for centuries, but the global proliferation of smartphones with built-in digital cameras -- plus the ability to share photos instantly on social media -- has taken the genre to a new level.
Image: ©Dmitriy Shironosov/shutterstock.com

What's the use of being on holiday if you can't take selfies in your shades, straw hats and swimwear with the perfect sunset in the background to make your Instagram followers jealous, right?

A cellphone, and the charger, are the most important items to pack for your summer getaway, according to new research by the InterContintal Hotels Group.

Forty percent of 10000 travellers from 13 countries worldwide think a smartphone - and not sunscreen lotion or even cash - is the most important item to take on vacation.

And 67% admitted that they would use it daily. The study found that one in 10 travellers spent almost 20% of their holiday time online.

The research results also found that the smartphone is "fast replacing the traditional postcard".

The top 10 uses of smartphones by holidaymakers are:

1.Checking work e-mails - 68%

2.Navigation and Maps - 67%

3.Texting - 64%

4.Taking holiday photos - 51%

5.Making calls - 42%

6.Snapping pictures of meals - 35%

7.Updating Facebook or Twitter - 32%

8.Skypeing friends or family - 32%

9.Playing games - 27%

10.Taking selfies - 25%

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