Holidaymakers no longer look to ‘get away from it all’

Rather than ‘getting away from it all’, 32% of holidaymakers say their smartphone is the most essential item to take on holiday.

A study of 2,000 people by British Airways found that a weather app is the most popular for holidaymakers, used by 32%, closely followed by a camera app – at 29% – with more people taking ‘selfies’ and posting the pictures on social media.

Maps, news, translators and local guides were also popular.

Nick Jones, British Airways’ social media expert, said: "It’s no surprise that the smartphone is the one item many people can’t travel without. We know that our customers like to stay in touch with us while they’re travelling."

Twitter and other platforms to keep in touch with our 4.5 million cumulative followers whether they are at home or abroad."

The airline’s British Airways app has had over three million downloads, allowing users to check-in to flights, retrieve boarding passes and access the Executive Club.

It says the mobile boarding pass has had 6.5 million downloads.