Half (49 per cent) of UAE residents experience a fear of switching off (FOSO), according to research from airport experience specialist Priority Pass.
The study of more than 11,000 people found that one in three (34 per cent), globally, find it difficult to truly switch off from everyday life while on their travels.
Travellers out of the UAE are among the least likely to disconnect from digital devices while on vacation, when compared globally.
UAE ‘fear of switching off’
More than half (58 per cent) admit to finding it hard to reduce the amount of time spent on their phone while away, which rises to 61 per cent for just millennials.
The same amount (57 per cent) struggle to stop checking work-related enquiries, and just over a quarter (28 per cent) of UAE travellers check their phone every 30 minutes or less – that is 10 per cent more often than the global average.
With travel once again on a resurgent ascent, Priority Pass asked respondents what was causing FOSO and holding them back from experiencing the true benefits of travel.
Globally, more than 6 in 10 (62 per cent) of travellers said that pre-flight issues often initiate FOSO but can be subsided by some airport services.
Half (53 per cent) of global travellers feel that visiting an airport lounge has improved how they have been able to switch off during previous travels.
This compares to 50 per cent of UAE travellers, who also agree that shopping in duty free (51 per cent) and experiencing food and beverage (41 per cent) are also the most effective ways to switch off pre-flight.
The airport experience has fast become a leading barometer for how well people can relax or enjoy their trip.
However, data also suggests the pre-flight experience can be a valuable place to tackle FOSO.
“We all know that being able to switch off and get away from the stress of every day is more important than ever”
Christopher Evans, CEO of Collinson International, said:
According to 74 per cent of UAE respondents, tackling FOSO ahead of travelling could significantly benefit their overall wellbeing.
Of those that have already enjoyed the airport lounge experience, (70 per cent) of all people believe that visiting one would have a beneficial impact on how they switch off for the remainder of their trip.
Christopher Evans, CEO of Collinson International, said: “We all know that being able to switch off and get away from the stress of every day is more important than ever.
“That is why so many are turning to travel. However, our research shows that FOSO is real. We want to ensure people can unwind and relax from the start of their journey and create memorable experiences.
Despite best efforts to relax and switch off during their travels, many travellers find themselves drawn back to their devices after a brief period.
With more than a third (37 per cent) of UAE travellers initially disconnecting, they soon feel compelled to check back in with home.
As a result, Priority Pass asked respondents to build the perfect FOSO-free trip. Travellers in the UAE said that the best type of travel to switch off is a trip to the beach – followed by a city break, safari, or camping trip.
The ideal duration of a trip, according to the survey, is one week.
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