It’s no secret that we’re addicted to our smartphones. According to Ofcom’s Communications Market Report, adults in the UK now spend an average of nearly 3 hours a day on their mobile devices—and that number spikes for younger generations. Global Web Index reports that 54% of UK internet users check their phones within 15 minutes of waking up. And the obsession doesn’t stop when the bags are packed and the plane takes off. using phone on holiday

Despite the desire to unwind, a staggering 98% of Brits find themselves glued to their phones while on holiday, often juggling sun-lounger relaxation with the relentless urge to check everything—from social media gossip and group chats to online banking and football scores.

While 96% of people say that health and wellbeing are top priorities when booking holidays abroad, research by InsureandGo highlights the growing difficulty holidaymakers face in switching off. The contradiction is striking: we crave disconnection, yet struggle to step away from the very devices that are supposed to help us escape.

According to the study, one in four people (25%) can’t go more than two hours on holiday without checking their phones. Alarmingly, 5% can’t even last 30 minutes, and only 18% said they could make it through an entire day without checking their device.

The top 10 things Brits check on their phones while on holiday include:

• Messages from friends (47%)
• Social media feeds from home (38%)
• Local weather at the resort (36%)
• Travel maps for excursions (30%)
• Bank account balances (28%)
• Checking in on parents or kids (26%)
• Music (26%)
• National news (22%)
• Football results or sports updates (21%)
• Work emails (15%)

This list illustrates how smartphones have morphed into travel essentials—not just for practical use but also for maintaining a digital tether to everyday life.

Garry Nelson, Head of Corporate Affairs at InsureandGo commented:

“While we are all prone to ‘checking in’ with our smartphones while on holiday, the importance of a total ‘switch off’ on holiday can’t be underestimated.

“At InsureandGo, we recognise that holidays are more than just a break from the daily routine – they should be an opportunity to reset and reconnect. Whether it’s stepping into a remote location with no Wi-Fi or simply trying a ‘phone-free day’ on holiday, our research highlights how essential it is to make conscious choices to disconnect as part of enjoying a truly restful and stress-free holiday. And part of stress-free holidaying is having comprehensive travel cover in place. At InsureandGo our aim is to make this easy, so you can relax knowing that nothing gets in the way of a much-needed mental switch-off on holiday.”

The Real Cost of Constant Connection

InsureandGo, which surveyed 2,000 UK adults for this research, notes that while checking in occasionally is normal, an inability to disconnect entirely may have deeper implications. Beyond missing out on the full holiday experience, overuse of phones can increase anxiety, reduce sleep quality, and hinder the recovery that holidays are meant to provide.

It’s Time for Boundaries, Not Just Breaks

True relaxation in the digital age doesn’t happen by accident—it requires intention. Travel is one of the few opportunities where people have both the motivation and setting to reclaim their attention. But without clear boundaries, holidays risk becoming just another screen-filled environment, only with better scenery.

Travelers need to reconsider what it means to “switch off.” Instead of simply seeing travel as a pause in routine, it should be treated as a reset. That could mean using built-in digital wellbeing tools, enforcing “no-phone hours,” or even trying a phone-free excursion. The goal isn’t to demonize tech but to reframe the role it plays in our downtime. It’s about creating space for presence, not just absence from work.

As the lines between work, home, and holiday blur, managing digital habits should become as much a part of travel planning as booking flights or choosing accommodation. Because a truly refreshing holiday doesn’t start when you land—it starts when you disconnect. using the phone on holiday.