A new survey of 2,000 people by internet travel firm ebookers has discovered that four in ten holidaymakers no longer bother sending a postcard back to family and friends. The same poll also found that a whopping 50 per cent of British holidaymakers check social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter – or email – whilst away on holiday.
Further, half of those who do check their favourite social networking sites whilst away on holiday confessed to spending two hours or more doing so. So much for getting away from it all! Ten per cent of people said they felt anxious and “cut off” when they are unable to access social networking sites and email whilst on holiday.
According to the research, Facebook and Twitter are by far the most popular social networking sites, with most people using a mobile phone to access them. Laptops are also popular, followed by using the internet facilities now provided by many hotels and villas.
Whether or not the rise in social networking is the cause of the drop in the number of physical postcards being sent home is unclear, but it seems likely. With the options of either sending a “snail mail” postcard or instantly wishing your loved-ones well via your mobile phone for free, it is easy to see why many are now abandoning pen, stamp and card.
That being said, postcards aren’t entirely dead, with many holidaymakers expressing their love for both sending and receiving the once-popular gesture.
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