What tech devices do Brits take on summer holiday – and why?

Summer holidays are in full swing, and while many Brits are heading off to relax, most aren’t leaving their devices behind. A new YouGov Surveys: Serviced poll of 2,135 UK adults shows what tech they’re taking with them, and why.

It’s no surprise that almost everyone packs a smartphone. But what people bring alongside their phones and headphones tells a bigger story. Among device owners, 37% take power banks, 35% bring tablets and 27% travel with a smartwatch. One in five still take a dedicated camera, even though phone cameras are widely used (18%). There are some differences by gender: women are more likely to bring an eReader (26% vs. 17%), while men are more likely to bring a laptop (19% vs. 13%) to a holiday.

So why all the tech? Most say it's about capturing memories — 73% of those who pack devices say they use them to take photos or videos. Others use them to stay connected (58%) or listen to music and podcasts (53%). Devices are also used for navigation (46%), looking up or sharing information (40%), and streaming or gaming (37%). A third say they use their devices to read books or magazines (30%). For some, it’s about keeping children entertained — 11% say they pack tech specifically for that reason, and most of them turn to tablets.

Tech buying doesn’t stop at the airport. Nearly one in five (18%) say they’ve bought a device while on a summer holiday. Half planned the purchase in advance, while the other half bought something on the spot. Power banks (26%) and wireless headphones (24%) were the most common buys, followed by smartphones (19%), cameras (12%) and both laptops and tablets (11%). Men were more likely than women to make a purchase (23% vs. 14%).

Still, not everyone wants to stay plugged in. Around 28% say they try to disconnect from tech as much as possible while away, with women more likely to say this than men (31% vs. 24%). Another 42% say they don’t fully unplug, but try to limit screen time when they can.

For most people, tech isn’t about distraction — it’s part of how they travel. Whether they’re taking photos, staying in touch, or streaming something poolside, devices are now as much a part of the packing list as swimwear or sunscreen.

Methodology: YouGov Surveys: Serviced provide quick survey results from nationally representative or targeted audiences in multiple markets. This study was conducted online on 9-12 May 2025, with a nationally representative sample of 2135 adults (aged 18+ years) in Great Britain, using a questionnaire designed by YouGov. Data figures have been weighted by age, gender, education, region and social grade to be representative of all adults in Great Britain (18 years or older) and reflect the latest ONS population estimates.