OnePoll surveyed 2,000 Americans and asked them what would constitute a "vacation disaster" in their eyes. 49% said no Internet would be disastrous. The only thing more commonly sighted was lost luggage at 54%.
Other commonly mentioned disasters were food poisoning, lost credit cards, and bad weather.
Certainly lost luggage causes immediate inconvenience and expense as you may be forced to replace lost items. There isn't much that can be done about this, other than hoping you've done a good job of packing your carry-on.
The logistical aspects of not having Internet can be overcome "manually." You can use maps, hail taxis, ask locals for advise, make phone calls, and get information from front-desks/brochures/ads, etc. Beyond logistical problems, not having the Internet may actually be a blessing in disguise. By not being able to get online, you can be more present in the moment. Rather than seeking validation from your online community, it allows you to connect with the people in front of you. Some of us (myself included) don't have the willpower to do this without being forced to.
You can check out the full article here.
Which scenario would you be better able to cope with? For people who have a hard time going without the Internet, what advice do you have for them about how to navigate vacations without being connected?
