We’re now a month into the ‘Roam like at Home’ era in which roaming charges within the European Union are something from the past. Fantastic news for us as consumers of course. Every way of saving a penny is welcome but I have to say that there is more in life than just a healthy piggy bank.

Recently I was in Chicago and I lost my phone. The first days were a nightmare. I couldn’t share my experiences with my followers. No Facebook posts, no new photos on Instagram, no new updates on Twitter. For my friends and followers at home, I didn’t exist anymore. A panic attack with stress and discomfort kept creeping up on me.

Over time the frustrations were getting less. After a few days I got used to it. I had more time to watch Chicago with my own eyes, to talk to people in real life and to enjoy and to listen to people. All in all: more attention for my surroundings.

With this in mind, I am not sure if the abolition of roaming charges is a positive development for the travel industry, or to be more precise, four our holiday experiences. Before this change you lost a lot of time finding a Wi-Fi spot where you could connect to free Wi-Fi. Nowadays you can be online 24/7 wherever you are and no matter what you are doing. The most important reason that we go on holiday is to relax and enjoy the time with our loved ones. Not to share every moment with our virtual friends and relatives.

‘Roaming’ literally means to move or travel around, especially without a clear idea of what you are going to do. Isn’t this what we all want when we are on holiday?

Just some food for thought on your next trip. I hope you have a blast!