When getting away means staying in touch

New York: People used to go on holiday to unplug. Now they're demanding to be plugged in. That secluded, desert island - type getaway may soon be as dated as the post-vacation slide show as more travellers use e-mails, Facebook and Twitter to nurture the ties that bind even while they get away from it all.

"For many travellers figuring out how to stay connected is as integral to the travel process as packing sun lotion and swimwear," said Amelie Hurst of travel website Trip Advisor.