The majority of American travelers want to stay connected when on the road, according to the 2013 International Travel Trends Survey conducted for Carlson Rezidor by Kelton, a leading consumer insights and marketing strategy consultancy. The travel trend survey showed younger travelers are more interested in technology than their elders, with wireless Internet the most popular amenity for both groups.

Although 70 percent of those polled said they look for free Wi-Fi when booking their hotel, 79 percent of the younger travelers (aged 18-44 years) wanted it, compared to 59 percent of travelers 45 and older. Twenty-seven percent of those surveyed look for accessories such as chargers and speakers; 18 percent desire gaming consoles and 17 percent seek electronic tablet rentals. Thirty percent of those 45 and older said they don’t look for any technology when booking accommodations, compared to 7 percent of those aged 18-44.

Younger travelers reported social media outlets were a big draw, too. When making travel decisions, 29 percent of respondents in the 18- to 34-year-old bracket said they are impacted by digital influencers, compared to 10 percent of respondents ages 35 and older.

The Carlson Rezidor 2013 International Travel Trends Survey was conducted by Kelton from January 2-8, 2013, among 1,072 nationally representative Americans, aged 18 and older, using an email invitation and an online survey.