Aussie Travellers Say Bad Signal Is the Biggest “Travel Ick”

By chris • September 24, 2025

Nothing ruins a holiday vibe faster than dodgy phone signal — and new research from Vodafone shows it’s fast becoming the ultimate “travel ick” for Aussie travellers.

According to the study, 1 in 5 Australians (22%) have had an argument with their travel buddy over mobile issues while on holiday. The main culprits? Not being able to contact each other after splitting up (18%), getting lost without maps (14%), and the dreaded post-trip bill shock (12%).

It turns out, fights over “data dramas” are surprisingly common — almost three-quarters (73%) of these holiday spats come down to mobile data access.

Why We’re Still Fighting Over Data

Even though roaming options exist, nearly half of Aussies (47%) say losing mobile data overseas is one of the most frustrating parts of travel. And it’s not hard to see why. From navigating unfamiliar cities to checking flights, booking accommodation, or managing money on the go — everything feels harder without a steady connection.

Despite that, 1 in 5 (20%) Australians actively avoid daily roaming services, mostly because they’re worried about hidden fees.

Vodafone’s Take on “Data Domestics”

A Vodafone spokesperson summed it up perfectly: “A holiday is your time to recharge, not drain it by arguing over data or getting lost. Vodafone’s $5 Roaming can help eliminate these data domestics by letting customers share every fantastic experience without worrying about hidden costs or searching for WiFi.”

Bottom Line

The takeaway? If you’re heading overseas, think about sorting out your data before you go. With so many simple roaming solutions around, there’s really no need for “travel ick” arguments about Google Maps, lost WhatsApps, or surprise bills.

After all, holidays should be about recharging — not about rehashing the same fight about data.

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