Thirty-eight percent of travelers have used mobile devices to plan a trip, and 60 percent say they have downloaded travel apps on their mobile devices, according to a recent TripAdvisor survey of more than 1,000 U.S. respondents who use mobile devices.

While the main reason to bring a mobile phone on trips remains making calls, according to 47 percent, 19 percent cited communicating online through services such as chat and email as the most important function.

Thirty-eight percent say they often use their mobile devices for tasks other than calls when traveling, and 28 percent said they always do. 

Other than calls and texting, the top activities travelers use their mobile devices for when traveling include:

• 65 percent taking/sharing photos
• 54 percent surfing online
• 52 percent navigation
• 48 percent staying on top of the news
• 36 percent games

When asked what parts of the travel planning process they conduct on their mobile, respondents said:

• 52 percent researched restaurants
• 46 percent read about destinations
• 45 percent read traveler reviews
• 42 percent booked or researched accommodations
• 34 percent booked or researched flights

"Smartphone adoption around the world is skyrocketing, and is fundamentally changing the way people get travel advice," said Mike Putnam, director of mobile product for TripAdvisor. "Whether it is finding the perfect museum or restaurant, booking a hotel or a flight, or sharing advice, it is clear that travelers around the world now rely on their smartphones and other mobile devices to plan and have better trips."