Laptops or landmarks?

Can it be true? Vacationing execs spend more time looking at laptops than landmarks. I've changed my whole way of thinking on this subject. Last summer, I gave my husband a hard time about bringing his laptop on vacation. This summer, I want him to bring it -- so I can use it to check my e-mail. Most of us find returning to an overflowing inbox overwhelming. So, why not clear e-mail a few times while you're away?
But the guy sitting next to me on a lounge chair at Disney's Blizzard Beach crossed the line. He was so busy with his Blackberry, he didn't notice his toddler had wandered over to me and started a whole conversation. Even after he finished checking his e-mail, his mind clearly was on work and not his daughter's where abouts. Is that really a family vacation?
There's a difference between checking in with work and being involved while on vacation. I like these tips from Dave Willmer of The Creative Group. Willmer's poll of 250 executives shows only 13 percent don't check in while on vacation.
*Spread the word about your vacation plans and use the out of office function
*Designate a point of contact and give the person clear instructions.
*Establish check in times and stick to those times.
*Unplug. Bringing your laptop or PDA is OK, taking it out of the hotel room is not.