It seems the iPad is synonymous with travel. It’s not all that surprising of an association, given the mobility of the iPad. And in my personal experience, tools like the iPad even spur travelers to take flight, providing them access to work files so they never miss a beat at the office.  But how do these two aspects of mobility really compare?

Based on a recent study from Greystripe, 67% of iPad users are also travellers.  This popular Apple device is being used to book flights and hotels, get directions, provide entertainment, and of course, to do some shopping.   Travelers choose to have an iPad because of its convenience in being able to connect to the internet on demand, extending access to a variety of services and products as a result.

“The power and portability of iPads, iPhones and Androids make them the ultimate devices for any jetsetter,” said Dane Holewinski, director of marketing for Greystripe.

“Because so many travelers are looking to their mobile devices for travel information and booking, mobile is an excellent channel for advertisers to reach travelers.”

Gearing ads towards travelers has been a growing area of interest, leveraging mobile wifi hotspot data to gain insight on demographic activity for airports, hotels and local cafes.  It’s broadening our picture of the traveler, as devices like the iPad empower mobile users to do more, even while they’re on the go.  Traveling no longer removes the individual from a given situation, with virtualized environments for communicating through messages and videos, accessing their banking accounts and providing necessary information at hand.

But travel isn’t the only growing area of interest for mobile advertisers.  As the holiday season approaches, retailers prepare for the rush of consumer activity even before we reach Halloween.

One thing mobile devices provide is a way to be practical about holiday shopping, extending a vast selection of retailers and resources for selecting the right gift.  With mobile services, researching a product on site is easier, price comparisons can be done while shopping, and many consumers can save money and skip the in-store orgy by shopping online ahead of time.

With the holiday season approaching, retailers are now setting up store displays and finding ways to attract more customers such as online ad campaigns.

“What makes the mobile user an even more attractive audience during the holidays is the engagement they exhibit on their devices,” said Tony Nethercutt, general manager of Mojiva.

“Our data shows that consumers are accessing a variety of information on mobile devices specifically for holiday shopping. This is a valuable channel for advertisers to fill specific needs of their customers.”

The economy will see a stark change as a result of technology’s influence on consumer behavior, and many companies are seeking ways to incorporate mobility into this growing trend.  Mobile payments will enhance holiday shopping in more ways than one, and Google Wallet is rolling out its service just in time to have relatively widespread access come Christmas season.  Mobile payments are expected to really take off next year, and the holiday season could help catapult consumer adoption as 2011 nears an end.