Technology For Travellers
WORDS: CHYKA KEEBAUGH
IMAGES: MARCEL AUCAR
What technology helps you when you are travelling?
Technology and apps have transformed our travel, making it easier and more convenient. From online check-ins to apps helping you avoid jetlag, there are so many new things out there. Travel apps provide a wealth of information and resources, features like destination guides, travel tips, and user reviews to help us plan everything, including accommodations, attractions, restaurants, and more. We can easily compare prices, check availability, and make bookings directly from our phones - it’s just so convenient!
Charge it! A multi-use charger is a must these days! One universal plug that can be used for your phone, iPad, laptop, kindle or whatever else you travel with. Keeping all these chords and chargers together and organised and close by with the use of packing cubes. Keep one for all your tech, and you won’t be scrambling when you can see that battery dying!
Track it! One thing I have become obsessed with for my luggage is my AIRTAG. Attaching one of these little tags to my luggage is a must because I have had times when my luggage isn’t sitting exactly where it SHOULD be, and I have felt like quite the sleuth in tracking it down via my air tag!
Download it! From movies to music, books to documents - having everything set up and ready to go on your phone or iPad takes the stress out of travelling. And whether you’re reading your Kindle in the hotel or watching your favourite series on the plane ride over, you have to agree that travelling is getting a lot easier!
Apps to download before travelling…
Avoid Jetlag! Apps that help with jet lag are a godsend! Jet lag disrupts sleep patterns, making adjusting to a new time zone hard. Jet lag apps may provide personalized sleep schedules based on your travel itinerary. They consider factors such as departure time, arrival time, and your typical sleep patterns to recommend optimal sleep and wake times to adjust to the new time zone more smoothly.
Getting around Navigation apps have revolutionized how we find our way around unfamiliar places. GPS-based apps like Google, Apple, and Waze provide turn-by-turn directions, traffic updates, and ETAS. They also offer public transportation information, alternate routes, and even offline maps, ensuring travellers can navigate efficiently and confidently.
Flight and Hotel Bookings Online travel agencies (OTAs) and airline websites have made it incredibly convenient to book flights and accommodations. We can search for the best deals, compare prices, and make reservations from our phones. And although we pre-book before we leave home, something is reassuring about knowing you can change your hotel or reservation last minute at the touch of a button.
Translating! Language barriers can be challenging when travelling, and language translation apps like Google Translate are there to help us communicate more effectively by translating text, speech, and even images in real-time. This helps day-to-day travel by assisting us with local languages, reading signs, ordering food, and interacting with locals.
Local Tips: Travel apps and websites provide personalized recommendations based on individual preferences and location. These platforms suggest attractions, activities, and events that align with a traveller's interests. Additionally, users can explore curated lists, read reviews, and receive suggestions from fellow travellers, making it easier to discover hidden gems and popular spots.
Paying via Mobile Digital payment platforms, such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and various local payment apps, have simplified financial transactions while travelling. Mobile payments offer convenience and flexibility, from paying for accommodations and transportation to dining at restaurants and shopping.
Store your travel documents Apps like TripIt and Google Trips help travellers stay organized by storing and managing travel itineraries, flight details, hotel reservations, and other essential documents in one place. This eliminates the need for printed copies and ensures easy access to critical information, even offline. So handy!
