Travelling has adapted with the times. Whereas before you would have to pull out a map and buy travel guides or rely on word of mouth, the internet and integration of gadgets, apps and social media has transformed how we travel – and mostly for the better.
Whether you are a seasoned traveller or this is your first time exploring a different country on your own, be sure to utilise technology so that you can get the best experience possible. Here are 3 ways you can use technology when travelling.
1. Download the very best in travelling apps
You will need to find the apps that work best for you. There are many to choose from, but the most useful to have downloaded on your phone include the following.
Hopper
For those who like to plan and who are seeking the best deals, this is the app for you. Hopper will find the best time for you to book your flight; all you have to do is input your travel plans!
Duolingo
It’s wise to learn some key phrases before you head off to a country who doesn’t speak your native language. While no one is expecting you to be fluent, a basic understanding of the country’s language can help you navigate through streets or ask for help.
Duolingo has just unveiled its new Japanese language course, too. This means your trip to the Land of the Rising Sun can become even better.
Roadtrippers
Planning a road trip when in the USA? Roadtrippers allows you to design the ultimate US road trip easily, where the app suggests routes while also pinpointing hotels, attractions, hidden gems and other noteworthy places to visit.
2. Explore the internet for inspiration
The internet has become a haven for travel inspiration. You can use it to find exciting locations and destinations, while also scouring many travel blogs for tips on where to go and how to improve your travel experience.
Find souvenirs through Expedia’s Latest Campaign
Finding the best souvenirs can be a time-consuming and expensive process. You don’t want to spend your time trying to find an authentic souvenir to bring home, do you? Expedia has released a campaign in which they have a wonderfully useful online tool to help travellers find the world’s most popular souvenirs, as well as where to find them.
Whether you are based in Malaysia, Africa, Australia, or the Americas, Expedia has, with this campaign, fully understood that technology is a friend of travel. This ensures that, wherever you are in the world, you can rest assured the souvenirs you find are authentic, meaning you can take a piece of culture home with you that is unique and reflective of that part of the world. Their tool allows travellers to easily connect and share their stories universally, all with the touch of a button.
Social media is full of ideas
Use your social media platforms to find interesting and exciting places to visit. You may find that someone has tagged themselves in an unusual location in Japan on Twitter, which is known in the mainstream. You can then bookmark this place for later.
Through social media, you can also speak to other, friendly travellers. Create a connection with them and ask them for their advice. By doing so, you may become a travel influencer for someone else.
3. Invest in tech devices for a smoother travel experience
While the point of travelling may be to unplug and see the world outside of the internet, you will need to charge your electronic devices and take photos of your travels.
Portable charger
Nowadays your phone and laptop (or tablet) are must-have gadgets. You can use them as a map, a translator, and have all your travel details such as accommodation bookings; therefore, keep them charged in case of emergencies.
Mobile hotspot
Wi-Fi and 4G are not always accessible, and there may also be massive fines attached to using your mobile data abroad. Have a mobile hotspot so that you can access the internet when on the move.
Digital notebook and smart pen
If you like to journal your thoughts and travels, you can build a bridge between paper and digital records with a digital notebook and pen. In real time, you can write your experiences by hand and have them be seamlessly recorded and stored for later use. The Moleskine Pen+ Ellipse is the best of its kind.