Traveling is an enriching experience that opens horizons and provides contact with new cultures, landscapes, and people. However, it is also subject to drawbacks such as high emissions of gases into the atmosphere or even delayed or canceled flights. When these unforeseen events happen, plans are greatly hampered and can often even cause unexpected expenses.
Over the years, technology has gone hand in hand with how we travel. With every technological innovation in the field of travel, new possibilities to explore the world, such as safety and comfort, are provided, and by embracing them, travel lovers will maximize their experiences and discover new ways to interact with the world around them.
For tech-savvy travelers, Tourism Review has compiled a list of the most common technologies to enhance your journey.
Travel Apps
When traveling, it's essential to have useful apps like Google Maps, TripAdvisor, and Skyscanner. These apps provide updated information about accommodations, flights, tourist attractions, GPS, and traveler reviews. With these apps, you can plan your trip more efficiently and know what's worth visiting and what's not. Financial management apps such as Revolut and Wise (formerly TransferWise) are also handy when traveling to a foreign country with a different currency. They allow you to exchange money at a lower rate, manage your spending, and make international transactions securely.
Translators
Google Translate and DeepL are technologies that provide instant translation services. You can type, dictate, or use the camera feature on the Google app to translate text in a matter of seconds. These tools make communicating easier in unfamiliar places where the language may be a barrier. Whether traveling abroad or interacting with people from different cultures, these translation tools eliminate communication barriers and make it easier to connect with others.
Smart Luggage
Choosing a smart suitcase is a wise decision. Nowadays, you can find suitcases with tracking devices, built-in scales, and USB ports, which are very useful for charging your devices. With a smart suitcase, you can be confident that your belongings are secure, and if you encounter any issues with your luggage, such as theft or misplacement, the tracking technology can help tech-savvy travelers locate it.
Action Cameras and Drones
Capturing unique perspectives and angles in travel photos and videos is much easier and essential with an action camera like a GoPro or a drone with high-quality video capabilities.
Virtual and Augmented Reality
Websites and apps with augmented reality features allow users to obtain unique information and trivia about various sights by simply pointing their smartphones toward those locations. Virtual reality technology will enable users to "visit" places remotely, allowing them to get familiar with their destination even before leaving home. Many businesses also use virtual reality museums to provide a unique experience, such as traveling back to the medieval era.
Portable Wi-Fi
A portable Wi-Fi device allows tech-savvy travelers to stay connected to the internet anywhere. With this device, you won't need to search for a public Wi-Fi network at a service station or pay high prices for a roaming service. It ensures that you'll always have access to the internet no matter where you go.
Wearables
Smartwatches can act as personal travel guides, track health, make payments, and facilitate travel activities.
Biometrics and Contactless Technology
Implementing biometric technologies and contactless check-ins at airports and hotels is more secure and a great way to speed things up, freeing you from endless queues.
Artificial Intelligence Assistance
Using a virtual assistant to clear doubts during a trip is becoming increasingly popular. With this technology, you can get answers to everything you need in seconds, from the most complicated things to the simplest.
Cryptocurrency Payments
Hotels, travel agencies, restaurants, and other travel and hospitality businesses increasingly adopt cryptocurrency payment options that eliminate exchange rates for tech-savvy travelers.
Personalization through Big Data
Analyzing large volumes of data enables travel and hospitality companies to personalize offers and experiences based on individual preferences. This promotes a more enjoyable travel experience.