We recently took a look at just how much technology has influenced the way we travel, from planning to booking, to flying and how we operate on the ground when we visit a new destination.
The result of this examination of technology and travel is the forthcoming Groovy Book Club release, “The Travel Passport”. The Travel Passport is designed to provide folks with an overview of how to leverage technology to make the most of your next vacation.
No more waiting for a travel agent to offer you an itinerary. Use aggregate travel sites to book the cheapest and shortest flights. Analyze flight reviews, sort by duration or value, or see the price difference for booking on different days of the week. Also, use airline apps to ensure mileage credit, easy access to boarding passes, in-flight entertainment and more.
Avoid taxi lines and rental cars by using Uber or Lyft once you touchdown in your destination. Use maps and GPS on your phone to navigate narrow European streets. Share special places you discovered including where you got that delicious croissant by dropping a pin and sharing it. Track how many miles you walk each day as well as how many flights of stairs you covered while touring.
While we advocate unplugging while away, there are times you would like to stay in touch or check in. Use your smartphone to chat face to face with friends or family back home for free. Read the latest news from the NY Times from a news app. Text for free while on Wi-Fi. Use What’s App to connect with local drivers, tour guides and more. Avoid roaming fees by disabling cellular service for certain apps. Explore a travel data plan from your cell phone provider.
Before you leave, download a TV series, movies from Netflix, Amazon Prime, HBO and more. Watch shows anytime on your trip, even on the plane without Wi-Fi. Download books on your tablet or kindle to read on the train or while waiting in a long line (or queue, depending on where you find yourself). Save news stories on your phone to read anytime, even when not connected to Wi-Fi.
Don’t worry anymore about bringing extra rolls of film or waiting to see how your pictures turn out. Use your smartphone camera as your one stop for all of your vacation photo needs. Set up albums for different days and destinations, share real time updates to friends and family with text attachments or social media posts. Explore and understand how to use filters and edits so that you can crop, edit and alter any picture you take!
Due to new websites and applications (see Exploring airbnb) it has become more common for travelers to look outside of hotels for their lodging options. Compare rates, rooms, features and more before you book accommodations. Find the right fit for you. Having a washer and dryer can change the way you pack and travel. Having a kitchen to make breakfast or lunches can help save money and have you experience more of a destination like a local.