9 Technology-Based Travel Hacks for Your Next Trip

9 techy travel hacks for your next trip

1. Master your Mobile Travel Apps

In the digital era, it’s hard to imagine traveling without using our smartphones or tablets. One of the best things about modern travel is having a wealth of information and resources at your fingertips anywhere you go via mobile apps. By mastering these apps, you can ensure your trip goes smoothly and efficiently.

There are numerous trusted and highly beneficial travel apps available that can help you plan your holiday. For instance, apps for booking flights and accommodation, finding the best local restaurants, interpreting foreign languages, or even guiding you around unknown cities. The key is knowing which ones to use and how to use them efficiently to enhance your travel experience.

For example, you could take advantage of Google Maps’ offline feature. Before you head out, download the maps of the area you’re visiting so you can access direction features without needing data or Wi-Fi.

• Skyscanner for scouting the cheapest flights.
• Booking.com for hotel reservations.
• TripAdvisor for user reviews on attractions and restaurants.
• Google Translate for overcoming language barriers.
• XE Currency for up-to-date exchange rates.
• Uber for reliable and affordable taxi services.

2. Use VPN while Travelling

When traveling, especially overseas, we often rely on public Wi-Fi networks. These open networks, however, are often unsecured, leaving your personal information vulnerable to theft. This is where a Virtual Private Network (VPN) comes into play.

A VPN encrypts your connection to the internet, making it extremely difficult for potential hackers to see your online activity and steal your personal information. This means that you can log into your bank account or make online purchases with peace of mind knowing that your sensitive information is secure.

Aside from security reasons, a VPN can also help you access region-restricted websites, stream your favorite shows while abroad, or even get cheaper flight tickets by changing your virtual location. Indeed, savvy travelers know the benefits of channeling their online traffic through a VPN.

Let’s say you’re traveling to a country where your usual news outlet is banned. However, with a VPN, you can appear as though you’re browsing from your home country, giving you unrestricted access to your preferred site.

• NordVPN for its impressive security and speed.
• ExpressVPN for its ability to bypass strict region restrictions.
• CyberGhost for its user-friendly interface and affordability.
• SurfShark for unlimited device connections under one subscription.
• PrivateVPN for accessing blocked content around the world.
• VyprVPN for strong privacy features and ease-of-use.

3. Power up with Portable Chargers

Travel often entails long hours of exploration or commuting, which could leave your devices running low on battery life. Since many practical aspects of travel are linked to digital tools like mapping apps and language translators, having your phone die in the middle of an adventure can be more than just an inconvenience.

Portable chargers or power banks are the solution to this common problem. They’re small, lightweight, and easy to carry around. Some can even charge multiple devices simultaneously.

Having a power bank can give you that extra confidence when you head out for the day, knowing that even if you use your phone heavily, you won’t run out of juice halfway through your excursions. For example, a robust portable charger can easily give your phone several full charges, meaning you can freely snap photos, navigate via GPS, or make lengthy calls without worrying about your phone dying.

• Anker PowerCore for its compact size and fast charging capabilities.
• RavPower Portable Charger for its high capacity and reliability.
• AUKEY Power Bank for its sleek layout and affordability.
• Mophie Powerstation Plus XL for its integrated Lightning cable.
• Goal Zero Venture 30 for its rugged, waterproof design – perfect for outdoor adventures.
• Solar Recharger RAVPower for its ability to be charged via solar power, perfect for camping trips.

4. Gear up with Multipurpose Travel Gadgets

One of the best ways to simplify travel and save space in your luggage is by investing in multipurpose travel gadgets. These innovative pieces of tech can provide you with multiple functionalities without adding extra weight or taking up excess room.

Gadgets like a universal travel adapter, a portable router, or a smartphone lens kit can make a huge difference to your travel convenience and enjoyment. They can even help resolve common challenges like incompatible sockets, unreliable hotel Wi-Fi, or unsatisfactory phone camera quality.

Imagine carrying a bottle that also serves as a water purifier and a Bluetooth speaker. This not only saves precious space in your bag, but it’s also convenient – ensuring you always have clean drinking water and providing a source of entertainment at the same time.

• Belkin International Travel Adapter for its ability to adapt to different plug systems globally.
• HooToo TripMate Titan for seamless internet sharing among all your devices.
• Olloclip Mobile Photography Box Set for enhancing smartphone photography.
• Mophie Powerstation Go for its capability to charge devices and jump start a car.
• EnerPlex Jumpr Stack 9 Power Bank for its thin design and ability to charge other power banks.
• Hydro Flask Water Bottle with Bluetooth Speaker for hydration and entertainment on your travels.

5. Keep Track with Smart Luggage

One aspect of travel that can always potentially sour the experience is losing your luggage. Fortunately, we now live in an era where smart luggage exists – suitcases that come with a built-in GPS locator, charging ports, or even a self-weighing feature.

In essence, smart luggage aims to make your traveling life easier and more worry-free. You’ll know exactly where your suitcase is at all times and never have to scrounge around desperately for a power source at the airport.

Take the case of when an airline has misplaced your checked bag. With a smart suitcase like Bluesmart One, you could use its GPS tracking feature through an app on your phone to pinpoint the exact location of your missing item immediately.

6. Stay Connected Globally with Mobile Hotspots

Connectivity is a necessity when travelling; these days, it’s critical to have access to the internet for navigation, communication, and even leisure. An ideal solution that ensures smooth connectivity wherever you go is a portable mobile hotspot.

A mobile hotspot transforms cellular data into Wi-Fi signals, allowing multiple devices to connect to the internet simultaneously. This way, you’re not dependent on hard-to-find or unreliable public Wi-Fi sources, and you won’t rack up costly roaming charges when abroad.

To illustrate, consider a scenario where you’re traveling in a remote area with no local Wi-Fi, but you need to make an important video call. Here, a mobile hotspot like the Skyroam Solis X could connect you to reliable internet so you can take your call without any issues.

• Skyroam Solis X for its global unlimited Wi-Fi and built-in power bank.
• TP-Link M7350 4G LTE MiFi for its speed and efficiency.
• Huawei E5577Cs-321 4G LTE Mobile WiFi Hotspot for its battery life and user-friendly interface.
• GlocalMe G4 Pro 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot for its cost-saving data packages and large screen.
• Verizon Jetpack MiFi 8800L for exceptional network performance and security features.
• Alcatel LINKZONE Mobile 4G LTE WiFi Hotspot for its affordability and practical design.

7. Simplify Payments with Digital Wallets

One of the most significant advancements in modern travel is the ability to go cashless. Digital wallets now allow us to make purchases, withdraw money, or transfer funds using simply our smartphones.

This technological innovation brings numerous benefits such as increased safety from theft, reduced inconvenience of carrying physical cash/cards, and eliminated worries about currency conversions. Many e-wallets even offer reward systems for regular use, which may be redeemed against future transactions.

For instance, imagine walking into a café in Japan and paying for your latte by simply scanning a QR code with your Apple Pay. Convenient, right?

8. Navigate Easily with Smart Watches

Smartwatches do more than tell time; they can give directions, track your health metrics, notify you of alerts on your phone, and even let you make payments. They’re like having a mini personal assistant right on your wrist.

When traveling, a smartwatch can help you navigate an unfamiliar city, keep up with fitness goals, or quickly screen important notifications without needing to take out your smartphone constantly.

Imagine being in a new city and receiving turn-by-turn navigation prompts right on your Apple Watch – making it harder to get lost and easier to immerse yourself in the surroundings.

• Apple Watch Series 6 for its comprehensive functionalities.
• Samsung Galaxy Watch3 for its design and Android compatibility.
• Fossil Gen 5 for its smart battery modes.
• Fitbit Versa 3 for its focus on fitness and well-being tracking.
• Garmin Venu Sq for its outdoors-oriented features and robust GPS system.
• Amazfit Stratos 3 for its affordability and multi-sport tracking capabilities.

9. Automate Everything with IFTTT

IFTTT (If This Then That) is a free web-based service that allows you to automate tasks between different apps, platforms, or devices using simple conditional statements known as “Applets.” From dialing down your smart lights at home when you leave for your trip to backing up your holiday photos automatically, the possibilities with IFTTT are virtually endless.

Such automation can greatly minimize travel-associated stress by ensuring you don’t miss anything important, whether it’s about your home security system, your flight details, or making sure you have backups of those precious holiday memories.

For example, you could set up an Applet to track your GPS location and text a loved one every time you reach a new destination. Thus, they’d always be informed about your whereabouts during your solo backpacking adventure.

Summary

Each of these hacks enhances travel in its own unique way – from economizing space in your luggage to ensuring continuous contact with friends back home, making payments a breeze or ensuring you always have Wi-Fi. The key is to choose the ones that best suit your travel style and requirements. Safe travels!