Travel has changed significantly in recent years. From booking flights online to staying connected in the most remote places, tech has hugely impacted the industry. Here’s how tech has changed the way we travel.
Quick planning and booking
Years ago, you would have to plan and book your travel days or weeks in advance. Now, we can book flights on short notice and use apps like Hopper and Google Flights to predict and maximize prices. Apps like Airbnb make it easy to find a vacation rental—and if something goes wrong, services like TripAdvisor keep you informed about the safety of your accommodations. You can even find restaurants and book reservations with apps like OpenTable.
Getting around
You can avoid the hassle of driving in foreign cities by using Uber, Lyft, or an international ridesharing service like BlaBlaCar. You can easily find flights, ferries, and trains on Momondo, Skyscanner, or Kayak for longer trips. If you’re traveling with a larger group, HopOn/HopOff bus services like Big Bus Tours make it easy to see multiple attractions in one day.
Getting connected
Thanks to apps like WifiMapper and offline maps like Maps.Me, travelers don’t need to worry about losing connectivity or getting lost. No matter where you go, your phone will keep you entertained with games like Word Feud, music streaming services like Pandora, and podcasts from the likes of Audible.
Keeping safe
If an emergency happens during your vacation, TripIt will send all of your travel information to first responders. For peace of mind while traveling solo, check out Circle of 6 or Roamr for on-demand safety. If you would rather not be disturbed, a service like Acuva lets you put your phone on do-not-disturb mode for as long as you need.
Efficient packing
PackPoint makes packing easier by suggesting outfits based on the weather and activities you have planned. Once you’re ready to head out, apps like Airbnb can help you find short-term accommodations—so you don’t have to pack up all your stuff when you move or stay in a hotel. If there are any problems, apps like HotelGuard can help you get compensation for any damages or inconveniences.
Keep entertained on a rainy day
Instead of wasting time in a hotel or hostel, lighten your luggage and save money by using Stay. While traveling this summer, you can shop for things like toiletries at Walgreens or watch movies on Overstock. If you’re traveling in England, click here to find out what British people do when it’s raining.
Stay connected when you’re out of the country
Instead of wasting money on an international plan, use a service like Roamler to find free Wi-Fi in your destination city. They’ll text you when they find a network, and you can rate them based on their speed or comfort level. Non-free Wi-Fi options include apps like Skype and WhatsApp, which let you chat for free over a data network.
Personalized traveling experience
SeatGuru tells you where to sit on your plane for the best experience, and apps like Hopper can tell you when to buy your ticket to get a fair price. If there are any problems with your flight, TripIt will send all of your travel information to first responders. You can even track flights using Flightradar24.
Photograph by Maarten Visser