When you look back over the past decade or so, it’s hard to ignore the impact that technology has had on our daily lives. From smartphones and tablets to e-readers and now even wearable technology, there are all sorts of devices that give us the functionality and capabilities to do almost anything. Whether you’re at home or in the office, technology is almost always on hand to provide assistance.
But what about when you’re planning to go on holiday or do a bit of traveling? Thankfully, technology is there to help out in these instances too. What’s more, the latest and greatest devices are bound to come in handy when you’re on an exotic island or in a distant country too.
However, some people believe technology is taking the fun and excitement out of travel. In the past, it was up to intrepid globetrotters to discover and explore a destination on their own to get the most genuine and authentic experience possible. According to them, a range of portable devices, such as iPhones, iPads, Kindles, Chromebooks, has taken some, if not all, of the fun of finding out where to go and what to do. But has it?
Making things easier
Before you’ve even left the house with your suitcase or backpack in tow, technology can help with the planning and preparation stage. After using a laptop to visit price comparison websites for flights, accommodation and insurance, you can store vital information, including travel itineraries and contact details, on your smartphone or tablet.
Then when you’re away, you can use your device’s in-built GPS to locate places of interest, landmarks or attractions. Language and currency apps are there for where you need to translate a menu or figure out how much to pay while looking up public transport times ensures you’ll get back to the hotel safe and sound.
Although you’ll be in awe of your new surroundings, friends and family back home are bound to be wondering how you’re getting on. But with social media, it’s easy to have voice and video conversations, even if you’re on the other side of the world.
Spoiling the fun
For the majority of adventurous backpackers or explorers, the main reasons to go traveling are to uncover new destinations and participate in different experiences. But if you’re constantly surrounded by familiar devices, it might feel a bit too much like home. And if you’ve decided to go on a chilled out holiday, the distraction of smartphones and tablets make relaxing and unwinding more difficult.
Speak to any worldly-wise traveler and they’ll say one of the best ways to understand and experience a new country, city or destination is to simply walk the streets and get lost. With a digital travel guide in your pocket, however, it’s tempting to find out where the main sights are and head straight to those.
Another great thing about going on holiday or traveling the world is that you’ll end up with lots of entertaining and amusing stories to tell. But if you decide to visit the most popular tourist traps or stay in and watch movies on your laptop, there’s a good chance that you won’t experience anything special or unique.
Striking the balance
While there are several pros and cons for traveling with technology, the key is striking the right balance between the two. Clearly, smartphones, tablets, laptops, e-readers and digital cameras can enhance several aspects of being away from home, but at the same time they can get in the way of the things that really matter.
Those that want a relaxing and easy-going time can leave it up to technology to come up with ideas and itineraries. However, adventurous encounters are still possible and mobile devices can be on hand for every eventuality. Think about the type of trip you want to have and use technology accordingly.
