Planning a vacation or a business trip can be incredibly fun, but we sometimes overlook the tech side of the process. Devices like phones, tablets, and laptops can be of great help when going to an unfamiliar place.
So if you want to stay at the top of your travel game and have an unforgettable time abroad, here are six tips that can help you become a more tech-savvy traveler.
Use Apps That Are Popular At Your Destination
There are so many useful apps out there that will make exploring a new place a whole lot easier. You can use your phone to find the best restaurants near you or get a ride in minutes. However, you can’t assume that apps you use at home are equally popular in the country you are visiting.
Therefore, dive in deeper and find out which apps to have on your phone or tablet. Make sure you install them before arriving at your destination. For instance, Uber is available in several countries, but if you visit Africa, especially the northern part, you should use an app called Careem. China also has an Uber-like service called Didi Chuxing. Don’t forget to find out which apps are often used at your destination.
Download Google Maps
Most of us already have Google Maps on our phones and use them daily. Unfortunately, the app doesn’t work offline, and you might have a hard time finding a Wi-Fi connection at your travel destination. It doesn’t mean you can’t rely on Google Maps, though.
You may download maps of areas you plan on visiting, and you will have them available to you at all times. These can help you tremendously when exploring a new city because there is no way to get lost when you have a map in your pocket.
Have a Google Translator
Finding yourself in a foreign country could be stressful if you don’t speak the native language. English does come in handy since many people all around the globe already know the basics. But you will probably run into someone who doesn’t.
Luckily, you can use Google Translator in these situations. All you need to do is type in a phrase in English, and the app will translate it for you. Once again, you need to download the desired language pack so that the app can work even if you are offline.
Watch Out For Public Wi-Fi Networks
Public Wi-Fi networks are super convenient, especially when traveling. On the other hand, they are also quite dangerous. Cybercriminals use them for data theft because these networks have almost non-existent security measures. It is best to avoid public Wi-Fi networks altogether, but sometimes you just can’t.
If you need to use public Wi-Fi, there is an option you could try called VPN. It hides your IP address and connects you to a different network, protecting your personal information along the way. You can connect to a VPN server and secure the data you send or receive.
Always Keep Your Devices Charged
There is nothing worse than running out of battery in an unknown place. It can be particularly tricky if you are out of town on a camping trip. But you don’t have to rely solely on plugs and sockets. Invest in a couple of power banks and carry them with you at all times.
Power banks are not super chunky anymore, and you can find powerful devices that are both lightweight and compact. You may even find a solar-powered one that will never run out of juice. It is needless to say this one is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Power backup devices can fit in any backpack or pocket, so you don’t need to worry when your phone is at 1%.
Make Use Of Free Messaging Apps
Free messaging apps revolutionized the way we communicate with each other. You don’t have to spend crazy amounts of money to call your family from another side of the globe. Staying in touch is pretty much free with the help of apps like Viber, Skype, WhatsApp, and so on.
Use free messaging and calls whenever you connect to a secure Wi-Fi network. These apps are lifesavers if you plan on working while traveling. You can have team meetings on Zoom or Google Hangouts at any time and stay in the loop.
Main Photo by Vojta Kovařík.
About the Author/s
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.
