Mobile Technology - The new way to travel
June 29, 2011 | Posted by Dan Rigby
On my recent vacation to Italy and Poland in May, I noticed something different from the last time I was in Europe 3 years ago. Smart phones and iPad's are everywhere! No longer did I have to carry my Lonely Planet book, music, maps, train tickets, accommodation info and have to look for a computer to check my email. I didn't have an iPhone with me but my iPod Touch was invaluable for so many little things and Wifi access is everywhere (paid or free). Beyond the typical uses, here's a few ways I was able to take advantage of mobile technology.
Planning our day
It's definitely important to leave your map at home and get lost to discover some unique sites in the old cities of Europe. Although, there were days when we were tight on time and needed to make sure we didn't get lost on our way to our tours or miss any of the sites. Over breakfast at the hostel restaurant next door, we'd quickly check our route for the day, see when transit might be available and then be on our way. We were even able to purchase our tour or train tickets. If we weren't sure of what was going or what place we should check out, reviews and a quick social media search helped to find out what was happening that day. It definitely gives you some peace of mind until you get your bearings in a city.
Who needs a ticket?
Trains and public transit are the best ways to travel in Europe, hands down. Comfortable, on time, cheap and now with WIFI. Nothing beats the high speed trains from city to city at 200+kph. Instead of waiting in line to buy a paper ticket, we'd purchase our tickets online. Not only did we get the best price but we were guaranteed to get the seats we wanted. Once we'd made our purchase, an email with a ticket number and QR type code would appear in our inbox. This new e-ticket can be printed off or kept on our phone/iPod/iPad. The ticket inspector would just put the number into his own phone or scan a QR code with his phone's camera. That's it. The train company has realized that instead of buying expense scanning hardware, they can just use a phone with a camera and internet access. Of course the best advantage of internet access on the train was being able to stroll down to the restaurant car and surf the web while i drank my morning espresso and ate my chocolate brioche.
What else?
- Even if you don't have an iPod Touch or iPad, many of the hostels will rent one too you for a small fee.
- No more carrying lonely planet guides for every country/city. They even have an app that allows you to purchase only the city guides you need.
- eBooks, especially reference books, are great for traveling lightly. Easily search for what you need in seconds.
- Hostelworld.com has a great site with excellent reviews to help travelers find some great and unique places to stay. Their app was very easy to use too.
- Use google translate to find out what's happening in local news.
- Phrase apps or ebooks - it always helps to know some of the key phrases in the local language. "Mi scusi, dov'è il bagno?"
- Pick pockets are everywhere in the major cities so try not to advertise you've got a new iPhone.
There's nothing more important with travel than discovery. Technology is just another tool to find out all a city or country has to offer. It gives you a good starting point but you don't want to spend your whole vacation looking at a small screen. Look up and take a turn down some random street to discover your own favorite spots. Is anyone planning a trip soon? Seen any other cool ways mobile tech is being used? Any favorite travel apps?
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