5 ways your technology can make a holiday better

Travelling with technology is easier than ever. Our tech devices are smaller and easier to pack, and they’re so full of features that one device can do a magnitude of jobs.

Here are five ways that your technology can make any holiday better:

Preparation, planning and booking

Using your smartphone, you can book your holiday online whilst you’re travelling to work in the morning. You don’t have to visit a travel agent like your parents did or look through a brochure for hotels. Booking on your smartphone means that you have access to every possible accommodation option, unbiased reviews and even price comparisons. You can also see nearby attractions and places to eat, for thorough holiday planning. Did you know that 87% of people in India book their entire trip using their phone?

Finding your way

You use your GPS device or sat nav when you’re at home, so why not take it on holiday?  If you use a dedicated satellite navigation device then you may want to download European or World maps, if they’re not already installed. Alternatively, if you’re happy to embrace roaming data charges, using a GPS app on your phone could provide the most up-to-date routing.

Having your GPS device could make the difference between a quick trip, or being lost for hours, and in an unfamiliar place, it can even be useful on foot.

Staying safe

It’s important to stay safe on holiday. Technology can help with this, too.

‘SOS Stay Safe!’ is a smartphone app that can send an SOS message to selected friends and family members if you shake your phone for a specific amount of time, whilst ‘what3words’ allows you to show someone exactly where you are on a map – even without a road name or nearby landmark!

Before you travel, download some safety apps to your mobile phone for a little extra peace of mind.

Enjoying home comforts

Following a day of adventure and exploration, you might like to settle down to a few home comforts in the evening. Using your smartphone you’ll be able to enjoy your favourite TV shows, and your preferred music, rather than relying solely on local offerings. Before you travel, download any playlists that you frequently listen to, so that you’re not eating into your data allowance whilst you’re singing along in your hire car.

Also, consider packing your eReader. Download a few new books to keep you occupied on the plane, or to enjoy as you’re relaxing on the beach.

Keeping your headphones or earphones with you can make your holiday tech even more accessible. You won’t disturb others at the side of the pool, and can even listen to music in bed if you’re sharing a hotel room with the kids.

Recording your memories

Your smartphone camera could be your best friend on holiday, allowing you to capture all of your holiday memories in photographs. Upload your selfies to Instagram and Facebook, to share them with everyone back home. Just make sure that you check your privacy settings before announcing to the whole world that your house is currently unoccupied!

For higher quality video or even first-person hands-free videos of your adventures, you might like to invest in an action camera. Many cameras are now waterproof and shockproof, which means that you can use them to record a high-speed rollercoaster ride or unforgettable snorkelling experience.

Travelling with tech makes everything better. It can make planning your holiday even easier. Your technology can provide extra holiday entertainment and even keep you safe. Don’t forget to pack well-charged power banks and your chargers, to avoid any disappointment on arrival.