Technology has come a long way in recent years, including how we travel. These days, all sorts of apps and websites make planning your trip easier than ever before. Not to mention, you can now book everything from flights to hotels to rental cars all in one place. In short, technology has made travel planning a lot more fun. Here’s a look at how technology is making travel planning fun.
1. You Can Now Plan Your Entire Trip on Your Smartphone
Gone are the days when you had to lug around a bulky guidebook or print out pages and pages of information from the internet. Now, you can do all your research right on your phone. Tons of great travel apps can help you find things to do, figure out where to eat, and even book your flights and hotels. All you need is your thumb, and you’re good to go.
When it comes to travel planning, there are a few essential apps you should download before your next trip. Google Maps is a must for getting around unfamiliar cities. TripAdvisor is great for finding things to do and getting honest reviews from other travelers. And, of course, you’ll need a booking app like Expedia or Kayak to help you snag the best deals on flights and hotels.
2. You Can Connect with Other Travelers Online
Another great thing about technology is that it’s made it easier than ever to connect with other travelers. Whether you’re looking for tips on where to go in a particular city or just want to chat with someone who’s been there before, there are all kinds of online forums and social media groups that can help you out.
You can join forces with fellow travelers to get group discounts on hotel rooms and rental cars. And if you ever find yourself in a pickle while on your trip, chances are there’s someone online who can help you out. No matter where you’re traveling, technology has made it easy to connect with other like-minded people.
3. You Can Book Entertainment in Advance
One of the best things about technology is that you can now book entertainment in advance. No more waiting in line for tickets or hoping that there’s still available when you arrive at your destination. Instead, you can reserve your spot ahead of time and rest assured that you won’t miss out.
For example, if you’re interested in going on ATV tours, you can now book them online before you even leave for your trip. This way, you can be sure to get the date and time that you want. And if there are any changes or cancellations, you’ll be the first to know.
4. You Can Avoid the Crowds (And Save Money)
If fighting the crowds is not your idea of a good time, then technology has covered you too. There are many ways to avoid the traditional tourist traps these days—and save some money while you’re at it. For example, using Google Maps “Explore” feature lets you see what’s nearby so you can find hidden gems that locals love, but tourists don’t know about yet.
Similarly, sites like Airbnb offer unique accommodations that are often cheaper and more authentic than traditional hotels in touristy areas. So if your goal is to experience a place like a local, then technology definitely has your back!
5. You Can Stay Connected (And Keep Your Stuff Safe)
While it’s great to disconnect while you’re on vacation, there are still some things you’ll want to stay connected for. After all, you need to be able to check your flights, keep in touch with your travel companions, and post pictures of your amazing trip.
But thankfully, there are plenty of ways to do this without putting your personal information at risk. For example, using a VPN (a virtual private network) will help keep your data safe and secure when you’re using public Wi-Fi. Additionally, using a password manager can help you keep all your login information organized—so you don’t have to worry about forgetting any important passwords.
6. You Can Stay on a Budget
One of the best things about technology is that it can help you stay on a budget. No more feeling guilty about spending too much money on your trip—now you can easily track your expenses and make sure you’re sticking to your budget.
Many apps and websites can help with this, but one of our favorites is Mint. This app syncs with your bank account and credit cards to track your spending in real time. You can also create a budget and see how much money you have left to spend in each category.
There you go—six ways that technology is making travel planning fun. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start planning your next trip!
