From keeping you connected while backpacking around South America to enabling you to capture photo memories of your Prague stag do, technology has revolutionized the way we experience travel today.
What are the latest trends?
Travel technology is constantly evolving, and the current fashions are making it simpler than ever to explore the world. One of the most popular is virtual reality, which affords you the opportunity to take a tour of a destination before booking your flight, and even to experience attractions like museums or theme parks without actually going there. Another is AI-powered travel assistants: digital helpers which can help you plan your trip by providing personalized recommendations based on your preferences and budget, and which additionally give real-time updates on flight delays and other disruptions so that you’re always prepared for any situation. Finally, mobile apps are becoming increasingly favoured as they offer convenience and ease of use when booking flights, hotels, and activities; with just a few taps on your phone, you can quickly find the best deals for your trips and get all the information you need in one place.
Are there any risks?
In a word: yes. With the convenience of technology comes possible threats to security, particularly that of sensitive personal data. For instance, when booking online, you’re often required to provide details such as credit card numbers, passport numbers, and contact information; this can be stolen by hackers, who use it to make fraudulent purchases or access other accounts. Therefore, you should always use secure websites to carry out this task. On a related note, be aware of unsafe public Wi-Fi networks, which may expose your device to cyberattacks, and also phishing scams, which are attempts to acquire data through emails or text messages that appear to come from legitimate companies.
How to reduce your dependence
Perhaps because of the above risks, or perhaps because you’re conscious of how attached you are, you may wish to curb your reliance on technology while on holiday. If so, here are some strategies to consider:
- Set boundaries for yourself and stick to them. Decide how much time you want to spend online each day and make sure that you don’t exceed that limit.
- Leave your devices at home or in the hotel room when going out for the day. This will help keep you from getting distracted by notifications or emails while exploring new places.
- Take advantage of technology-free activities, such as hiking, swimming, or visiting museums and galleries, all of which can provide an opportunity to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature or culture instead.
- Make plans with friends and family ahead of time so that you have something fun to do without feeling the need to turn to technology for entertainment.
