From Booking To Exploring: How Technology Has Changed The Way We Travel

4 min read

The travel industry has undergone significant changes in the past decade. From waiting in queues to book tickets to accessing real-time travel updates, we have come a long way.

With technology taking over the industry, we now have many conveniences that were unavailable to us before. For instance, you can book your travel tickets with the help of online apps and websites in a jiffy. There’s no need for you to rely on travel agencies and spend extra.

Currently, there are many developments taking place in the travel industry and most of them are related to technological implementation. If you are someone who likes to travel a lot, it is good to have an idea about these trends. So, let’s dive in!

Online Booking

A decade back, it was not possible to book travel tickets online. Be it domestic travel or international travel, there was no way you could buy tickets on the internet. But things have changed with the introduction of online booking sites and apps.

Nowadays, you can use these platforms to book accommodation, flight tickets, and other transportation. One prominent choice is Bookaway which allows travellers to book tickets for various transportation modes and compare them to choose the best option. This online service covers all the major Southeast Asian countries, including Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Philippines, and more.

No More Language Barriers

Before technology touched travel, people had to use phrasebooks to communicate in foreign countries. However, things have become much more convenient today as there are plenty of translation apps available. All you need is a smartphone and a stable internet connection to use these tools.

Using a language translation app helps you to understand and converse in different languages. Some of these apps are also equipped with special features like real-time translation via a smartphone camera. This allows you to read signs and menus in languages that you don’t speak.

Digital Payments Made Travel Easy

There are tons of digital payment apps out there and each of them is efficient in their own ways. With the help of these apps, you can make transactions even in foreign countries.

Unlike before, you don’t need to carry cash if you have a digital payment app installed on your phone. This spares you from the risk of losing your money. Additionally, it eliminates the need for you to wait in long ATM lines which is both annoying and time-consuming. Just pull out your phone and make payments. It’s that simple to use these apps.

Pack Luggage With Technology

Yes, you read that right! Technology has made packing luggage for travel easy. Instead of packing multiple items like GPS, music player, or books, you can simply carry your smartphone as it has all these functions and more.

A smartphone is compact and barely takes up any space. Unlike before, you don’t need to carry an extra bag for your gadgets. You can easily carry your mobile phone in your purse or pocket.

Personalised Travel Experiences

Modern travellers seek customised experiences that are fulfilled by technology. From AI-powered chatbots to niche travel platforms, there are a variety of digital tools, you can use to discover tailored experiences.

Even advancements like blockchain technology are also shaping the future of travel. While still in its early stages, blockchain has the potential to enhance personalisation and improve identity verification. In other words, it can pave the way for a more seamless travel experience that was not possible before.

Enhanced Safety

With technology by your side, you can travel stress-free and without worries. There are plenty of tools and apps you can use to secure yourself while travelling. For example, you can use GPS apps to find the fastest routes and avoid unsafe areas. Similarly, you can use your smartphone for emergency features like SOS alerts and location sharing that helps you to keep your loved ones informed about your whereabouts.

Additionally, biometric security like facial recognition at airports has made check-ins faster and more secure. You also have digital wallets that allow you to make contactless payments and reduce the risk of fraud and theft.

Entertainment For Long Rides

Long journeys can often feel tedious, especially if you have nothing to entertain you. Thankfully, you no longer have to deal with that if you have your smartphone or tablet with you.

On your smartphone, you can stream movies, play games, listen to music, and even read books. This allows you to pass your time without getting bored. This is especially beneficial for those who travel alone. You don’t need anyone for entertainment as long as you have your smartphone. To further enhance your experience, you can pair it with noise-cancelling headphones.

Plan Your Itineraries In Advance

Technology helps you to plan your itineraries more efficiently. You will find a variety of apps and tools that help you to organise flights, accommodations, and activities in one place. Not only that, but you can also use these tools to get real-time updates on flight schedules, weather conditions, and local attractions. As a result, you can make informed decisions which were not possible before.

You also have access to online maps and navigation apps that help you plan routes, estimate travel times, and explore destinations virtually. Additionally, AI-powered travel assistants and chatbots offer personalised recommendations based on your preferences and past searches. If needed, you can take advantage of budgeting apps to manage your travel expenses.

Stay Connected With Your Loved Ones

Using technology, you can stay in touch with your family and friends even while travelling. You can use messaging apps, video calls, or voice calls to keep your loved ones informed about your location and activities. Besides that, you also have social media platforms to share your travel experiences with the world.

For added security, you have location-sharing features on your smartphone that help your family members track your whereabouts. Plus, international roaming plans, eSIM technology, and portable Wi-Fi devices ensure uninterrupted internet access.

With these technologies, you can enhance your travel plans like never before. Whether you are travelling to a domestic destination or an international one, these technologies come in handy in various situations. From booking to exploring, you can count on technology to get you through.