I remember around eight years ago, holidaying in Goa with a few friends. Every morning, we would head to the nearest cyber café, which invariably used to be packed with tourists from around the world. They would be Skyping, booking their next flight/hotel or just going through their itinerary. We would also be checking our e-mails or just browsing the web to see what was happening around the world. This was a fairly standard travel routine.
Sometimes out of pure nostalgia, I do miss those tech-free holidays. The only thing we had was a camera, Walkman, books and playing cards. As you travelled, you interacted with new people, made new friends and exchanged stories.
Today, it has all changed. Instead of a cyber cafe, you now look for a Wi-fi hotspot. You lug around your smartphone/tablet/laptop. Google Maps has taken the adventure out of exploring new places. Having said that, technology has also made travelling hassle-free and a social activity (albeit virtually).
Advancements in mobile technology have made a big difference to the way we travel. In fact, the entire industry has gone through quite a shake up. Travel companies have been adapting new technologies to stay ahead of each other and make it easier for modern travellers to explore new places, navigate cities, and document all the fun and adventure.
There have been new developments, which will potentially change the industry forever:
Mobile payment technology:
Apple, Google and even Samsung have introduced their own mobile wallet systems. In another couple of years, as these systems get more stable, mobile payment will change how you spend money while travelling. Already some apps such as Uber have payment functionality built into their apps.
Wearables:
Another major trend that can impact the way we travel in a big way is the emergence of Wearables. Devices such as smart watches are making waves globally. Every major hardware manufacturer worth its salt has released its own version of the smart watch, including Apple, Samsung, Asus and Motorola. These devices bring a world of convenience and will change how you interact with technology. You can get instant notifications about a delayed flight, weather updates or nearest lounge location. There are apps that let you open your hotel room with a tap of your watch.
Smart luggage:
The suitcase is no longer dumb. A crowdfunded start-up called Bluesmart promises a luggage that can weigh itself and can be locked, unlocked and GPS tracked from your smartphone.
Apps:
There are a plethora of apps that are designed to make your life easy while travelling. From Skyscanner to TripAdvisor and Airbnb, these apps have become travel companions of frequent travellers.
Entrain
Say goodbye to jet lags. Jet lags or circadian rhythm sleep disorders are caused by alterations to the body's internal clock or body's circadian rhythms. Entrain is a free app designed by researchers at the University of Michigan that records your lighting history and stimulates your body's clock and makes recommendations which tell you when to seek light and/or dark.
Onavo Extend
While travelling abroad, it is easy to blow up on data roaming if you can't find Wi-fi spots. Onavo Extend saves mobile data by working in the background when you use mobile data.
Hostelworld
This free app lets you book a bed or a room in more than 33,000 hostels around the globe no matter what budget you are on.
mPASS
If you are in New Zealand and a frequent traveller on Air NZ, this is a must-have app. The app puts your entire itinerary on your smartphone screen. You can book flights, board using the flight barcode and receive up-to-date flight information.
itravelNZ
Put New Zealand in your pocket! With this app, you can explore beaches, museums, art galleries, events, activities and accommodation in all NZ's regions
Campermate
If you are planning to camp while in New Zealand, give this app a whirl. CamperMate connects you with other CamperMate users and lets you find locations of all free, low cost and paid campsites in New Zealand. You can also get other relevant information such as free Wi-fi spots, public toilets locations and petrol stations.
Predict Wind
It can get really windy in New Zealand and whether you are on a boat, cruise or a yacht, kite surfing, wind surfing or just fishing, it always helps to have accurate wind forecast before you venture out.
Wi-fi Map
This useful app lets you find Wi-Fi spots around the world with tips and passwords. It also lets you find smart cafes/ hotels with integrated navigation facility
Google Translate
This brilliant app from Google helps you translate 90 languages. It features two-way automatic speech translation in 40 languages, and you can use your smartphone camera to translate text instantly in 26 languages. So if you are trying to converse with a local, read a menu or a signboard, just whip the app out.
Trip Journal
If you keep a journal when travelling, this app can help create memorable travelogues. The app can also record your trip with GPS route tracking and lets you geotag your photos and videos.
Field Trip
Another gem from Google’s internal start-up Niantic, Inc. Field Trip runs in the background, and when you get close to something interesting, it pops up a card with details about the location. It helps you discover cool, hidden and unique attractions around you. Give it a try! You will be surprised.
Gogobot
Gogobot helps you find restaurants, hotels, activities and events based on recommendations of other Gogobot members. You can also create postcards and share with friends.