Have you seen a shift in the way you plan your vacations in the last 5 years? Have you become more aware? More self-reliant? Well you’ve definitely got technology to thank! From flight bookings to hotel reservations, from an on-the-go translator to restaurant recommendations at the hit of a button, taxi services, food deliveries, public transport information and so much more. As much as we all enjoy taking vacations, setting off to a new destination can seldom be daunting and leave you feeling unplanned or confused. Technology as a medium and phone apps as tools have bridged several such hurdles by offering some of the most cutting-edge solutions to a multitude of problems.
Here are a list of some of my hassle-free favourites, most of which have made my planning process and holidays a whole lot easier.
1. Google Maps:
As basic as it may seem, the Google Maps app is more useful than known to most. Apart from finding your locations and routes , you can pin down a list of places on the map by creating a multitude of places you want to visit, allowing the app to give you a route to cover them all. Furthermore, you can always look for essential tags like ‘restrooms around me’, ‘gas station around me’ to find relevant solutions to common worries. Pinning a place on a map or helping you create lists is some of its other features, making it my absolute favourite.
2. Uber:
Present and functional in multiple cities, Uber definitely makes for the most convenient mode of transport across places ensuring your safety and precision to arrive at your desired destination. Cash-free transactions are beneficial when in foreign countries, eliminating the concern of exact change or complete currency knowledge and calculations.
3. Packing Pro:
Ever wanted a robot who sorted everything related to packing out for you? From helping you compartmentalise your suitcase to giving you the complete lowdown on the weather conditions and daylight? Packing Pro gives you tips and assistance for your holidays with complete personalisation like adding the duration of your trip and what activities you are intending to do, never letting you miss anything important or hell, anything at all!
4. XE Currency Converter:
From live, up-to-date currency fluctuations to easy conversions, XE Currency Converter is your best friend for money whilst in a foreign country. The app even allows you to store information offline, making it easily accessible at all times.
5. CityMapper:
Ever been confused about the public transport routes, tube stations, bus numbers or just the place in general? CityMapper and its cousins (different names for different places) is your best bud! Easy to use and even simpler to follow, it integrates with Google Map beautifully, giving you accurate information at all times. There is a fine line between technology being a boon and a bane on a holiday. This virtual world is here to enhance your experiences without taking away from them. So don’t forget to switch off every once in a while and truly absorb your surroundings to the fullest. There are multiple apps out there that simplify our lives the best they can and we would love to hear about some of your favourites? Leave a comment below so we can check them out and probably review them on our next trip!
Written By Priyanka Agarwal
Week 18, April ’19
