How Technology Impacts Travel

Technology is awesome. And nowhere is this fact more evident than with technology’s impact on travel. Remember the days when it would take months to cross the Atlantic? Well, I don’t either, but I do remember when you got a call from across the country and it was considered long distance and therefore important. And when you had to wait until you got home from a vacation to get your photos developed, and then you actually had to get together with people to share them! Even having wheels on a suitcase is a relatively new concept – they were introduced in the 1970s.

Here are just a few of the many impacts technology has had on travel:

Trip Preparation
It practically goes without saying that the internet has revolutionized many aspects of travel. There are tons of websites that can help you with your trip, from finding the best prices on flights, to researching and booking hotels, checking arrival times and delayed flights, managing your frequent flyer miles, organizing couch surfing or short term apt. rentals, learning about your destination, and that list goes on and on…

Staying in Touch
Arguably the worst part about traveling back in the old days was missing your loved ones back home, be it family, friends, significant others, etc. But now, they are only an email or instant message, Skype video chat, FaceTime call or What’s App messages. And of course you can post photos and fun facts about your trip the instant they happen. The new challenge? Saving some of those trip details, photos and hilarious stories so that you have something to share over coffee once you get back in town!

Gear
Travel gear can make your life a lot easier and your trips a lot more convenient. And I’m not just talking about rolling luggage. Quick dry towels for backpacking trips, or travel size squeezable containers that meet size requirements for carry on liquids can make those little inconveniences of travel even less relevant. Not to mention the great camping and hiking and other specialty gear that seems to be getting better and better as time goes by.

These suitcases win points for being charming, but I wouldn’t want to run through an airport carrying several of them.

Gadgets
From digital cameras to GPS systems to a phone that has all that and more – people love their travel gadgets! On extended trips abroad, they allow us to always have English-language books on hand, loaded into your Kindle. And it’s no secret that iPods (or Mp3 players with long battery life) are essential for long bus or train trips. Plus, no more need to choose which CDs or books fit into your suitcase.  When going abroad, many people choose to leave their main laptops at home, and travel with a less expensive netbook, just in case it should get stolen. And gone are the days of awkwardly getting on the scale with your suitcase, and trying to see the number or subtracting your weight to see how much extra weight can fit in your suitcase. Now there are digital luggage scales that help ensure you bring everything you want, without paying extra charges.

I’ve mostly focused here on the positive impacts of travel on technology. Are there any negative consequences out there? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!

earbud photo credit     luggage photo credit