3 Tech-Savvy Tips For Solo Travelers
As a solo-traveler, it’s helpful to pay attention to the importance of technology for your adventures. For example, your smart devices can help you find your bearings in an unfamiliar area, giving you much-needed directions to avoid getting lost. Aside from this, you can easily alert your family and friends of your location, a helpful thing if you find yourself in a potentially dangerous situation. However, knowing how to leverage your tech devices will determine how seamless your travel experience will be. Here are some tech-savvy tips you should leverage as a solo traveller.
1. Equip your smart device with the necessary apps before travelling
Travel experts suggest downloading the necessary apps before leaving your country. This is because some apps may not be in your language, making it difficult to utilize. Likewise, some apps are banned in certain destinations, and you may be stranded if you don’t have them already. One important app you need is Google Maps; one benefit of this tool is that you can use it without connecting to the internet. That means you can enjoy your hiking adventure without worrying about being separated from civilization. You can also consider installing the offline Google Translator app to engage locals in your destination country. This way, you can avoid tourist traps- the locals can introduce you to incredible spots that don’t charge a fortune.
2. Stay on top of your smart devices’ security
You may already know this, but your smart devices are more prone to cybercrime when travelling. For instance, several charging outlets at airports or public places aren’t safe- hackers often gain illegal access to the power supply channel, installing tracking programs that can record their victims’ screens. Once your USB cord connects to these outlets, your device will automatically pick up this malware. Public Wi-Fi networks are also hotspots for cybercriminals. Therefore, take the necessary steps to safeguard your devices from this. For instance, learning how to protect your phone from being hacked is easy. You only need a secure lock screen, whether password, pattern, or pin. Alternatively, ensure all your apps are updated, as hackers love outdated things. Downloading a good VPN is also essential, as it prevents these criminals from accessing your bank details, pictures, and other sensitive data. If you aren’t sure of an app, do not download it!
3. Don’t forget your chargers and adapter
The last thing you want is to forget your charger at home. Getting a replacement in a new country may not be the best idea, especially if you aren’t sure it’s original. Therefore, ensure that you include your charger in your packing list so that it doesn’t escape your mind. While at it, invest in a universal travel adapter; this can help you use any socket without challenges. What do you do when you forget these items? You can ask the hotel receptionist if they can lend them to you. Hotels often have lost and found boxes, and you can get your device's exact charger and adapter.