Nowadays, everyone is attached to their phones. It’s a rare occurrence when you spot someone walking down the street without their phone in hand. Not that this is a surprise, with more than 317 million smartphone users in the US alone. Of course, such dependence on this type of technology isn’t all bad.
Cellphones have provided a lot of benefits in everyday lives. You have the ability to contact someone, search for something on Google, take a photo, etc., all at the click of a button. In some cases, using a cellphone has never been easier – or offered more. With this in mind, why wouldn’t you expect the same when on vacation?
While using a smartphone abroad does require roaming to be switched on, which could result in additional charges, your trip will be simplified. Below, you will find four key reasons why it is essential to carry a cellphone when you travel.
Digital Documentation
There is a lot to carry when traveling. And this isn’t limited to your typical luggage. In fact, you might find yourself juggling boarding passes, booking confirmations, insurance policies, and passports. Even for the most organized individuals, this is a lot – and losing a single page could cause your entire trip to flop.
Fortunately, if you own a phone, as the majority of the US population does, then this is simplified. Documents could be stored on the device digitally. This means you have access to digital copies. Many processes are quicker this way. Boarding passes, for instance, will usually display a QR code on the screen that is scanned by staff, enabling you to move on to the plane.
Similarly, if an incident occurs, you will be carrying the necessary information on your phone. Say you are injured on an excursion and require medical assistance. You won’t need to send someone back to the hotel as you will be carrying the required health insurance for travel information on your phone. You’ll be able to show your medical help is covered with this policy.
But you should also carry physical copies of all documents, just in case. After all, your phone might run out of battery when you need the documents.
Navigation and Planning
As well as providing access to documents, a smartphone will usually be a useful navigation tool. You’ll likely be facing unfamiliar streets on your vacation, so knowing where to go and how to get there is a must. While you might have needed a physical map years ago, this is now condensed into your device. At the click of a button, you could be looking at Google Maps to find the best route. It could even be providing you with verbal directions!
A physical map is just an extra thing to carry, and it could be damaged or lost during your vacation. The same might be said for your phone, but this would be more unlikely due to most people carrying their cell on their person. Chances are, you know where your phone is the majority of the time.
But not only that – your smartphone will provide extra information. If you are heading out for lunch, you’ll receive directions to the closest café. However, you will also have access to opening times and reviews, to ensure everyone gets fed and is happy with your decision.
Entertainment
Although most of the uses for cellphones during vacation are practical, some are purely for entertainment. There are apps that will give you access to books, movies, TV shows, and music. All of this – as well as the previously mentioned factors – is compacted into the one device, eliminating the need to carry multiple, bulky pieces of tech.
Everyone knows that traveling has the possibility of going wrong. Noting disastrous, but delays flights and missed connections do occur. This could leave you sat in an airport lounge with nothing to do to pass the time. With a cellphone, you have a better chance of staying entertained. Of course, you might want to remember earphones to avoid disturb other passengers.
Connectivity and Safety
Being away from home poses several risks. You might find that you’d settle easier if a familiar face is at the other end of the phone. With a cellphone, you’ll have access to multiple individuals. Sure, you might have to take a time difference into account, but it will be comforting just to know that someone is there for you.
This is also practical, too. Someone back home should be aware of your itinerary and other plans. It is a good idea to share your location with a trusted friend or family member, especially if you are traveling solo for the first time.
To conclude, there are numerous benefits to owning a cellphone, and some of these will relate to vacationing. A smartphone must be used wisely during such trips. It might offer you a way to carry digital copies of documents, navigate safely, be entertained, and stay connected with people back home.
For these reasons, you must carry a cellphone when traveling, no matter where you go.
