Try saying that title five times fast, LOL! You might get little tongue-tied, but this week’s Digital Friday post will get you tech-ready to go!
Whether it’s a business trip or vacation, our guest contributor BrothaTech gets you all set to stay connected. Enjoy!
Travel Tech: Tips To Help You Stay Connected on Your Next Trip
by BrothaTech
If your travel trigger finger is itching to book some destinations as a result of the unusually nice weather happening this time of year, let’s do a quick check:
Passport – Check
Sunglasses and Sunblock – Check
Sexy Swimwear – Check
Worked off those extra pounds to get into said sexy swimwear – *Crickets*
Tech tools to help you make the most of your trip – Nope
Let’s face it, as much as you want to unplug and enjoy your trip with no distractions, you’re probably going to check your Facebook newsfeed, your Google+ stream, your Twitter timeline, and respond to a couple of emails. At the very least, you know you’re going to upload travel pics to Instagram. Now that you have accepted your tech fate, here are some gadgets and tips that will help you stay informed and connected while you’re out of town.
TripIt Travel App
Once, you’ve decided where you want to go, TripIt is a handy online & mobile app that lets you forward your travel confirmations to a special email address that automagically churns out a travel itinerary complete with confirmation & contact phone numbers, maps & directions, and other tips (like suggesting ground transportation companies) all accessible on your smartphone so all your travel plans are right at your fingertips. So if you’re one of those types who doesn’t take arriving at the airport 2 hours early seriously until it’s 2 hours before your flight, TripIt keeps you informed of your travel status just in case you have to make some quick adjustments.
Mophie Portable Device Chargers
Ready to pack your bags? Make sure you include a portable device charger. While out and about on your trip, who knows when the next time you’ll see a wall outlet to charge your gear. Mophie makes devices that attach to your keychain for a ultra quick charge, fit over your device like a case that lets you charge while you use them, or lets you charge several mobile devices multiple times simultaneously. Those panic attacks that arise when your device gives you that “low battery warning” will be a thing of the past.
Gogo Inflight Wireless
Can’t stay away from the web even while 30,000 feet in the air? Gogo Inflight Internet service has some great temporary wireless plans with durations of a couple hours to all day, that give you access just as soon as your plane hits a “safe” altitude. Available on most U.S. airlines and accessible from any wifi-enabled device, it’s a safe bet to say that important Foursquare airport check-in won’t have to wait until you exit the plane.
Apple AirPort Express
Chances are, your hotel will offer free internet access via either a super-short ethernet cable that keeps you stuck on that uncomfortable desk in your room, or uber-slow wireless access. Portable wireless routers like Apple’s AirPort Express give you the ability to connect to your room’s wired internet connection to create a wireless signal only your devices have access to. Now you can surf the web with speed from anywhere in your room…even the bathroom (don’t front like you don’t do it).
You say you’re going to detach, but they say the 1st step to recovery is admitting you have a problem. Tech that keeps me connected is a problem I’m cool with having, so the ideas above are just some of ways I stay connected when I travel. What are some ways you use technology while you “get away?”
Thanks for the love on the guest spot. You’re welcome ’round my parts anytime!
Anytime Terrance! Thank you for the great content & we’d love to have you back soon!
-steph
Great post Terence…good tips!
They were great tips & we appreciate you checking them out! Please feel free to stop by again anytime!
-steph
Great info. Lucky me I ran across your site by chance (stumbleupon). I’ve saved as a favorite for later!