If you’re traveling in Europe, chances are you will want to get your money’s worth out of it by seeing as much as possible. However, traveling can be difficult and stressful, especially if you don’t know where to go or how to get there in the first place. Luckily, technology has made it much easier to make plans and get around without breaking the bank with costly travel expenses. Here are seven ways technology makes traveling in Europe easy and stress-free.
1) Accommodation
Whether you are booking hotels in Reykjavik or looking for a cottage in some rural part of the city, accommodation is a top priority when traveling. Booking a place to stay is one of the most important – and stressful – parts of planning any trip. But with technology, finding and booking accommodation has never been easier. You can now use websites and apps to find rooms, apartments, Airbnbs, and more, all with just a few clicks. And if you’re not sure where you want to stay, you can use sites like TripAdvisor to read reviews and compare prices.
2) Money
Nowadays, you don’t need to carry around wads of cash or traveler’s checks. You can use your debit card at ATMs and make purchases with your credit card. Apps like Google Wallet and Apple Pay make it even easier to pay for things without having to fumble around for cash.
3) Booking an activity/tour
It has become easier to book activities because of technology too. All you have to do is look up activities and tours online before you go on your trip. This way, you can read reviews and get an idea of what to expect. Once you’ve found an activity or tour that interests you, book it in advance using a website or app. This will save you time and money while you’re on vacation. When traveling by train or bus, use apps to check schedules and buy tickets in advance. This can save you a lot of time and hassle while you’re on the go/ Use your smartphone to keep track of your itinerary, whether it’s by downloading a travel app or keeping everything organized in your calendar app.
4) Airport Transfers
With technology, you can easily find and book an airport transfer service in advance. This way, you don’t have to worry about renting a car or taking public transportation when you land. All you have to do is sit back and relax as you’re chauffeured to your hotel.
5) Directions
It is now easier than ever to get around a new country or city. Get an unlocked phone and buy a SIM card when you land to avoid expensive roaming charges. Use Google Maps to get around without getting lost. Find out if your hotel has free Wi-Fi before you book so you can stay connected on the go. Stay safe by keeping copies of important documents like your passport stored electronically.
6) Transportation
In Europe, travelers have a number of convenient transportation options. From trains and buses to cars and bikes, there’s something for everyone. And thanks to technology, getting around is easier than ever. You can use apps to book tickets, track your route, and even find the best restaurants along the way.
7) Language Assistance
Let’s face it, language barriers can be tough to overcome when traveling. But with technology on your side, you can easily bridge the gap. Google Translate is a great app that can help you communicate with locals. Just type in what you want to say and it will translate it into the language of your choice. Another great way to overcome the language barrier is by downloading a travel phrasebook onto your phone or tablet. This way, you can have all the key phrases at your fingertips without having to lug around a physical book.
