Hi ,
Welcome to our new monthly feature at JourneyWoman: Things She Loves. This is our place to share and recommend tried and true products and services that we love — no marketing gimmicks, just honest and candid feedback from women, for women, to make solo travel easier.
Today's issue focuses on 'Travel Technology'. For this feature, we asked the wise women in our private Solo Travel Wisdom group for their best tips and recommendations for technology products and apps that make travel safer and easier. From eSims to universal adapters and mobile apps, they have some practical and helpful ideas.
That said, there's no question that many of us reflect
fondly on the days of printed maps and schedules. As Vivian F. says: "Technology isn't always reliable. We should all have and know how to use actual maps." At age 70, Deborah P. finds it "disconcerting and disheartening that we are
now required to rely on technology for absolutely everything."
While we agree, technology has become part of the
travel experience and there’s no going back!
10+ Things She Loves: Travel Technology Items
1. Smartphone: According to Judy J., the most important technology is a smartphone with a great camera and lots of storage. Kitty P. recommends an iPhone and an Apple Watch. “Then, to "blend in' a little more while walking around, pop in your AirPods but don't turn them on. It makes you look like every other person walking around, tethered to your phone, even if you are looking at map.” Lois P says: “As someone who is phone averse at home, I took my iPhone on a recent trip to Sicily, mainly to eliminate the need to also take a camera.”
2. Earbuds and Headphones:
Shekinah says she would never travel without good noise cancelling earbuds. “They're not as effective as the headphones, but are a lot easier to carry. I sprang for Bose a few years
back.” Kitty and Suzanne recommend that iPhone users take a free class with your local Apple Store. Kitty says: “I took the basics last week and actually learned a bit. i did the Framing Architecture class yesterday afternoon and it was fantastic. I wish i had these two classes before I went to Europe this summer! AND, they are free! AND, you get a $25US credit to use in the store that day - always good for picking up an extra cable or power block.”
Suzanne says: “The Apple store classes are great. Both for how to get the most out of your phone/ipad but also for photography on those devices.”
Hot tip: Want to use your own headphones on a plane? Use a bluetooth adapter, like this one from Twelve South.
3. IPad or Kindle for reading: Kitty says she always has a tablet & a Kindle Paperwhite. Judy likes her little Kindle paperwhite. “It is excellent
for reading a ton of books, in all kinds of lighting conditions, has a nice footprint, and if it’s lost or stolen it’s not a huge cash loss. I like to take my little iPad rather than
heavier iPad Pro or laptop, because I can do almost everything on it I need a “computer” for, and it’s lighter in weight and much less of a financial loss if it’s lost or stolen.