Top 10 ways technology is changing the future of travel
Top 10 ways technology is changing the future of travel
Technology is always changing and adapting to our needs, and travel technology is no exception. There was once a time when we had to rely on paper maps to find our way around a new city; now all you have to do is pull your phone out of your pocket and you’re ready to navigate to new places in an instant.
This is just a small example of how technology is changing the future of travel. We have put together a list of our 10 favorite changes to travel technology. Keep reading to learn more about how technology is changing the future of travel.
Top 10 ways technology is changing the future of travel
Technology is always changing and adapting to our needs, and travel technology is no exception. There was once a time when we had to rely on paper maps to find our way around a new city; now all you have to do is pull your phone out of your pocket and you’re ready to navigate to new places in an instant.
This is just a small example of how technology is changing the future of travel. We have put together a list of our 10 favorite changes to travel technology. Keep reading to learn more about how technology is changing the future of travel.
#1: Augmented Reality (AR)
Augmented reality (AR) is a tool that allows users to see the real world and the digital world blended together using their smartphone or tablet. This provides several different benefits to travelers but is especially useful when planning or researching the next travel destination. AR allows travelers to view hotel rooms, potential travel destinations, and other locations in a whole new way. This is a great way for hotels to immerse their potential guests in all of the amenities and services before their arrival.
#2: Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial intelligence (AI) is making travel easier for both travelers and travel agents. AI is a type of machine learning that is used to automate tasks, boost efficiency, reduce cost, and improve customer service. AI is being widely used for chatbots that answer traveler questions when agents aren’t available, and to provide data analysis to learn traveler profiles and make educated suggestions for what they might enjoy during their next trip.
#3: 5G
To capitalize on all of the great travel technologies, it’s important to be able to access them. One of the ways that technology is changing to support travel needs is by constantly improving connectivity. 5G connectivity is expanding to more and more cities to allow access to faster connections and more stable service. As more people begin traveling again, the need for more speed and less clutter will be important, and that’s just what 5G promises to provide.
#4: Wi-Fi Connectivity
When mobile service isn’t available, Wi-Fi is the next best thing. Access to Wi-Fi connectivity is becoming more and more necessary for travelers, especially with the need to upload all those great travel pictures and blogs. Whether or not a location has fast and secure Wi-Fi is becoming more of a selling point for travelers when selecting accommodations, but when all else fails there is always the option to purchase a Wi-Fi hotspot and create your own connections.
#5: Mobile Technology
As travel tech is constantly changing, so are the devices with which we access it. Mobile technology is one of the major ways that travelers stay connected while away. Cell phones are getting new updates each year to keep up with the changing needs of their users. These updates include the ability to connect to 5G networks, take better photographs, and even use AR functions.
#6: Internet of Things (IoT)
The Internet of Things (IoT) provides connectivity across every smart device and machine. This is being utilized all across the travel arena by developing smart airports where you use your phone as your boarding pass, location-based travel information, and hotel automation such as unlocking your door with your smart device. The IoT allows travelers to have access to everything they need during their trip by just using their smart device.
#7: Language Translation
Traveling to a country where you don’t speak the language used to be a challenge, but with updated technology, that is no longer an issue. There are hundreds of apps that allow you to learn a language on the go, but if you don’t have time to learn a new language before a trip, there are apps that will translate for you on the spot using voice technology. You can even use AR to translate signs or menus as you visit new destinations.
#8: Transportation
Transportation services are constantly adapting to the needs of travelers, and with that, the ease of booking transportation. Need to get from the airport to your hotel but don’t know how? That’s not a problem; just use your phone to call a driver right to your location. Apps such as Uber and Lyft have made it simple to get from one place to another without having to navigate your way around a city by bus or on foot.
#9: Touchless Payments
Exchanging currency is now a thing of the past with touchless payments. You no longer have to worry about having the right form of payment on hand when you are traveling from country to country; all you need is your smartphone and a smart wallet set-up. With touchless payments, you just need to tap your phone or watch on the payment device and your transaction is complete
#10: Online Booking Services
Online booking has been around for a few years, but it just continues to improve and become more widely used as technology improves. There are tons of apps and services that travelers can use to book their hotels, flights, cars, and even dining reservations. This makes it easier to plan a spontaneous trip because you don’t have to spend time calling ahead to make reservations, and you can just compare several different places all at once to see who is offering the best deal.
These are just a few of the ways that technology is changing the future of travel. As technology continues to change and adapt, so will travel. The more advanced the needs of travelers become, the more advanced travel technology will become to meet those needs, and it will continue to improve over time.
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