For many, a trip abroud means a break from the internet, including the easy access we’re used to via smartphone. Newlyweds, or tight knit families, may want to use their trip as a complete break from the rest of the world and go completely wireless, but for others that’s simply not possible. Even for those looking to shut themselves out for a week, the internet can still be a highly useful tool while traveling, and knowing how to properly make the most of what access you have can ease many of the worries of vacationing.
iMessage/Wifi Messaging and Apps
When arriving in Europe, unless you plan on purchasing a data plan, it’s best to turn on airplane mode on your phone. Most of Europe, though, is fully functional, and like us has plenty of locations with free Wifi for your smartphone, iPad, or other device. Hotels, restaurants, and coffee shops all have a chance of Wifi, those that do will likely advertise it on a window (and, yes, you can expect the Starbucks to have internet as well). Chances are, just like in the US, you’ll need a receipt to get the password.
iMessaging becomes incredibly useful, since the cost of these over Wifi texts is exactly zero. I’ve also found that Facetime from overseas to the US is far better than the connection via Skype, although Skype, too, is a viable option. For non iPhone users, downloading WhatsApp works just as well as the iMessage, even from iPhone to Android. Both parties need to have the app downloaded, even if the recipient is overseas, but the result is quite similar to iMessage, allowing texts and pictures to be sent easily with an internet connection.
When traveling in large groups, this app won’t allow you to text non-stop without internet. But DO set up a back-up plan, instruct each party to find Wifi if separated for more than an hour, in order to set a proper location to regroup. Also, if your party gets lost, consider stepping into an internet hotspot and checking Google Maps before hopping immediately into a cab. Same goes for finding restaurants nearby (once you get away from the popular piazzas, it’s not always easy) and Yelp works just as well in foreign countries. A quick purchase to access the internet might save you from wandering aimlessly, stomach grumbling, or worse, forking over cab money and returning to the hotel to find familiar ground -since isn’t this experience about discovering the new?
Speaking of new, there are more than a few fun smartphone apps, that can make traveling a breeze. Rick Steve’s app includes audio guides for his travel books. Whether or not you’re a Rick Steve’s addict, his audio can provide great secondary or alternative material to a tourist site’s expensive tours or skimpy audio. For the foodies, a variety of apps such as Eat Rome, Eat Florence, Aperitivo and Rome Foodie (I guess it's pretty obvious I was in Italy for awhile) are key.
Checking Up On Home
As much as we’d like to be cut off from the world, those who left kids, elderly parents, or pets at home aren’t always keen on the idea. Requiring an email a day from the live-in nanny or pet sitter might also be key to setting your mind at ease. If you do need these connections to travel lighthearted, make sure to set up a schedule with each of your contacts before leaving. If your home is empty don’t forget to take advantage of internet extras your home security system might have. Some are able to text or email you with alerts regarding flood, fire, or burglary, and have their own mobile apps available to arm and disarm the security system no matter where you are.
Social media isn’t a must, but one excellent way to record your numerous memories seamlessly is blogging. As an extra bonus, free blogging through sites like Travelpod not only files away important moments for your own pleasure, it also keeps worried family members aware that a.) you’re still alive and b.) you’re having a good time. Write the post whenever, on smartphone, laptop, notebook -really, your preference here- and upload when online.
Check your bank account at least once every few days. Vacations usually add up in unexpected places, but with the switch from dollars to euros, you may be spending more than you think, especially with added transaction and ATM fees, tips, and more. There’s no better way to ruin a vacation than coming home to realize you spent your rent money. Chase is one example of a bank with a mobile app to watch your account, but others have the same service. Download the app!
Most hotels have internet access, some cost a little, some cost a lot, and some are free. Research your hotel’s internet access before you book. If internet is important, you’re not going to be happy to discover ridiculous prices for an hour of browsing time. Some hotels even have a community computer (or computers, if it’s a fancy place) for their customers to use. For those not wanting to haul their pricey laptops overseas, a hotel with a computer is a safer alternative.
Keep a Copy of Important Documents In Your Email
Your passport is your ticket home, in many ways, and losing it can cause more panic than finding your credit cards stolen. Cards are easy to cancel, a passport, however, is not so easy to replace. Most hotels will likely photocopy your passport upon arrival, but if you’re staying in hostels, with family members, or with a host family, this isn’t guaranteed. You should already keep a separate photocopy in your suitcase, but also ensure before you leave that you have photocopied your own passport and emailed it to yourself. That way, if you do happen to lose your passport and don’t have easy access to your luggage, a copy will be available with internet access and a printer. Do the same with the entire family.
It wouldn’t hurt to also keep file of any important medical records. Keeping a list of medical allergies and prescription drugs in your wallet is smart, but also having an easily accessible file online is even smarter. Phone apps like My Medical can easily store multiple family member’s info at once. Any documents that involve yours or a family member’s health, money (credit cards) or journey home should be kept online.
As much as we may want to unplug ourselves, internet access can be used for extra precaution in foreign-language countries. Ignoring work and family during your vacation is acceptable, but not taking advantage of the benefits the internet can bring to your trip might spell disaster.
