Traveling is one of the most rewarding and exciting activities that humans can do. It allows us to explore new places, cultures, and experiences, and to broaden our horizons and perspectives. However, traveling can also be challenging, stressful, and costly, especially in the modern world where we face various restrictions, uncertainties, and risks.
Fortunately, technology is here to help. In recent years, we have witnessed the emergence and development of various technologies that aim to enhance and simplify the travel experience, and to create new opportunities for travelers and businesses alike. From smart luggage that can weigh itself and track its location, to wearable devices that can monitor our health and provide us with information, to virtual reality that can transport us to any destination in the world, to blockchain that can enable more secure and transparent transactions and rewards, technology is transforming travel in unprecedented ways.
To illustrate how technology is changing the way we travel, let us introduce you to two tech-savvy travelers who use different technologies to make their trips more enjoyable and efficient.
Meet Alice, a solo female traveler who loves adventure and culture
Alice is a 25-year-old freelance graphic designer who works remotely and travels frequently. She loves to visit exotic and off-the-beaten-path destinations, and to immerse herself in the local culture and nature. She is always looking for new and authentic experiences, and she is not afraid to challenge herself and step out of her comfort zone.
Alice uses various technologies to help her plan, book, and enjoy her trips. She uses a smart luggage from Winding Tree, a blockchain-based startup that connects travelers directly with service providers, such as airlines, hotels, and tour guides. Her luggage has a built-in scale, a Bluetooth lock, and a proximity alarm, which allow her to weigh her bag, secure her belongings, and avoid losing her luggage. She also uses the LÍF token, a cryptocurrency that Winding Tree uses to facilitate transactions and rewards on its platform. She can pay for her flights, hotels, and activities with LÍF, and receive discounts and incentives from the service providers.
Technology makes travel easier…
“I embrace tech as a way to make my travels smoother, safer and more enjoyable.”
Alice also uses an Apple Watch, a wearable device that offers a range of features and functions. Her watch syncs with her iPhone and displays her notifications, messages, calls, and apps. She can also use her watch to monitor her health and fitness, and to access various services, such as Apple Pay, Apple Music, and Siri. Her watch also provides her with useful information, such as weather, maps, directions, and translations.
Alice loves to use virtual reality to enhance her travel experience. She uses a VR headset from Realities, a VR travel app that allows her to explore scanned and modeled real-world environments. She can visit places like the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, the infamous Alcatraz prison, or the stunning Grand Canyon, and experience them in a realistic and immersive way. She can also interact with the environment and learn more about its history and culture. She uses VR to prepare for her trips, to revisit her favorite destinations, or to discover new ones.
Meet Bob, a business traveler who values convenience and efficiency
Bob is a 35-year-old sales manager who travels frequently for work. He visits different cities and countries, and meets with clients and partners. He values convenience and efficiency, and he wants to make the most of his time and money. He is always looking for ways to optimize his travel experience and to reduce his stress and hassle.
Bob uses various technologies to help him manage, organize, and enjoy his trips. He uses the TripIt app, a travel organizer that helps him keep track of his travel plans. He can use the app to store and access his flight, hotel, car rental, and other travel-related information. He can also use the app to check his flight status, get directions, find nearby restaurants, and share his itinerary with others. He can also sync his app with his calendar, email, and other apps.
Technology makes travel more efficient…
“Travel tech has come a very long way, it can be your best friend to speed up and streamline your trips..”
Bob also uses a wearable device from Sandblock, a blockchain-based platform that helps users maximize points collected through loyalty programs. His device is a smart ring that stores and manages his loyalty points from various travel-related brands, such as airlines, hotels, car rentals, and restaurants. He can use his device to redeem his points, exchange them for other currencies or services, or donate them to charities. He can also earn more points by completing tasks, surveys, or challenges on the platform.
Bob loves to use blockchain to improve his travel experience. He uses a blockchain-based system from Accenture and the World Economic Forum, called the Known Traveler Digital Identity System. This system collects and hosts information from frequent international travelers, such as passport and identification details, biometric data, travel history, and health records. He can use his system to verify his identity and credentials, and to access faster and smoother border crossings, security checks, and customs procedures. He can also share his information with trusted parties, such as airlines, hotels, and governments, and receive personalized and seamless services.
