The Connection between Technology and Travel in 2019

To discover how travel is being shaped by technology, continue reading to discover how travel and technology are influencing each other in 2019.

While in the past decade the vast majority of individuals would call a travel agent or use their laptops or desktops in order to book their flights and accommodation, in 2019 over 50% of individuals choose to book their flights and accommodation via their smartphones.

Thanks to social media’s dominance, many individuals, are influenced to choose certain travel destinations and hotels, by well known Instagram personalities and travel bloggers, who frequently post glamorous photos of themselves jet seeing around the world.

In fact, thousands of Instagram personalities and travel bloggers, make a living for themselves online by getting airlines, hotels, and resorts to sponsor their trips around the world.

While in the past, travelers would rely on postcards, quick long distance calls or sporadic emails to keep in touch with their friends and family members, today’s travelers expect to be able to video call or Facebook message their loved ones 24 hours a day.

In fact, most travelers will post multiple photos a day on their social media profiles and it would be impossible to visit any worldwide landmark around the world, without seeing at least a dozen individuals trying to take selfies of themselves.

Most international airports offer free Wi-Fi, which helps travelers stay connected with their friends and family, while they’re waiting for their flights to board.

Furthermore, it’s not uncommon for tour buses that travel in destinations such as Europe, to offer free Wi-Fi.

In 2019, most individuals will check review sites such as JustFly before they choose a hotel, flight or resort and many travelers will use online review sites to look for honest, unbiased reviews on attractions such as museums and adventure tours. The most popular review sites for travelers to find the top-rated restaurants abroad is Yelp.

As many travelers are hesitant to hop into a foreign cab due to the risk of being overcharged by their cab driver, it’s becoming more common for travelers to use ride-sharing apps such as Uber, Lfyt, and Ola to get from a to b. As an example, as soon as you land in a foreign airport, you’ll be able to open up an Uber app, in order to request a competitively priced ride to your chosen hotel.

Many individuals believe it’s safer to pay a driver using Uber or Lyft as drivers are paid through the app and no foreign currency is exchanged. Better yet prices are locked in when an individual hops into their Uber.

As an added benefit all Uber and Lyft drivers around the world have to pass criminal checks before they’re able to start driving clients, so you can rest assured that you’ll be safe if you book an Uber or Lyft ride on your travels.

While in the past most travelers would opt to book their entire trip at a hotel or resort, in 2019 many individuals, especially young professionals choose to book private apartments or houses for the duration of their trip. As it often is far cheaper to rent out an entire apartment or house for a week, than to stay in a hotel for 3 days.

Cost focused travelers who are always on the hunt for bargains are also booking private rooms in houses, to save extra money and to benefit from having a host on hand to answer all of their travel questions. Such as where to catch public transportation and where the best spot is to grab an authentic local meal.

Hopefully, you now have a clear image of how travel in 2019 has been forever changed by recent advancements in technology as well as globalization.