Utilize the Technology at Your Fingertips

With technology at our fingertips, literally, keeping your travel plans organized is easier than ever.

With a multitude of different apps available to you, it can be difficult to find the one that fits you best. With these useful tips, tour operator Collette wants to ensure you make the most of what’s available to you via smartphone.

Highly overlooked yet highly important, your Calendar app is perhaps one of the most useful and convenient features you should be utilizing. Not only can you set important event reminders, but with Siri enabled you can add to your calendar just by speaking to your phone, which will save you tons of time.

The iPhone default map is a bit of a tricky one. It certainly runs better with Wi-Fi, which unfortunately isn’t always available, and the excessive use of data can get pricey. If you know you’re leaving your hotel, plug your destination into the app while there then turn off your data—as long as your ‘location services’ remain turn on, your map will work properly.

Another under-utilized app is the Wallet. In one single place you can have your boarding passes, theater tickets, coupons, credit cards and more. While hard copy documents are a plus, the app allows you a peace of mind knowing you have a second option should something happen.

Ride-sharing is bigger and better than ever. Download the international apps Uber and Lyft—request a ride from your destination, see which type of car to watch for and who’s driving, pay directly within the app and generally just wait minutes for your ride to arrive.

Nowadays, it’s easy to avoid those long-distance charges you generally acquire while keeping in touch with friends and family back home. When available, turn off your cell phone data and use Wi-Fi to make calls via WhatsApp, Skype, FaceTime and more.

Technology is meant to make your life easier, not complicate it. There's so much out there to ensure your travels are a breeze.

For more information on Collette, check out their website here.