When you’re deciding what gift to give a frequent traveler, it can be hard to choose, since there are so many options. It’s even more complicated when you’re looking for a present for a tech-savvy traveler. From professional waterproof cameras to security-focused wallets, there are lots of options that will impress. Here, we explore four of the best. Olloclip 4-in-1 LenSThose who travel often, especially for leisure, inevitably take a lot of pictures, and sometimes the standard smartphone camera isn’t enough on its own to capture stunning shots of landmarks, outdoor landscapes, and all the other scenes that travelers encounter on vacation. Enter the Olloclip 4-in-1 Lens. This award-winning lens is designed to be used with the iPhone 6/6s and iPhone 6/6s Plus, and each lens is easy to access with the simple, quick-change lens system. It’s the perfect size to take on a trip and is capable of cool effects that mimic professional, more expensive cameras. The lightweight 4-in-1 lens makes the iPhone’s sophisticated camera even better by offering features such as a wide-angle lens that’s perfect for panoramic photos or large group shots. The Olloclip 4-in-1 Lens also comes with a 10x and 15x macro lens and a fisheye lens to frame the most unique, creative shots. The product retails for $80. Booq Boa Squeeze BagWhen traveling, especially with children or a group of people, standard backpacks and carry-on luggage leave a lot to be desired. The Booq Boa Squeeze Bag takes the standard backpack to another level by combining compact design with ample space for all of your travel accessories. The bag includes roomy pockets on both sides, a pocket built into the top flap, and two smaller zippered pockets on the outside. The bag boasts sturdy construction from 1680 denier ballistic nylon and not only holds smaller items, but is also large enough to accommodate a 15-inch laptop. The laptop compartment features a soft interior to guard against scratches, and the back of the bag is padded for the ultimate in comfort. Speaking of comfort, the Booq Boa Squeeze Bag is exceptionally light considering all that it can hold—it weighs in at less than three pounds. It’s also water-resistant, so going sightseeing in inclement weather won’t ruin its contents. The Booq Boa Squeeze Bag retails for about $130. GoPro Hero Series Travelers who prefer a professional-grade camera over their smartphone camera will most likely have their eye on the GoPro HERO Series of cameras. The GoPro HERO Series goes beyond novice-level cameras, delivering crystal-clear images with 4K video resolution, a linear field of view, and a variety of professional camera features. One notable model in the GoPro HERO Series is the GoPro HERO5, which was released in late 2016. The HERO5 followed the very popular HERO4, and it is described as the most powerful GoPro camera ever offered. It features voice control, one-button use, and two-inch touchscreen displays. It’s even waterproof. This camera is perfect for the variety of lighting and outdoor conditions travelers are likely to encounter. Additionally, the HERO5 features on-board settings that allow the user to replay recently taken photos and edit pictures right on the camera. All GoPro HERO Series cameras can be used in conjunction with optional accessories and are compatible with a GoPro Plus subscription, which allows users to upload photos and videos directly to the GoPro cloud service. The GoPro HERO5 starts at $300. RFID WalletsFor those who travel often, security is a top concern. From the airport to popular tourist attractions, keeping your passport, driver’s license, and credit and debit cards safe from thieves is a priority. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) wallets provide a higher level of safety by blocking the credit card scanning devices that criminals use. RFID wallets come in a range of sizes, shapes, and styles, and there are even RFID sleeves that can fit into any wallet you may already own.
While most RFID wallets claim to do the same thing—protect your cards from thieves—not all RFID wallets offer the same protection. It’s best to do your research and read reviews because some wallets do not block RFID effectively at all. Others may be effective at blocking RFID scanners, but they can also be less durable and they may have to be replaced more often. RFID wallets range in price from $20 to almost $100, depending on the brand. This is just a sample of some of the most exciting gifts for the tech-savvy traveler. Consider the types of trips the traveler makes most often to help narrow down the most appropriate tech gift. With a little thought and some research, you’ll be able to select a gift that the recipient will love. In the past few decades, technology and travel have become intertwined in some pretty amazing ways. Offering the ability to book flights from your smartphone and to take advantage of gadgets that make traveling easier, technology has penetrated nearly every aspect of the travel experience. While travel has seen its share of technological advancements, hotel accommodations have largely gone untouched. A few hotels have begun to integrate technology into their guest rooms, providing the most comfortable and high-tech experience possible. M-Beta by MarriottRecently, the Marriott hotel chain introduced its M-Beta concept hotel in Charlotte, North Carolina. The redesigned M-Beta hotel is designed to cater to consumers based on their feedback, and guests are encouraged to use special touchpads located throughout the hotel. The technology allows guests to enter their rooms without a key, to customize workouts in the fitness studio, and to engage in various activities throughout the hotel. Guests are not required to go through the traditional check-in process, which often involves standing in long lines and verifying credit card details. Instead, guests are met at a specific location in the lobby or even curbside—and checked in by a hotel representative. Robotic Butlers
New York’s Yotel features a Yobot designed to make luggage transport easier than ever. Guests can simply put their luggage into one of the bins, enter a unique PIN provided at check-in, and Yobot will then transport and store the luggage. When guests want to retrieve their luggage, they can scan their receipt and re-enter their PIN. In California, the Aloft hotel chain recently unveiled a robot butler at its Cupertino location. The robotic butler brings requested items to guest rooms, including toiletries, items ordered from room service, and even towels as guests lounge by the pool. Botlr is available to guests 24/7, and requests can be made directly from your smartphone. Smartphone and iPad Integration
A few hotel chains are taking this technology a step further and using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. This technology is being used in Paris hotels—Pullman Paris Bercy and Hotel Sofitel Le Faubourg—to allow guests to use their smartphones to wirelessly access their rooms. Instead of fumbling with a key card, guests can hold their RFID-enabled phone near the entrance to gain access. While US hotels are not currently using RFID, many are beginning to the incorporate technology into their menu of services. For example, The Plaza Hotel in New York provides complimentary iPads to guests, allowing them to control the room temperature, lighting, drapes, and a variety of other electronics in their room. The iPads also offer a way for guests to learn more about the surrounding area and even give them the ability to book reservations at local restaurants and other attractions. Infrared TechnologyIf you’ve ever stayed in a hotel, then you probably know how intrusive it can be when housekeeping arrives. Sometimes the hotel staff comes in unannounced, which is not only inconvenient, but can be downright embarrassing. A Seattle hotel is seeking to prevent this from happening through the use of infrared technology. Hotel 1000 activates infrared sensors when hotel staff rings the doorbell of a guest’s suite. The infrared sensors automatically detect body heat, so staff will know whether it’s safe to enter the room. In addition to its ability to help maintain guests’ privacy, infrared technology is used in the hotel’s virtual golf course in order to help guests connect with international virtual golf courses. What the Future Holds Since technology is becoming so prevalent in the homes of consumers, it’s only right that hotels step up and use the latest technology to satisfy guests and improve their operations. Hotels in all parts of the world are trying their hand at technological integration, from fingerprint room access to retinal scans to secure transactions and entry into exclusive parts of the hotel.
Technology continues to grow at a rapid pace, and things we only once saw in the movies are becoming a part of our reality. As time goes on, we are likely to see niche innovations spread into the mainstream, making travel and vacation simpler and more high-tech than ever before. Traveling can be fun and exciting, but it sometimes comes with a few annoyances. From lost items to safety in unfamiliar territory, sometimes the smallest detail will be the difference between a great trip and one filled with unexpected problems. Here, we’ll discuss the best tech innovations designed to make traveling a little bit easier. Micro Luggage Frequent business and leisure travelers may find themselves in a hurry as they make their way through the airport, which is why you often see people sprinting in order to board their flights. The 3-wheeled luggage scooter by Micro Luggage is a TSA-approved carry-on that features an integrated kickboard. This kickboard enables the user to easily fold it for storage in overhead bins, then flip it down for immediate use as a scooter in the airport. Designed by iconic luggage manufacturer Samsonite, the Micro Luggage scooter is sturdy, lightweight, and features enough compartments to hold all of your essentials. Micro Luggage retails for $299 and can be purchased on the microkickboard.com website. Similar items by other manufacturers include the Modobag, which allows users to sit atop their luggage and ride it through the airport. LifeStraw Go Water Purifying BottleFor those who travel internationally or who enjoy nature-focused excursions, finding sufficient amounts of safe drinking water can be a challenge. The LifeStraw Purifying bottle solves this issue with its refillable water bottle that is designed to remove 99.9 percent of harmful bacteria. The two-stage filtration technology can purify water from multiple sources, including streams, tap water, and even puddles. To use, simply fill the bottle with water, tighten the lid, and sip through the included straw. The LifeStraw Go Water Purifying Bottle meets EPA standards for drinking water and is lightweight and BPA-free. The bottle holds 22 ounces and can filter about 264 gallons of water before needing a filter replacement. The LifeStraw Go Water Purifying Bottle retails for $35. Pacsafe Venturesafe 25L GII Anti-Theft BackpackTraveling into unfamiliar territory with backpacks and other items that identify you as a tourist may jeopardize your safety. Locals may see you as vulnerable, making you more likely to be a target for theft or other forms of victimization. The Pacsafe Venturesafe 25L GII Anti-Theft Backpack is a lightweight, yet sturdy backpack that has built-in wire mesh, which helps avoid rips and tears that could give a thief access to your belongings. The Carrysafe® Slashguard Straps prevent thieves from cutting your straps and running off with your valuables. Additionally, this backpack features radio frequency identification (RFID) blocking technology. This blocks signals from credit card scanners, keeping your personal information safe. The Pacsafe Venturesafe 25L GII Anti-Theft Backpack is large enough to carry a 15-inch laptop and has ample space for hiking gear, yet is small enough to be used as a carry-on during flight. The Pacsafe Venturesafe 25L GII Anti-Theft Backpack retails for $120. The Tile Theft is not the only worry when going on a trip; losing items is also a huge issue as well. From luggage to keys to electronics, Americans lose an average of $5,591 worth of items in their lifetimes. Those who travel often may lose even more and should seriously consider using a Bluetooth tracking device such as The Tile. This handy little device can be placed practically anywhere and can be tracked through a smartphone app to determine its exact location within a 100-foot radius. Not only is this helpful when at home for finding keys, it can be a lifesaver when traveling. The Tile app runs in the background and constantly updates the location of your item, so if it goes missing, you will have some idea of where to start looking. The Tile will emit a sound as well, which will ring loudly until you locate the lost item. So far, The Tile has sold 6 million units and retails for $25. Sandless Beach MatFor those who frequent tropical destinations and enjoy spending time on the beach, sand can be a major issue. Towels are often inadequate beach mats, as they aren’t very effective at keeping sand at bay.
The Sandless Beach Mat solves this problem with revolutionary technology that was born out of material used by the military to keep debris off helipads. Makers of the Sandless Beach Mat assert that it is impossible to cover the mat with sand, thus making for a great day at the beach. Vacationers can enjoy sunbathing, reading, and a host of other activities without being interrupted by sand, water, or wind. The mat even comes with D-rings on each corner that can be used with ground stakes to minimize movement. The Sandless Beach Mat retails for $70. Technology has revolutionized how we travel, and these items continue that trend. Whether you travel out of necessity or for fun, having items that make life easier and give you peace of mind will make your next trip even more memorable. TSA PreCheck is a program created by the Department of Homeland Security with the goal of getting low-risk travelers through airport security checkpoints faster. The program has been in existence since 2011 and currently has more than 3 million members. The TSA PreCheck program hopes to have 25 million travelers enrolled by the year 2019. To enroll, you must submit an application, complete an in-person appointment, pass a background check, and submit fingerprints. PreCheck accepts US citizens and permanent residents. A similar program, Global Entry, allows for expedited customs clearance for low-risk travelers when they arrive in the US. Besides US citizens and permanent residents, citizens of the UK, Germany, South Korea, and a few other countries may apply for Global Entry clearance. Previously, PreCheck was completely free, but its popularity has expanded and there’s now a fee. For domestic travel, PreCheck applicants are required to pay an $85 fee. Applicants who plan to travel internationally can opt for the Global Entry program for an additional $15, bringing the total to $100. Both PreCheck and Global Entry are valid for five years. One reason PreCheck is no longer free is due to the sheer volume of travelers considered “low risk.” When the program first began, about 45 percent of travelers fit into the low-risk category, which resulted in congestion and processing times that weren’t much different than standard security lines. The $85 application fee also covers the expense of processing applicants’ background and clearance checks, operating and staffing enrollment centers, and maintaining the technology required to make the PreCheck program run smoothly. TSA PreCheck is a great option for frequent travelers, and business travelers can benefit greatly from the program. Benefits of PreCheck The biggest advantage of the PreCheck program is the speed with which travelers can pass through airport security checkpoints. In July 2016, for example, 97% of PreCheck passengers waited 5 minutes or less in security, according to the program’s website. Additionally, PreCheck passengers can keep on their shoes, jackets, and belts when passing through security, and laptops can remain in their cases. Being a member of the PreCheck program will give you a little more wiggle room when getting to the airport, which can be invaluable in times of heavy traffic or other circumstances that may delay your arrival. If you opt for the Global Entry program, you’ll also be able to make it through customs much quicker when flying internationally. If you’ve ever flown internationally, you understand what a pain the process can be. With Global Entry, passengers simply check in at automated kiosks, rather than waiting in line to fill out paperwork or speak with a customs agent. Many Ways to Sign UpMorphoTrust, a private company, has partnered with TSA to market the PreCheck program and get more people to sign up for it, in order to meet the agency’s aggressive goal of having 25 million PreCheck passengers by 2019. The company set up PreCheck enrollment centers at H&R Block locations across the country. These enrollment centers were set up in nearly 30 states, and MorphoTrust plans to expand locations in the coming tax season. Additionally, PreCheck enrollment sites have popped up in Virginia at various Department of Motor Vehicle offices. MorphoTrust has also established temporary PreCheck enrollment centers at conferences and conventions—which is fitting, as many attendees likely have to fly to reach these events. The company also reached an agreement with concert promoter Live Nation to sign up travelers at music festivals. Those who apply for PreCheck at Live Nation events and pass the required checks will receive fast passes to breeze through security lines at concerts, in addition to PreCheck enrollment. What Do You Need to Apply?Applying for the PreCheck program is relatively simple. For domestic travel, applicants must present photo identification as well as the necessary documentation outlined on the TSA PreCheck website. For the Global Entry program, applicants must present a US passport or permanent resident card, and the applicant cannot be in violation of any customs and immigration laws. The PreCheck website goes into great detail about eligibility requirements so that applicants can know their chances of approval prior to visiting a PreCheck enrollment center. In the event you are not approved for the program, the application fee is nonrefundable. That’s why it is important to understand the requirements prior to applying and paying the fee.
Though it may seem as if you get special treatment with PreCheck, acceptance to the program does not guarantee that you will be able to use a PreCheck line at an airport. PreCheck is available at 180 airports and 19 airlines participate in the program, including major US carriers American Airlines, Delta, United, Southwest, and Alaska. However, not every airport and airline is a PreCheck participant, including many large international carriers. Before traveling, be sure to check the TSA website to ensure that the airport you’re using is indeed part of the program. People are increasingly using websites to book travel and are relying more on mobile applications to keep their travel arrangements organized, document their vacations, and plan their itineraries. As a result, travel agencies have seen a decline in business and customers due to the fact that traveling has become so easily accessible and affordable. Virtual reality has also emerged on the scene in recent years, and what was at first the “cool thing” to do became something those working in the travel industry could use to their advantage. Travel agencies and others in the industry have tapped into the potential of virtual reality, realizing they could offer customers a unique glimpse into destinations and other travel-related environments. VR Shows Huge Potential for Travelers and Industry Leaders Many people use virtual technology regularly when utilizing Google’s Street View, which gives users a unique look at exactly where they’re going while they’re still in the planning stage. Virtual reality hardware takes it a step further, allowing users to have a 3-D or 4-D view that will allow them to see locations anywhere as if they were really there. Virtual reality is more than just watching a video; the idea is to have users feel as if they are immersed in the area - able to clearly hear the sounds and see the sights that make up their favorite destinations. Travel agents understand just how powerful this experience can be. They also realize that it can mean the difference between potential customers deciding to book a trip or not going to a destination at all. Examples of VR in the MarketplaceThough virtual reality is still relatively new to the marketplace, there are a few innovative virtual reality devices and experiences already available to consumers. German airline Lufthansa has created an interactive LH virtual reality experience that allows users to sit in a seat with a video game-like joystick. The experience is designed to allow users to feel as if they’re sitting in LH business-class, interacting with other passengers and the flight crew. Users are treated to several different scenes, including boarding the plane and being served food. Depending upon your location, the joystick feels like physical object, like a drink in your hand. The hotel brand Marriott has also developed its first-ever virtual reality travel experience, Oculus. With a 4-D journey that is able to virtually transport people to any destination in the world in as little as 90 seconds, Marriott’s Oculus is an exciting addition to virtual reality. YouVisit allows companies to create realistic 360-degree views of real-world destinations, hotels, and cruises, giving customers a chance to experience virtual reality online. YouVisit creates these exciting virtual reality videos, mainly for those in the travel industry, in order to give potential travelers an immersive preview of their desired destination. So far, YouVisit has been able to help thousands of companies in the travel industry increase their conversion rates by more than 13 percent. Benefits of VR for Travelers Although virtual reality is definitely a boon for those working in the travel industry, it is also an exciting technology for avid travelers as well. Once a traveler is able to experience a destination in the virtual world, they become immersed in the culture and sights, which inspires actual travel plans. In terms of airlines, virtual reality devices can help a person select a seat or evaluate accommodations prior to booking. This can be especially helpful for business travelers, who often would like to know where airport business lounges are located and what amenities are provided in case they need to work or relax during a long layover. Business travelers also use virtual reality technology to tour conference centers and get a preview of conferencing and meeting rooms prior to closing a huge deal. For leisure travelers, virtual reality can help them explore restaurants by showing them their exact table prior to making a reservation, viewing a chef hard at work in the kitchen, and even demonstrating a restaurant’s most popular dishes. The Future of VRDespite the fact that virtual reality technology is very exciting for both travelers and those working in the travel industry, it cannot replace real-world travel. However, virtual reality may completely change how we view travel and serve to inspire new vacations and experiences.
The possibilities are nearly limitless for virtual reality. Some of the users that are likely going forward include airlines, hotels, and car rental companies as well as local restaurants. Some feel that virtual reality is only for millennials who are obsessed with technology, but research in the industry has indicated that there are no age barriers when it comes to virtual reality’s appeal to travelers of all types. Even those who aren’t technologically savvy can appreciate being immersed in an exotic destination. Google developers spent over two years trying to figure out how to improve Google travel products, and this research eventually led to the creation of Google Trips. Google Trips is designed to make the travel-planning process effortless, thanks to robust organization and trip suggestion features for full and half-day excursions, as well as Google Maps integration. What is Google Trips?The main purpose of Google Trips is to help users plan and manage their travel itineraries. From popular local attractions to hotel reservations, users can access all the information within Google Trips without having to bounce around to a bunch of different apps. Not only does Google Trips store the restaurants, hotels, and attractions that you find yourself, the app also makes suggestions based on your interests and location. These suggestions include the most popular itineraries used by other Google Trips users and data gleaned from other travelers who have visited the same area. The app creates separate tabs for each city you plan to visit, so you can search for activities, save places, and see all your reservations for each stop on your trip. Within each tab, there are further tabs for each day of your vacation, which makes it easy to plan daily itineraries. Google Trips can be linked to your personal Gmail account, and it can aggregate all of your airline reservations and travel information, as well as automatically suggest activities and plans based on that information. In addition, Google Trips uses Google Maps technology to find more interesting things to do near each destination on your trip. Additionally, all travel information stored in Google Trips is easily accessible, since it can be downloaded for offline viewing later. All of Google’s mobile apps work in unison to make Google Trips a powerful planning tool. Clever itinerary featuresThe Automated Itinerary feature allows users to let Google do much of their vacation planning. If you find yourself overwhelmed by planning your own trips, keeping everything organized, or coordinating plans with other travelers, this will be a welcome and refreshing change. The app gives users plenty of options, including popular attractions to explore. If you’re not impressed with the initial itinerary, a simple tap of the Google Trips Magic Wand will provide another list of suggestions by automatically updating with other nearby attractions. Another helpful planning feature is Getting Around Town. This tab allows users to view their various transportation options, and the estimated cost of each option is included as well. The Need to Know tab allows users to learn more about how to navigate a particular city and includes information on the local currency, major shops and stores, and popular restaurants. These suggestions are tailored to the length of your vacation, as well as any information that you may have saved prior on another Google app, such as Gmail or Google Glass. If you want a specific focus for your trip—such as restaurants, museums, or historic sites—Google Trips can customize your itinerary accordingly. Room for improvemenT While Google Trips is certainly a robust travel-planning app, the app still lacks a few features. The most obvious omission is the lack of weather data integrated into the app. Weather conditions often dictate your activities when you’re traveling, so it would be helpful if local forecasts were included. As it is, users will have to rely on another app for this.
Another drawback of Google Trips is that it does not cater to business travelers in the same way as other platforms, such as TripIt. Google Trips only pulls data from Gmail accounts—so any trip information you have stored in a non-Gmail corporate email account must be forwarded to your person Gmail account if you want it included in your Google Trips itinerary. This can be a tedious step that some travelers may not want to bother with. Early testers of Google Trips also reported a few anomalies within the app. At certain times, Google Trips did not properly download data from the testers’ Gmail accounts, in which case they had to manually create a trip within the app. For those who download the Google Trips app specifically for the purpose of effortless trip planning, having to manually create your trip may be enough to cause them to abandon the app. Privacy may also be a concern, especially in the day and age of technology being used to access people’s personal information for all the wrong reasons. Those who are concerned about Google Trips’ access to their Gmail account or GPS tracking of their comings and goings may be hesitant to use the app. Google Trips is available as a free download for both iPhone and Android devices, and the app is a good starting point for those who value a low-cost, easy-to-navigate app. It will be interesting to see how Google Trips evolves over time and whether the app sees widespread adoption. In the last few years, a plethora of new travel tech apps have appeared. While these tools are effective for some, most travelers find it easier to keep all their plans in one centralized location. One way to do this is to use Evernote. You may have already heard of Evernote, and you may even use it as your main note-taking app. Many people use this feature-packed software for daily activities such as keeping notes organized, storing recipes, or keeping track of work obligations. Given the fact that Evernote has about 200 million users worldwide, its clearly the most popular app for these functions. However, if you travel frequently, Evernote is especially useful for organizing your travel plans. Evernote allows you to save anything you see on the web directly to the app, thus avoiding the lengthy process of copying and pasting content. Leisure and business travelers alike can save information in one central location that users can access from practically anywhere. Working with Photos and Videos Evernote is especially useful for documenting your travels. You can use audio dictation to add comments to pictures or videos, and you can even insert text as you are recording. If you are using your phone’s camera app, you can share photos and videos directly to the Evernote app and embed them within a note. If you need to edit video, you should do this in another app before sending it over to Evernote. However, Evernote does feature editing capabilities for photos, including cropping, inserting text, handwriting, and more. Collaborating When traveling with a group, organizing travel plans can be challenging. Evernote can help by getting everyone on the same page—literally. With several ways to share online notes, Evernote allows various users to add information, web clips and a host of other media for the entire group to see. Users browsing the Internet for travel ideas can take advantage of the Evernote Web Clipper extension. This small icon in your compatible browser allows you to save webpages to Evernote with a simple click. Tagging is a great feature that helps Evernote users find exactly what they’re looking for. If you’re an avid user and have several notebooks, tagging notes can save a great deal of time versus scrolling and checking each notebook for something specific. To tag, simply tap the tag field within the app and enter descriptive words, such as “restaurants in Los Angeles” or “flights to Puerto Rico,” separated by a space. If there are words or phrases that will help you or other group members identify a particular note, be sure to add these too. Making Checklists One of Evernote’s strongest features is how easy it is to make detailed checklists using the app. Travelers can use these checklists to organize their packing lists. Once you make a packing list, you can save it and customize it multiple times. If you are collaborating with other users, they can also upload and edit notes to give you more ideas or help you remember to bring certain items. You can even integrate pertinent info into your checklists by adding TSA rules, medical information, and special items needed for international travel. Storing Travel InformatioN Traveling is often more involved than just booking a flight then showing up to the airport. For example, if you’re renting a car at your destination, you can easily save the confirmation page directly to Evernote. Once you reach the rental counter, your booking details, including a copy of the rental terms and conditions, will be at your fingertips if you run into any problems. You can also save hotel information, such as pictures of the property and surrounding points of interest. It’s also a good idea to save directions to your destination if, for some reason, you are unable to use GPS navigation.
Should you misplace passports, boarding passes or TSA Precheck information in transit, you will be glad you backed them up to Evernote. Just be sure to delete these items from Evernote once you return home. Some people are uncomfortable storing this data long term. Premium users can also take advantage of Evernote’s offline capabilities. This is a handy feature, particularly if you find yourself with no Internet access. Often, a weak cellular signal can be a major issue if you travel outside of a major metropolitan area or if you are traveling internationally with a non-compatible device. Though you need to be connected to the Internet for initial setup, enabling offline access can be a lifesaver. Evernote is available as an application for computers running Windows or Mac OS X operating systems. You can also access it via a web interface. In addition, Evernote is available as a free download for Apple and Android mobile devices. Evernote Premium pricing varies depending on whether you select a monthly or an annual subscription. Remote work is not tracked by the Census Bureau or any other government agency, but Global Workforce Analytics estimates that half of the US workforce currently holds a position that would be compatible with telecommuting. Additionally, 20 to 25 percent of the workforce already telecommutes works at least some of the time. The study also found that up to 90 percent of the workforce is interested in working remotely on a part-time basis. Many Fortune 1000 companies have seen the benefits of allowing their employees to do this, and more companies are expected to get on board in coming years. A few travel-based remote work organizations are capitalizing on this technological trend and are looking to free employees from simply working from home by providing opportunities to go to work from practically anywhere in the world. Remote YearOne of the first vacation and telework hybrid organizations to come onto the scene is the startup Remote Year. Comprised of groups of 75, Remote Year takes participants to various places around the world who spend a year working, traveling, and discovering international cities. Frequent travelers may be particularly drawn to what Remote Year offers, as participants move to a different city and country each month. Remote Year provides participants with private rooms, transportation, and co-working spaces as well as access to networking. Remote Year participants have visited a multitude of cities all over the world, including Kuala Lumpur, London, Buenos Aries, Mexico City, and a host of other interesting and popular destinations. Those who wish to participate in Remote Year are encouraged to apply early and indicate their preferred destinations, working hours, and times zones. Selected applicants will then be scheduled to meet with an interviewer in order to be matched with the best program available. To participate in the program, Remote Year applicants are required to make a down payment of $5000 and pay an additional $2000 dollars per month for the first 11 months. These payments specifically cover workspaces, living arrangements, and travel. Although each program is predetermined, the small group size makes it easy to make tweaks between the various programs. We Roam We Roam is a working travel opportunity that takes groups of five to 200 remote workers to various destinations all over the globe. Much like Remote Year, We Roam allows professionals to stay in a new city each month while the We Roam staff take care of the various accommodations, workspaces, and travel arrangements included in the trips. We Roam programs last either six or 12 months and have locations in Europe, South America, and Asia. Down payments start at $3000 for the six-month program and $5000 for the 12-month program, and each program has a fixed monthly cost of $2000. According to the We Roam website, the selection process is exclusive and groups tend to be matched based on professional preferences as well as desired destinations. The goal of We Roam is to allow professionals to travel the world without bringing their careers to a halt, and the company works diligently to make the process as smooth as possible. The company works closely with businesses in order to facilitate travel-work arrangements for employees and help business owners discover the multiple benefits of staying competitive in the labor market by offering remote work solutions to their employees. We Roam is currently accepting applications for trips beginning in January 2017. Project GatewayProject Gateway provides four weeks of working travel for entrepreneurs. The Project Gateway program includes access to social events and networking opportunities, and three daily meals are provided in addition to co-working spaces, laundry access, and even spa services.
Programs last for only one month and are limited to one location in Bali. The cost ranges from $2800 to $4350 per month, and this is based on whether your room has double occupancy or is a private room. The Project Gateway website goes into great detail about pricing and what each option includes. Project Gateway has successfully held prior events in Bali and attributes its success to the fact that this is one of the best locations for independent entrepreneurs and business owners. This short program allows these entrepreneurs to immerse themselves in the culture and foster a sense of community. Project Gateway’s network is increasing with each class that completes the program, and its alumni often meet independent of Project Gateway-sponsored events. This allows entrepreneurs to stay connected long after their remote work experience has come to an end. Technology has made nearly everything we do not only easier, but also accessible anywhere with an internet connection. It will be interesting to see how the trend of working while living abroad will continue to develop. If the performance of these remote work programs is any indication, it is likely to become a more widely-accepted phenomenon. Sightseeing is one of the best things about traveling, and for some, traveling for the purpose of taking is pictures is a professional necessity. With smartphones being the small computers they are, it’s easier than ever to put professional-quality tools at your fingertips. From capturing to sharing to editing, these photography apps allow travelers the freedom of powerful technology to make their photos better than ever. Darkroom For photo editing, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better all-around app than Darkroom. The standard version of the app is available as a free download for iOS devices only. The developers of Darkroom boast of its ease of use, and user reviews echo this sentiment. The professional version of Darkroom - aptly named Pro-Kit - app allows users to create custom filters and use the Colors and Tones tools, all of which can be integrated into your Instagram account for one-of-a-kind pictures. One of the Pro-Kit’s standout features is Curves, which gives users more control over exposure levels compared to standard smartphone camera apps. The Pro-Kit is available as an in-app purchase for $5.99. In addition to custom filters, the Darkroom Pro-Kit allows users to edit directly in the app’s interface without the annoyance of importing photos. This saves time and makes taking vacation pics less time-consuming. Users can also access custom color adjustment features that aren’t available on most of today’s smartphones. 645 Pro Mk IIIDSLR cameras continue to be popular among travelers thanks to their ability to produce professional-looking photos. However, for professionals or even amateur photographers, carrying a camera in addition to your smartphone can be cumbersome, especially when traveling. 645 Pro Mk III is a powerful app designed to use your phone’s rear-facing camera thanks to its high resolution, and the controls include everything from development status to meter mode. The wide variety of controls are located right on the screen, making use of the app an intuitive process. In addition, the app offers many other features, including, but not limited to, white balance, auto-focus, histogram data, and various flash settings. The app works in both portrait and landscape mode for maximum versatility. The 645 Pro Mk III is only available for iPhone at a price of $3.99. A similar app for Android devices is Camera FV-5, which is available in the Google Play Store for $3.95. Motion StillsIf you have ever had the desire to turn a still photo into an animated GIF, look no further than Motion Stills. While there are a lot of photo looping apps available, Motion Stills takes things a bit further thanks to its stabilization technology. Not only can users loop a single Apple Live Photo, they can tie several looped photos together for the purpose of making mini-movies. This is a particularly useful feature when sightseeing and capturing panoramic photos of nature, such as moving water or a sunset. The Motion Stills app was created by Google and is also available for iOS devices. TouchRetouchMost smartphone users have become accustomed to the filtering and retouching features available in their phone’s factory camera app, but there are limitations to what standard camera apps can do. TouchRetouch fills the gap. If you’ve ever taken an epic photo only to realize an object was captured that essentially ruins the picture, TouchRetouch allows you to remove the unwanted item with a simple finger swipe. This is a useful feature for travelers, as it allows you to keep photos that are otherwise great and keeps you from having to retake pictures. If you find yourself on a sightseeing tour and cannot easily get back to retake a photo, TouchRetouch will definitely come in handy. TouchRetouch is available for both iOS and Android for $1.99. The app is also available for Windows-based phones in the Microsoft App Store for $1.49. SnapseeDThe great thing about Instagram is that you can chronicle your trip in photos while simultaneously sharing to your social media followers. If you’ve ever wished you could take Instagram photos in landscape mode, Snapseed is the answer you’ve been searching for. Snapseed not only enables you to take pictures or film videos in landscape mode, the app also includes preset filters that can be selected based on what effect you desire. In addition, Snapseed comes with a variety of editing tools that can be saved for future use, making the process of taking amazing vacation photos even easier. Snapseed is available for iOS and Android devices as a free download. As the adage goes, the best camera is the one you have with you, and technology has enabled us to have a camera available practically everywhere we go. Using theses apps will save space and eliminate the need to carry multiple devices while reducing the risk of losing an expensive camera that you may only use infrequently. With these apps, you’re guaranteed to take travel photos that are very close to professional-grade. Traveling can be exciting and stressful at the same time. Technology has touched nearly every part of our world, and these essential travel apps are a testament to that. From TSA wait time estimates to language translation apps, leisure and business travelers alike will find these travel apps extremely useful for future trips. Travelmath Trip CalculatorOrganizing a trip can be a daunting task, and once you add the trouble of calculating distance and cost, it can be downright annoying. The Travelmath Trip Calculator takes the frustration out of trip planning by providing a breakdown of your trip by cost, distance, or travel time. Simply input in your starting location and your destination, and Travelmath will give you detailed calculations - whether you’re flying or driving for your trip. Each trip can be broken down by number of miles, estimated total trip time, and nearby cities and attractions. Driving trips even include the projected cost to drive to your destination. Travelmath Trip Calculator is available as a free download for both Android and Apple devices. MyTSAAnyone who has traveled has probably wondered what is permitted onboard an aircraft. While doing an internet search may yield conflicting answers, using the MyTSA app will give travelers definitive answers straight from the source. Created by the US Department of Homeland Security, the MyTSA app helps travelers with common questions and provides important updates about TSA security lines and airport status updates. The app also provides information on the TSA Precheck program, which enables travelers to avoid long lines and get through security checkpoints faster. iTranslateFor those traveling abroad, learning the language ahead of time may prove to be challenging. If you find yourself traveling internationally, an app like iTranslate will be invaluable for helping you communicate in a new and unfamiliar place. To use the app, simply start speaking into your device. The iTranslate app will instantly translate your words into the chosen language. The app functions offline for some language pairings, which comes in handy when you’re in an area with a weak or non-existent cellular signal or want to avoid roaming charges. iTranslate puts over 90 languages at your fingertips and is considered one of the foremost translation apps on the market. iTranslate is available for free for both Android and iOS devices. LogMeIn It has probably happened to all of us at one time or another - we’ve forgotten an important document that’s only available on our home or work desktop computer. In the past, travelers would have been out of luck. This could present huge problems, especially for work-related travel. LogMeIn saves the day with a way for users to access files from anywhere there’s an internet connection. In addition, LogMeIn features LastPass access in case you can’t remember important passwords needed to access files or programs remotely. A 14-day free trial is available with no credit card needed at sign up. All LogMeIn packages feature 1 TB of file storage, support for multiple monitors, unlimited users, remote printing, one LastPass license, and remote access. Power user and small business plans include additional LastPass licenses. Wi-Fi FinderFinding Wi-Fi on the go may be a challenge, particularly when you’re not familiar with the area. Hotel Wi-Fi is not always free or may have device limits, and local establishments may require a purchase to access their Wi-Fi networks. However, free Wi-Fi is usually not far away, and Wi-Fi Finder helps traveler find the nearest free Wi-Fi hotspots. The service works in both domestic and international locations, and it’s the perfect way to save money while exploring a new city. Wi-Fi Finder is available in the Google Play store for Android devices. For other operating systems, including iOS and Windows Phone, there are many similar apps available. OptionsAwayEver see a fare or vacation price that’s a great deal, but you’re short on cash or unsure of if you really want to book? If you don’t want to miss out on low prices, OptionsAway allows travelers to lock in a good price for a fee ranging from $4 to $45. OptionsAway gives travelers flexibility in their trip planning process by locking in prices. OptionsAway partners with popular travel sites including Orbitz, Expedia, and Travelocity using a feature called TripLocks. TripLocks are available for select destinations and allow users to place a hold on the trip of their choice. For airfare, fare prices can be reserved for up to 21 days. Whether you are flying or driving as a business traveler or a leisure vacationer, these apps will help take the frustration out of planning a trip and provide peace of mind while you’re away from home. These apps not only save time, they put powerful features right at your fingertips. |
AuthorBruce Eaton is the president and chief executive officer of i2 Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a hit discovery and lead optimization technology provider serving clients in the pharmaceutical industry. Categories
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