Can we be a connected traveler?

Can we be a connected traveler?

connected travelerStaying connected while traveling is almost a matter of course for globetrotters. With the current performance of multimedia devices and the widespread presence of the Internet, it becomes easy to keep in touch with loved ones. How to distinguish between things and better orient your choice in the face of the profusion of multimedia tools when travelling?

 

The phone

 

Pure product of recent technological innovations, the mobile phone, and in particular the smartphone, is increasingly becoming part of travellers' bags. However, holidays are made for unwinding and relaxing, sometimes leaving your phone at home is the best way to enjoy the moment.

 

In some less developed countries, the sight of your device may tempt thieves to rob you or even hurt you to get hold of the device. In addition, the cost of a call or navigation with a French card can quickly weigh down your budget, not to mention that the device discharges easily and that it is not always easy to find electricity in full nature.

 

On the other hand, thanks to the development of various applications , the smartphone makes it possible to communicate with loved ones at a lower cost and without much difficulty. It often includes a GPS, which is very useful for not getting lost, not to mention the functionalities giving the possibility of reserving a hotel room or finding a good restaurant.

 

In most major cities, especially in hotels, restaurants and many public areas, there are free WiFi hotspots. The smartphone then allows you to read your emails or listen to your favorite music, without having to bother with an MP3 player. Similarly, it can replace the camera by taking good resolution pictures that can be posted on social networks.

 

If you decide to take a phone on a trip, you can, to reduce the risk of theft while remaining reachable for family and friends, you can invest in a basic phone using an activated chip with the cheapest plan, which costs usually a few euros. The battery of this type of device can last several days, and with a French number, you can also make purchases online.

 

If you are staying in a country for some time, it is worth getting a SIM card from a local operator if the rates for calls to France seem attractive to you. This choice will save you a lot of trouble in case of loss of the device.

 

computer

 

The computer is a real daily companion. According to surveys conducted by Crucial.fr in 2013, almost half of holidaymakers carry their device during their trip. However, the computer, even portable, weighs relatively heavy and it requires accessories like the charger and possibly a mouse. This valuable object is also likely to attract the covetousness of criminals.

 

Because of its size and value, you'll be tempted not to leave it at the hotel and take it with you everywhere, reducing your mobility . In addition, the holidays should allow you to disconnect from your daily routine. This is far from the case with the computer that connects you with your work and all the stress that comes with it.

 

Finally, you will surely need specific insurance for your device, because it is rare for classic travel insurance to include it in its coverage.

 

Despite these various constraints, workers need their computer, which contains their professional data, even when traveling around the world. For vacationers, this tool also makes it possible to manage, store and sort souvenir photos . Internet cafe connections can also be poor, which can ultimately cost you dearly if you choose to leave your computer at home.

 

If the computer seems really essential to you, the ideal would be to opt for a light laptop with a long battery life in order to avoid frequent recharging. Some current models weigh less than a kilogram. It is, of course, wiser to favor those whose options are the most useful for your trip.

 

What about other multimedia accessories?

 

The camera : Isn't a journey without photos similar to a desert without sun? It is the essential multimedia device for people who like to keep an unforgettable memory of their stay. However, it is important to have a high-performance, compact and discreet device to prevent it from attracting the attention of malicious people.

 

The MP3 player is particularly useful on long-haul flights, to fill waiting times at airports or to pass the time during long journeys by coach or train. A real traveling discotheque, it brings together all your favorite songs and allows you to relax wherever you are.

 

The touch pad allows the adventurer on a trip to consult the tourist guides that he will have previously downloaded on his multimedia device. It is also very light and allows access to its messaging system.

 

Going to the other side of the world for a while requires staying connected while traveling. Each traveler has specific needs that must be taken into account before bringing a smartphone, a touch pad, a laptop or any other accessory. The ACS site gives you the best practical advice to avoid theft and optimize the choice of your multimedia devices when travelling.