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Irish Times
4 days ago
- Irish Times
Planning a trip abroad? The tech essentials that could help it go more smoothly
Summer is peak travel time, and therefore time to re-evaluate your tech. While a holiday is the perfect time to dial back the doomscrolling and social media addiction, there are also ways that technology can help your trip go more smoothly. Before you go Languages If you need to learn a few essential phrases to get you through the day while on your travels, Duolingo is an easy first step. The free version limits you to five mistakes a day, so you can build up a few key phrases in a short space of time. And if you need a buddy to practice your conversational skills with, simply go to ChatGPT or Gemini and ask it to speak to you in your language of choice. You can then chat away and hone your skills. READ MORE Packing app If you are a frequent traveller, packing becomes second nature. For the rest of us, there are lists. Or attempts at lists. Inevitably, something gets left behind and, hopefully, it is something that is easily replaced. If you aren't willing to take the risk, however, there are lists, and apps that will create AI-generated lists for you. [ Want an airport upgrade? Getting business class seats or valet parking doesn't have to break the bank Opens in new window ] A favourite around here is TripIt's PackPoint app . You can give it all the basic information it needs such as the length of stay, date of travel and activities while you are there. Add in the location and the app will use weather reports and other AI-powered data to create a personalised packing list for your trip. All you have to do is stick to the list. Travel guides It is inevitable that AI will take some sort of role in your holiday tech. If you need a bit of help to plan your itinerary before you go, GuideGeek is a good option. An AI-powered chatbot that works on Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp and Instagram, it can provide recommendations for holiday activities based around your personal criteria: walking distance from your accommodation, mobility issues to take into account, personal interests. It will also give more practical information, such as whether cash or card is preferred locally, where the nearest ATM is and what the local customs are around tipping. On the way Noise-cancelling headphones If you want to survive a long-haul flight with your sanity intact, a set of good noise-cancelling earphones or earbuds are essential. Apple fans may already be hooked by AirPods Pro, which have decent noise cancelling, while Pixel phone users may have discovered the upside to pairing up with Pixel Buds. But there are other choices. Sony, for example, has the WH-1000XM5, a set of over-ear headphones with excellent noise cancelling and great battery life at €299 – comparable to a pair of AirPods Pro. They are comfortable to wear for long periods too – you won't feel like they are squeezing your head – and they have a quick attention mode should you need to pay attention to what is going on around you. Bluetooth trackers Most people will admit to some sort of luggage anxiety while travelling. Perhaps they have been burned by an airline in the past, with their cases failing to materialise at their destination. Or maybe they immediately imagine the worst case scenarios in their heads, where their luggage never arrives and they are forced to handwash the same two T-shirts for their holiday. Bluetooth trackers can alleviate some of that anxiety. There is something reassuring about checking in on an app while sitting on the plane to find your luggage tag is pinging from somewhere close by. The catch is that Bluetooth tags will require a strong network of people also using the same system to help you locate lost devices. Once you are out of Bluetooth range, you will be depending on that network to connect in with your tracker and bounce its location to you. After testing several of these trackers, the most effective I found were the ones that link in with the big phone companies. Apple's Find My network is particularly strong on this, using the power of millions of devices to create a fairly comprehensive system to help you track down your tags. Apple's own tags are designed to work with iPhones, iPads and Macs, but there are third-party companies coming on board. Tile and Eufy, for example, have tags that will link with Apple's Find My system, while also keeping their own apps. If the worst happens, and your luggage gets left in an airport along the way, you can now share your luggage tracker's information with your airline – assuming they support it – to help them locate your bag more quickly. Bluetooth transmitters I like in-flight entertainment, but I hate the headphones you get on the plane. Some airlines now allow you to link your smartphone or tablet to the in-flight system and use your Bluetooth headphones to watch TV shows and movies while you fly. But if that's not an option, the Twelve South AirFly Bluetooth transmitter can be a good stopgap. The device plugs in to the headphone jack on the seat and, once paired properly, will transmit the audio to your Bluetooth earbuds of choice. The Pro version will allow you to split audio between two sets of headphones, which is also a good solution if you have a single tablet and two people who want to use it. As a bonus, the device will also turn anything with a headphone jack – speakers, stereo, even your TV – into a Bluetooth-enabled audio device. E-readers If you are a holiday reader, you will be familiar with the struggle between taking enough books to see you through the holiday and managing to stay within your airline's luggage limits. This is where e-readers are a lifeline, allowing you to pack hundreds of books into something smaller than a single paperback. You could load them on to a tablet or smartphone, but e-ink displays are not only better for your eyes than a smartphone screen, they will also have a much longer battery life, lasting a few weeks in between charges rather than a few hours. The obvious choice is a Kindle, with Amazon's e-reader giving people an easy way to buy books from Amazon's store directly, or borrow them through Amazon's Kindle Unlimited subscription. You can also get magazines on subscription delivered to your device. It's a good all-rounder. However, if you want to use your local library's BorrowBox titles, you will have to look outside of the Kindle e-reader. Kobo is another option with fewer restrictions than the Kindle. Its six-inch e-reader has a built-in light, wifi and Bluetooth for connectivity, and enough storage to hold up to 12,000 books. And you can use it with BorrowBox to get titles free of charge from your library. While you are there Translation If your limited Duolingo skills fail you, you have options. For translating speech in real time, you have Google Translate, which will not only help you order your meals but can also use your phone's camera to translate text such as menus or signs. Apple has its own language translation app too, simply called Translate, which does virtually the same thing, from real-time conversations to printed words. Getting around When it comes to getting around, Google Maps is still a favourite. Not only does it have a fairly decent grasp of what is available in the local area, there are extras such as the Live View, which allows you to get your bearings by pointing the phone's camera at signs and buildings. You can download selected areas of maps to your device for offline directions, just in case you can't access the internet while out and about. There is also Apple Maps, which comes with your iPhone, and also offers an offline feature. If you are planning any trips in the next few weeks, it may even proactively suggest you download the relevant map before you leave home. Plus you can search for some local activities and sights before you go, and add them to a personalised travel guide so you have suggestions at your fingertips when you need them.
Sydney Morning Herald
01-06-2025
- Sydney Morning Herald
I've been to 50 countries solo as a female. Here's what I've learnt
Spontaneous decisions have shaped some of my most memorable travel adventures, but I never leave home without a bit of careful planning. In a new city, I scour the internet for information about different neighbourhoods and work out which places to avoid. The comment sections on platforms like are also helpful. When were the most recent comments posted? Does the hotelier respond quickly? Have many people left positive feedback? These are all good indications of a safe and reliable space. Share your itinerary Sharing my whereabouts not only allows my mum to live vicariously through my travels – it also keeps me safe. Apps like TripIt can amalgamate confirmation emails into a detailed plan to be shared with friends and family, while TrackMyTour creates an interactive map of waypoints. If mobile roaming isn't an issue, switch on location services and share details with a select circle through the Life360 app or Find My on the iPhone. Where possible (and affordable), I always take an Uber rather than a taxi or local bus – largely because journeys are tracked and the trip status can easily be shared. But don't overshare Tempting as it might be to shout about adventures, avoid posting any geo-located material on social media in real time. Unless shared within a private group, never make public any information about travel plans and places where you intend to sleep. Either be vague about specific locations or post material a few days later. Making new friends is one of the great joys of travel, but I'm always hesitant to reveal too much personal information with strangers. If ever in doubt, it's fine to tell a few white lies and pretend you are travelling with somebody else or have plans to catch up with friends. When arranging to meet up with new acquaintances, always choose a busy place and share your plans with others at home. Carefully timetable Arriving anywhere after dark can be daunting – especially if you've never been there before. I always try to travel during daylight hours and avoid arriving at a hotel too late. If there's no other option – especially in the case of international flights – I pre-book transport through a reputable company or arrange to stay somewhere close to the airport. Connect with other women Sharing experiences with other female solo travellers can be both reassuring and helpful. Similar to a dating app, platforms like Tourlina, Bumble BFF and NomadHer can be used to find like-minded matches in different destinations. Users can create profiles, share ideas and even arrange meet-ups. On several occasions, I've also requested a female guide – partly to support greater gender equality but also to get a female perspective and inside knowledge. Another option is to join a specialist escorted tour. Companies like Intrepid, Trafalgar and The Adventure People arrange women-only tours – often providing access to activities that wouldn't be possible in a mixed gender group. Come prepared A lot of my travels are in developing countries so I'm always cognisant of the yawning inequality between (relatively) wealthy foreigners and local workers on a low wage. Unfortunately, I've occasionally had cash go missing – even in five-star hotels. To avoid any issues, I carry a padlock to put on my suitcase and keep any valuables inside – although I tend to leave any jewellery at home and prefer to travel light. I use a door latch, if there's one available, and stuff any visible peepholes with a piece of tissue. When entering a room, I check windows are lockable along with any interconnecting doors. Pack appropriate clothing I'm a big believer in clothes as a form of self-expression, but sometimes it's better not to shout about your presence too loudly. Preferring to blend into the background, I avoid wearing anything showy and opt for conservative clothing where culturally appropriate. In Muslim countries like Oman, for example, I would never bathe in a wadi wearing a skimpy bikini and would always opt for long skirts, trousers and T-shirts rather than hot pants and crop tops. Use your intuition Loading If a situation feels uncomfortable, there's no shame in walking away. Whether it's a guide, fellow traveller, bus driver or waiter – nobody has the right to invade your personal space. Either politely deflect any unwanted attention, or – in more serious cases – alert others to what is going on. Even if you are travelling solo, having a network of friends nearby or connected online means you will never be alone.
The Age
01-06-2025
- The Age
I've been to 50 countries solo as a female. Here's what I've learnt
Spontaneous decisions have shaped some of my most memorable travel adventures, but I never leave home without a bit of careful planning. In a new city, I scour the internet for information about different neighbourhoods and work out which places to avoid. The comment sections on platforms like are also helpful. When were the most recent comments posted? Does the hotelier respond quickly? Have many people left positive feedback? These are all good indications of a safe and reliable space. Share your itinerary Sharing my whereabouts not only allows my mum to live vicariously through my travels – it also keeps me safe. Apps like TripIt can amalgamate confirmation emails into a detailed plan to be shared with friends and family, while TrackMyTour creates an interactive map of waypoints. If mobile roaming isn't an issue, switch on location services and share details with a select circle through the Life360 app or Find My on the iPhone. Where possible (and affordable), I always take an Uber rather than a taxi or local bus – largely because journeys are tracked and the trip status can easily be shared. But don't overshare Tempting as it might be to shout about adventures, avoid posting any geo-located material on social media in real time. Unless shared within a private group, never make public any information about travel plans and places where you intend to sleep. Either be vague about specific locations or post material a few days later. Making new friends is one of the great joys of travel, but I'm always hesitant to reveal too much personal information with strangers. If ever in doubt, it's fine to tell a few white lies and pretend you are travelling with somebody else or have plans to catch up with friends. When arranging to meet up with new acquaintances, always choose a busy place and share your plans with others at home. Carefully timetable Arriving anywhere after dark can be daunting – especially if you've never been there before. I always try to travel during daylight hours and avoid arriving at a hotel too late. If there's no other option – especially in the case of international flights – I pre-book transport through a reputable company or arrange to stay somewhere close to the airport. Connect with other women Sharing experiences with other female solo travellers can be both reassuring and helpful. Similar to a dating app, platforms like Tourlina, Bumble BFF and NomadHer can be used to find like-minded matches in different destinations. Users can create profiles, share ideas and even arrange meet-ups. On several occasions, I've also requested a female guide – partly to support greater gender equality but also to get a female perspective and inside knowledge. Another option is to join a specialist escorted tour. Companies like Intrepid, Trafalgar and The Adventure People arrange women-only tours – often providing access to activities that wouldn't be possible in a mixed gender group. Come prepared A lot of my travels are in developing countries so I'm always cognisant of the yawning inequality between (relatively) wealthy foreigners and local workers on a low wage. Unfortunately, I've occasionally had cash go missing – even in five-star hotels. To avoid any issues, I carry a padlock to put on my suitcase and keep any valuables inside – although I tend to leave any jewellery at home and prefer to travel light. I use a door latch, if there's one available, and stuff any visible peepholes with a piece of tissue. When entering a room, I check windows are lockable along with any interconnecting doors. Pack appropriate clothing I'm a big believer in clothes as a form of self-expression, but sometimes it's better not to shout about your presence too loudly. Preferring to blend into the background, I avoid wearing anything showy and opt for conservative clothing where culturally appropriate. In Muslim countries like Oman, for example, I would never bathe in a wadi wearing a skimpy bikini and would always opt for long skirts, trousers and T-shirts rather than hot pants and crop tops. Use your intuition Loading If a situation feels uncomfortable, there's no shame in walking away. Whether it's a guide, fellow traveller, bus driver or waiter – nobody has the right to invade your personal space. Either politely deflect any unwanted attention, or – in more serious cases – alert others to what is going on. Even if you are travelling solo, having a network of friends nearby or connected online means you will never be alone.
Mint
04-05-2025
- Mint
Planning your next holiday? These apps will make your life easier
When it comes to travel planning, while the big names like Airbnb, and dominate the landscape, there's a vibrant ecosystem of lesser-known apps that offer powerful, often more focused features for savvy travelers. Whether you're a foodie on a mission, a sustainability-conscious adventurer, or simply someone looking to streamline travel logistics, these underrated travel planning apps are worth adding to your digital toolkit. Rome free Planning how to get from Point A to Point B in an unfamiliar country can be tricky, especially when the route involves multiple modes of transport. Rome2Rio is a travel planner that shows you how to get anywhere by plane, train, bus, ferry, or car. Simply enter your origin and destination, and it maps out routes complete with estimated durations, prices, and booking links. Whether you're trying to reach a remote village in the Alps or figuring out the cheapest way to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Rome2Rio gives a comprehensive overview of your options. Yes, Rome2Rio works in India as well and can be used to plan journeys within the country. It provides travel options for various modes of transportation, including trains, buses, ferries, and planes, and includes operators like Indian Railways, FlixBus, and other local transportation companies. Not all who wander... If you're tired of juggling spreadsheets, notes, and email confirmations, Wanderlog is a godsend. It lets you build detailed itineraries with drag-and-drop ease, integrating reservations, flights, maps, and activity lists in one place. You can add restaurants, attractions, and custom notes, then view your plans by day, map, or timeline. Wanderlog is especially great for group trips—it offers collaborative planning, so everyone can pitch in and stay on the same page. And unlike some planners, it works offline too. TripIt shines in its simplicity: forward any confirmation email (flights, hotels, car rentals, etc.) to a designated address, and it automatically builds a master itinerary. You can access it anytime, even offline. For frequent travelers, the Pro version offers real-time flight alerts, gate changes, and reward point tracking. It may not be as flashy as some newer apps, but TripIt excels at consolidating scattered information into a single, stress-free view of your trip. Culture vulture The best app to discover authentic local experiences. While most travelers want to see the major attractions, if you are among those seeking authentic experiences—places locals go, hidden gems, and stories behind the destination—Culture Trip will curate content created by locals, blending destination guides with personal essays, offbeat tips, and neighborhood deep-dives—think of it as part travel planner, part magazine. The app has information and articles on trips within India as well. If you are one for always finding scenic routes and quirky stops, Roadtrippers is the app for you—especially if you are travelling to the USA and Canada. It helps plan car journeys with a focus on discovering unique roadside attractions, scenic points, diners, and offbeat museums. Simply enter your start and end points, and the app maps a route with interesting detours and must-see places. The app also calculates fuel costs and allows for collaboration, making it great for group road trips. The US and Canada have the best coverage, but it's expanding. Packing made easy Overpacking and underpacking are both travel woes that PackPoint helps solve. Input your destination, travel dates, type of trip (business, beach, hiking), and PackPoint generates a customized packing list that factors in weather forecasts and activities. You can tweak it manually and even share your list with others. It's a small but mighty tool that saves time, reduces stress, and ensures you don't forget essentials like chargers or umbrellas. Veg only For vegetarian and vegan travelers, finding food on the road can be a challenge—especially in places where plant-based diets are uncommon. Enter HappyCow, a crowd-sourced guide to vegan and vegetarian restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and health food stores around the world. With listings in over 180 countries, HappyCow offers reviews, photos, and filters (like gluten-free or organic) to help you find the best plant-based meals wherever you go. It also lists places with veg-friendly options, so even omnivores traveling with vegans can benefit. There are over 2000 listings for India! Down the drain Flush does exactly what it promises: helps you locate the nearest public restroom, fast. With a clean interface and offline access, it's a life-saver during long days of sightseeing or transit. The database includes thousands of toilets around the world, with filters for disabled access and paid vs. free options. Not glamorous, but absolutely practical. Sources claim that the app lists over 13,000 toilets in 11 Indian cities, but we could not verify this. First Published: 4 May 2025, 09:00 AM IST
