Imagine travelling without a phone
Can you imagine travelling abroad without a phone? I really can't and despite the continuous negative stories of smartphone addiction etc, there is a case that in 2023 it would be close to impossible to travel without one.
We popped over to Belgium this past week and it quickly dawned on me that my iPhone was the travelling companion I never knew I needed so much.
All booking in documents and car information (for the overly demanding French police) ready on my iPhone.
Google Maps used to get to the EuroTunnel.
EuroTunnel tickets stored on the phone for when needed.
Google Maps to get us to our destination.
Reservation details and proof ready on iPhone.
Local places in Bruges found with ease thanks to Google Maps.
Train tickets to Brussels stored on the iPhone and used as proof for travel.
Google Maps (walking) used throughout the day in Brussels and the +25,000 steps counted by the iPhone.
Train tickets used again to get back to Bruges.
All payments throughout the trip made through Apple Pay (Monzo) for safety.
Two dinner reservations made via the iPhone and menus located that offered the exact food my wife needed.
Travel back with Google Maps until it completely stuffed up the route at the end. TomTom saved us on this occasion.
Music, podcasts and occasional games while travelling all on the iPhone and not one day where the battery ran out.
There is an argument to say that pre-phone it would have been easier to travel and that is indeed true, but imagine trying to navigate the traffic we have today without the tools that make it possible. As someone who was alive pre-phones, I am still in awe of how far we have come.