Smartphones for Smart Travel

For many, the idea of a great American road trip is tantalizing. In literature, art and songs those great stretches of highway sing a siren's call. From California's Redwood Forest to Florida's Everglades, such a large country really requires hitting the back roads to gain a true sense of each region. It also takes a good bit of time, freedom and money to be able to make such an extensive trek. In order to succeed, those aspiring to hit the road will most likely work and save, and might even minimize possessions in order to make the travelling easier. Such a venture may take years to properly prepare for—although some adventurers may take more of a fly-by-night approach and set out with little forethought. Some will travel with one or several companions, but more than a few adventurers will decide to travel solo as a kind of a modern-day walkabout. 

There are few better ways to find out what you're made of than to hit the road with little more than a casual plan of where you're headed, and for how long. There are also a few simple truths that can help make the journey a great trip of a lifetime filled with happy memories or one ending in despair.

Whether solo or in a group, one of your best travel companions will be your mobile phone—provided you choose one that has all the features you need such as GPS, a compass, torch, video and still camera, etc. Visit Lazada Philippines.

Solo travellers should have a specified group of people to be aware of their actions and whereabouts at all times. Pick a select group of friends and family members and create a contact list for your mobile via text, messaging, or any other preferred method of communication. These friends should be the kind that wouldn't mind a 1am text notifying you've made it to your next destination. It's also a good idea if they have varying work schedules and locations so that they can assist if an emergency arises. Though it may sound tedious, the safest thing for a solo traveller to do is to notify one's list when setting out and arriving to each destination. The same holds true for notifying where you're staying, hiking if solo (though highly discouraged) and if any changes to the originally conceived itinerary comes about. Before departure from home assign each member of the list with others to notify, should anything out of the ordinary occur.

GPS Safety

Though solo travellers should have a safety contact list, they should refrain from posting their whereabouts publicly via social media outlets. Or if checking in to locales is desired at least wait until leaving a locale before posting. However it is a good idea to keep the GPS feature activated on one's mobile so that if an emergency does arise, your phone can be located by the authorities.

All travellers should check their mobile coverage before setting out. Remember that service is spotty or nonexistent for even the best carriers in certain remote locations. In addition to having a smartphone, also take a GPS and paper atlas or maps because even the most up-to-date GPS technology can sometimes steer a person in the wrong direction. Remember also to use any driving time to fully charge the mobile and also consider a solar powered charging pad to be a worthwhile expense. Never head out without a fully charged mobile. Consider the scenario of running out of petrol and not having a clue where the next station is. Or maybe the auto's alternator or battery dies in freezing weather conditions—any who skip such simple safety tips as the aforementioned could find themselves lost in the woods without any way to call for help.

Mobiles are also a great tool for finding the best deals. When using the map feature, simply type or say whatever it is you're looking for and answers will be offered within a specified distance radius. Travel apps such as TripAdvisor or Travelocity can also assist in choosing restaurants, stores, accommodations and sightseeing options. In addition to reading the user reviews, be sure to write the pros and cons of each experience for future readers.