A lot of my friends would say I have an unhealthy relationship with my smartphone. Unfortunately as part of the modern world, I have embraced a lot of technology, so I will share with you how I think I use a Smartphone effectively while cruising. Yes, one of the best gadgets for travellers may already be in your pocket. Your Smartphone can be used right from the beginning to research your trip, to assisting you remember where you have been along the way. Here are a few extra ways I have put my Smartphone to use when cruising.
A personal assistant: Once I have created my itinerary, I keep my cruise tickets, flight bookings, insurance policy and hotel reservations all organized in one place. I normally screenshot or photograph all documents and keep them in a dedicated folder for each trip. In addition I keep all travel related emails in a folder for easy access offline. I always say, keep a copy of your itinerary with you at all times.
A travel agent: If I need to make last minute accommodation or flight bookings. There are endless websites and apps to make arrangements (Expedia, Hotels, Momondo etc.).
A last-minute reminder note: There a lot of apps, I personally use Evernote where you can keep lists of things to do or what to pack.
A Wi-Fi finder: Before I left home I downloaded JiWire Wi-Fi Finder app and a few others similar that could help me find free Wi-Fi wherever I was , even when I was offline.
A map: If you enable the location services you can see where you are on Google Maps even without a Wi-Fi connection or data services. Be mindful, you will not be able directions without Wi-Fi or data services. I download offline versions of detailed maps for most major cities, you have to remember to download them when you have Wi-Fi. You can download several different apps which include offline maps but remember it will take up space on your phone. At times I have use screenshots of the map and my destination. On one trip I have used this to show a cab driver in Melbourne to location of our ship because we were not berthed in the normal port. That was an interesting conversation, Yes, That Boat.
A tour guide: I take time before I leave home to find free apps for walking tours, museum guides and more of the cities or ports I am going to visit.
A phone: When on Wi-Fi I use a variety of Apps such as Messenger, Skype, Facetime or WhatsApp to communicate and make phone calls. It is a wise investment for longer itineraries when I need to stay in contact with friends and loved ones regularly, I normally investigate purchasing a local SIM card. This worked well for me in Hawaii, the cost of a SIM with 1 month unlimited phone calls and internet was less than the price of a week’s internet connection on the cruise ship. I had to be in close proximity to land to use the service, but on that cruise that was not a problem.
Utility box: There are free Apps that include a variety of gadgets such as a compass and a flashlight are handy at different times. I often use the compass to give me bearing and point me relatively in the right direction. I use the flashlight when out walking at night, or navigating your new room when you can’t locate the light switch
A currency converter: When I have internet access I use XE Currency App all the time with it real time exchange rates.
A translator: I try and learn some basic phases before I travel. I have download different translation apps including Google Translate which has an offline component. I type in words or hold the app over printed text to see an instant translation.
A security system: I always notify Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) of my travel plans by using the Smart Traveler app. This way I get travel alerts and warnings. You can download Apps that supply emergency-services phone numbers for any country, some can automatically dial them for you. I keep a copy of all my emergency contacts in several different places on the smartphone and a copy with someone at home.
A first aid guide: As a Registered Nurse it is always good to have a reminder, though let’s hope I never need it. There are apps such as Red Cross First Aid that could quickly assist if I need to access information to handle common first aid emergencies.
A scanner and filing cabinet: I keep all your important documents on my smartphone either in photos or screensavers or Microsoft Office documents and email.
As Transport: When I travel I use the Uber app, as services are becoming more available in more countries. Some taxis allow you to pay by card so in some countries you don’t always need cash. I managed to travel a week in Norway with no cash, though it did get hairy when I needed coin to use a public toilet, but my fiend Doug and I negotiated a tip with a waiter at a nearby restaurant. The coin ended up servicing a lot of travellers.
A concierge: There are apps like TripAdvisor that help me find recommendations for restaurants and activities. These apps are very versatile as they let me save itineraries and search for nearby attractions.
A camera: For some people, like me, a smartphone has replaced digital cameras for everyday use. Some Apps can have advanced digital zooming, composition guides and editing tools.
A weather forecaster: I use my smartphone as weather forecaster. If I needed more detailed information, there are weather apps that tell you sunrise and sunset times to pollen count. You just have to find one that suits your needs.
There you go, there are some of my tips and tricks for how I use my smartphone. My close friends would be saying they are just excuses for why I am always on my smartphone.
If you can think of any other ways to use your smartphone message me at julie@julescruisecompanion.com.au
