Central to the technological changes that have disrupted the travel market in recent years is the widespread use of smartphones.
In a relatively short amount of time it’s become possible to not just book flights right there on your phone, but if you know where to look, you’ll often find air fares significantly cheaper than that offered by a travel agent.
The utility of smartphones in travel doesn’t end there. Currency converters, internet banking, language translators, a camera and digital maps will be used via your phone on most days while abroad, you can even use them to phone friends and family.
2019 was a massive year of travel for me, and as my old iPhone died early that year, I decided to get a new phone. I’d decided against the new iPhone for two reasons, firstly the price, second was the fact that I knew I’d want to upgrade to a 5G phone when the technology finally rolled out.
In the end I decided on a relatively cheap, Samsung, A50. This was bought mostly on price and the fact it was dual SIM, so I could remain in contact on my Australian number (for work reasons) as well as gaining internet access via a local SIM.
Well, that was how it was supposed to work, but while I was in Panama the phone decided to stop working. It was at this time I understood how exposed you feel when you don’t have a smartphone in foreign land.
Not only did I not have access to maps but my internet banking has 2 factor authentication via my phone, as does my email address. I got by but it certainly made life more difficult than it needed to be.
The story concluded a few days later when I flew to Colombia and found a tiny phone repair shop. The young guy inside found the problem and had to solder in a part from old phone but the phone has been ok ever since.
So, the learning from this tale is to purchase the most reliable phone you can afford. This device will be vital to your Independent Adventure