How Technology Helps Travel
Even with the busy lifestyles that most people live today, traveling has become a hobby that almost everyone wants to pursue. Statistics by the World Tourism Organization show an estimated 8.5 billion people will take international trips by 2030. And, one of the reasons for this is technology. Below are some of the main ways in which technology has contributed to the growth of travel.
Online bookings
Thanks to the internet and travel applications, travelers no longer have to go through all the hassles of long queues and printing tickets to get flights and accommodations. Through online bookings, you can now make reservations for any flight and hotel from the comfort of your home. Many airlines and hotels have lots of technological options that make travel more environmental friendly, affordable and efficient including, mobile check-ins, e-ticketing among others. Besides accommodation and transport, travelers can also book tours and events in various destinations across the world online.
Biometrics
In the past, people had to make long queues and stand for several hours to go through customs check at airport terminals. Besides just the time wastage, it was also not very effective and exhausting considering the huge traffic experienced in major airports. With biometric identification, travelers no longer have to undergo physical checks. Instead, they seamlessly walk through terminals with automated fingerprint and eye scanners, which is more secure, stress free and faster.
New Discoveries
Many people today rely on information from travel blogs, videos and other online resources for inspiration to travel. Quite a number of travelers have confessed to making their first trips after watching a documentary or reading about the destination from the internet. Technology has made it much easier and convenient for travelers to get adequate information about various destinations across the world, things to do when traveling, how to plan trips and other useful travel insights.
The contribution of technology to travel is hard to quantify but, the remarkable results are clearly evident in how it has made travelling much easier, convenient and cost effective.