Technology Has Changed Long-Distance Travel Communication
Long-distance travel requires communication to be successful and efficient, but since the dawn of technology, how people communicate has shifted significantly. Although there is much to be said of the traditional ways of communication such as verbal, written, or nonverbal, today people are leveraging a variety of technological advancements to stay connected while on journeys far away from their support systems. Even with the rapid advancement of technology in the last decade, it still can be difficult to understand just how different long distance travel communication is from the past.
In past years, long-distance travel was often limited to letters, phone calls and telegrams as the main forms of communication. This meant that travelers were frequently unable to respond to any news for weeks or even months. However, today, with the advent of modern technology, communication across long distances is at an all-time high.
For example, long-distance travelers can take advantage of email, instant messaging, VoIP, video chats, and social media. These communication tools allow for travel updates and planning to be shared easily and quickly. In addition, webcams give travelers the ability to feel like they are conversing face-to-face, while they are miles apart.
Staying connected while abroad also allows travelers to feel less isolated and allows them to stay connected with friends and family who may be at their destinations. Additionally, the convenience of worldwide access has made it possible for travelers to access local attractions, research sites and safer routes to reach their destination with the click of a mouse.
Cell phones have added a whole new level of communication and convenience to long-distance travel. Cellular devices allow for traveler’s contacts to be readily accessible and allow for voicemail, text messaging, web browsing, and mapping capabilities. Global positioning systems (GPS) allow for travelers to stay on track of their journey without getting lost in an unfamiliar location.
In addition, mobile applications are allowing travelers to plan trips more efficiently than ever before. Apps like TripIt or TripCase allow travelers to store all of their important trip information in one central place, from their hotel reservations, to their car rental.
Another amazing technological advancement for long-distance travelers is the use of streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Instant Video, and Hulu. These services allow travelers to legally watch movies and shows on their computers, phones, and tablets. This makes transit times much more bearable and allows travelers to escape their tedious travels.
Technology, including the internet, has made international communication and traveling relatively easy, but with the good also comes the bad. Many international travelers are at risk of security issues while they are abroad. Viruses and computer thieves are not uncommon in unfamiliar locations and the best form of protection is knowledge. By researching online and staying aware of security trends, travelers can rest easy knowing their connection is safe.
Overall, technology has allowed for easier and safer communication for long-distance travelers. It allows travelers to stay connected to their homes, browse for travel education and research, and even plan their entire trip with the help of a few clicks. Technology has also changed the way travelers store their information, allowing them to store all their important documents in one place. Despite typical security threats, technology is making long-distance travel much more easily navigated.
