Before the invention of the wheel, people travelled by foot and as a result, travelling was a difficult process that not many people undertook. The coming of the wheel, and subsequently air transport, impacted travel drastically, making it much easier to traverse long distances in short spans of time. Today, travelling across the globe is no longer an alien concept with the progress of science and new inventions. However, there are certain new tech innovations that have heavily aided and impacted the way in which we travel. Be it a simple neck pillow or a portable charger, these small inventions have made travelling a much easier and more delightful process. Here is a list of 5 top tech innovations that have changed the way we travel.

Global Positioning System (GPS)

Global Positioning System (GPS)

The GPS, a feature that we’re all now so used to and one that aids almost every application on our phones from Google Maps to Snapchat, was once a scientific breakthrough. It was first used in 1973 by the U.S Department of Defence and in 4 short decades has taken over a large part of our lives. Every traveller uses google maps with the utmost faith and imagining a life where our phones are unable to pick up our location is almost unthinkable. Not only has the GPS feature helped us navigate roads and cities better, it is also a great safety feature as a press of a button can tell your near ones where you are in case of an emergency.

Online Booking

Having to go all the way to a station or an airport to book tickets, or having to call up a hotel and be put on hold by numerous operators was a factor that deterred a lot of people from travelling. Now that a ticket or days of travel can simply be finalised by the click of a mouse, planning journeys has become a lot more fun and easy. Not only this, you do not have to wait anymore for a courier with your printed tickets, but can simply carry your e-ticket on your mobile phones and head off on a vacation. While the internet was an old invention, the use of internet booking on government and private portals has given easy travel access to everyone irrespective of their economic status.

Airbnb and Cloud-surfing

Hotels can often be heavy on your pocket and impact your travel expense drastically when vacationing abroad. The coming of portals like Airbnb and cloud-surfing have ensured that if you can afford to pay for your travel, accommodation will not be the reason you decide not to. These portals connect you to locals willing to host you for a nominal charge or in the case of Cloudsurfing, even free, for a couple of days. Not only is this a great way to meet people, but it also allows to immerse yourselves in the place you’re visiting and learn the ways of the locals and how they live.

Car2Go and other auto rentals

Car2Go and other auto rentals

Auto rentals allow one to rent a vehicle and travel by themselves without having to worry about transport or a driver. However, a common constraint was that you needed to return the vehicle to the original location after using it. Car2Go, Zipcar and other such rentals have acted as a game changer as they not only allow you to travel and deposit your vehicle at the destination but also use smart cars that are often easy on the fuel. For road trip lovers, this is a great way to travel and explore the countryside while also being an economic option. So if you have a license valid in the country you’re visiting, this could be a mind-blowing travel alternative.

Apple Carplay

Apple Carplay

The new IOS feature of the apple carplay has greatly benefitted apple users as most vehicles now comprise of this tool as well. Carplay allows you to connect your phones to the music system and access not only your music but also maps, texts, calls, books and Siri through buttons on the steering wheel itself. It comes with easier and more accessible features, fewer buttons and convenient access to Siri hence making it easier to operate by voice. If you have a playlist ready and good network, you’re all set to take a long road trip even without a companion.

These new inventions give you the chance to rely on last-minute impulsive decisions and make travelling much more enjoyable and convenient. So pack your suitcase (the wheels on suitcases are also a great invention) and head off on a solo trip as your gadgets can now be a substitute for company if you cannot find a travel buddy. Travelling is a great way to meet new people and modern tech inventions have made this much more feasible as well!