The Ways Technology Is Making Travel Safer

A massive 82% of travel bookings in 2018 were made using a website or mobile app, involving no human interaction at all. This shows how willing people are to use technology when traveling and, fortunately, the technology is catching up with the demand. Specifically, technology can be used to improve your safety when traveling, including having a friend keep a virtual eye on you when you’re exploring and apps that help you to protect your health.

A virtual companion

An app called Companion comes from the University of Michigan, where a team of undergrads wanted to track their friends walking home after a night out to know everyone was safe. Companion has other applications too, particularly when it comes to exploring somewhere new and has the added benefit of tailor-made features for trips abroad. The app works by allocating one of your contacts as your companion. They can follow your movements in real-time and will get alerts if something isn’t right at your end.

For example, the app will occasionally ask if you’re okay and if you don’t respond within a set amount of time it lets your companion know. Similarly, if you suddenly start running, they’ll get an alert. This is great for if you’re exploring somewhere new where you may not feel completely safe and gives you and your loved ones a level of reassurance.

Social distancing apps

Millions of people around the world are practicing social distancing to protect themselves and each other from the spread of COVID-19. Technology is playing a role in this in several countries who are taking advantage of the fact that the majority of people have a smartphone. Tracking and tracing can help to prevent the spread of illnesses like COVID-19, SARS, and MERS, and apps that alert you if you’ve been near a confirmed case can help to control it. Apps can also let you know where current clusters of cases are so that you can avoid them. This type of technology will help to make travel possible for a lot of people sooner once restrictions are lifted, as well as making it safer. Of course, it’s no substitute for other basic precautions when it comes to your health, such as getting necessary vaccines before traveling, regular handwashing, and not consuming tap water that isn’t safe.

Clean water anywhere

Technology, environmental engineers, and chemists are behind on-the-go filtration systems and purification tablets that make it possible to get clean water when traveling almost anywhere. LifeStraw is a lightweight straw that is perfect for travel as it allows you to drink water from streams, ponds, rivers, or even puddles, which can be lifesaving in some situations. It has a built-in filtration system that removes viruses, bacteria, parasites, microplastics, and dirt, plus water can be bottled and saved for later. Perfect for any traveler who likes to explore.

Technology is making travel safer in numerous ways — from protecting your health to preventing you from getting lost — making travel more enjoyable and stress-free for everyone.