The Ease of Modern Travel
In the past, embarking on a journey to a distant land was often a daunting and laborious task, reserved for the intrepid few. However, with the remarkable advancements in technology and transportation, traveling has become more accessible and convenient than ever before.
In the last few decades, the world has become a global village. The barriers that once made travel a luxury reserved for the privileged few have been steadily dismantling. Today, exploring the four corners of the globe is easier, more affordable, and more accessible than ever before.
The Rise of Affordable Travel
Let's start with the most significant game-changer: budget. Today is easy to find airline tickets to Europe below 300 USD, just do it by yourself. Gone are the days of visiting countless travel agencies or spending hours on hold with airlines to secure a flight ticket, today you can do it with just a few clicks.
It is important that you do it by yourself because travel agencies usually rises the costs almost the double of the ticket price, an scam in rule. They will offer reservations in hotels, travel insurance, checking luggage, airport taxes, and other things that in sum they won't surpass the $50, but travel agencies will use as excuse to double the price of the ticket.
Once in the continent or country you want to visit, traveling by ground usually is more cheaper and easier than traveling by airplane. A flight of $50 like a Madrid-Barcelona can be cheaper if you book a train or bus ticket for $12 or less if you use the correct apps.
Technology and Travel
The rise of technology has played an equally significant role in simplifying travel. Today, you can plan an entire trip from the comfort of your living room. Travel apps and websites have made it possible to book flights, accommodation, and local transport, and to learn about local attractions, all at the click of a button.
Now I will recommend some apps to make easier your journey around the world and I have used in my travels:
Flights
Google Flights is the best tool to find your next flight. Just select an initial city, a continent or country to visit, and do not select dates, this way it will show you the best prices for the next 6 months.
Buses and Trains
On this I would recommend you to look for the schedules in apps like Omio and Trainline. You can pay directly from those apps, but I discovered it's cheaper to check the company of the trip, and booking from the companies' websites who usually offer discounts and affiliate programs.
Accommodation
Services like Airbnb, Booking.com, and Expedia have transformed the way we find accommodation, offering a wide range of options from budget rooms to luxury villas.
If you are solo traveling, I would recommend you to book Hostels in Booking, this way stays of many days on important cities can cost less than $100 and you earn points for your Genius program. If you want a private accommodation or want to stay with a partner, maybe Airbnb is the best option since it has very competitive prices.
If you have credits from airlines or credit cards, perhaps is better to check out the official websites of the accommodations you want to stay and using the tools I gave you as browsers.
These apps also have an "Experiences" section where you can check the activities you can do in the city where you will stay.
Maps
Google Maps and GPS technology have made it almost impossible to get lost in a new city. Just place the place you want to go, and Google Maps will tell you what transportation to take, what exchanges to do, and the time it will take to arrive.
Despite this facility, I would also advise you to think and use your knowledge of the city, since Google Maps usually struggles to find ways where you can use multiple transportation methods or subway lines.
Language
Language barriers is a significant hurdle for many travelers. English is usually enough for touristic cities, but I recommend knowing some basic vocabulary of the place you are visiting. There was a time in Coimbra where nobody spoke English or Spanish and I have to use my Portuguese basics to communicate with people at the residency.
To learn basic vocabulary, you can use apps like Duolingo, despite of I frequently practice a language by myself. If the language is too complicated or you were not able to learn the basics, Google Translate voice/image to text to translation feature is pretty good and can save you many times.
Travel Information at Your Fingertips
Finally, the internet has made it easier than ever to access reliable travel information. Online travel guides, blogs, and forums provide tips, insights, and advice from experienced travelers. Social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest offer visual inspiration for your next destination. Websites like TripAdvisor and Yelp make it simple to find and review restaurants, tours, and attractions.
In Conclusion
In the age of accessible air travel, technology, and the sharing economy, exploring our beautiful planet has become a reality for many. The world is truly at your fingertips.
So pack your bags, open your heart to new experiences, and embrace the ease of modern travel. The world is waiting!
If you enjoy the content, please don't hesitate to subscribe and leave a comment! I would love to connect with you and hear your thoughts on the topics I cover. Your feedback is greatly appreciated!