Getting out on the road is a thrill, exploring new places and seeing different people. But unlike 50 years ago when traveling meant being incommunicado apart from the occasional postcard, there are many ways to stay connected. With many reasons for wanting to keep in touch while getting from point A to point B, there are ideal options for every eventuality.
Messaging Apps
Cell phones are brilliant for their versatility. Should you find yourself in an area without cell reception, using messaging apps turn Wi-Fi hotspots into a convenient way to make and receive messages and phone calls. A backup for contacting people is essential, especially if people expect to hear from you. Messaging apps are also a great way to do without a sim card if your trip takes you across borders and you don’t want to spend the money on a temporary sim.
Power Supplies
Batteries provide finite power, meaning communication devices require a way of being recharged to keep them viable. If you’re on the road for a night, a power bank can give one or two cell phones a full charge to see you to your destination. Spend longer away, especially if camping out; a portable generator will provide multiple days’ worth of charge. You can even plug in other devices to access more media types.
Hand-Free
Holding your phone in your hand while driving is dangerous and illegal in many countries. If you must use your cell phone while driving, you must have a hands-free setup. Try a Bluetooth headpiece for making calls without everyone in the car listening. If privacy isn’t an issue, a hands-free mount securely holds a cell phone on the dashboard, allowing you to use GPS safely and voice-to-text or voice calling.
Social Media
As recently as the mid-2000s sharing travel snaps involved waiting until you got home or sitting in an internet café hoping the connection was strong enough for Flickr to work. Now we can upload photos and updates with the touch of a button. If you’re eager to post updates during your trip, choose your favorite social media platform and share away.
Security
Any devices you use for business while traveling must have robust security measures installed. Before setting off, check that all devices are secure, protected, and backed up. After all, it doesn’t matter how careful you are, unforeseen issues can happen anytime, and your livelihood deserves care and respect.
Snail Mail
The charm of real mail still exists, and receiving a postcard from friends or family is exciting. Take the opportunity of stopping at significant landmarks to buy postcards and stamps and send them off. One of the best things about a postcard is you don’t have to write much on them, and they still bring joy to the recipients; terrific if you’re not great with words.
So don’t feel being on the road means you can’t stay connected. Socially and businesswise, many options let you control how much you keep in touch with the rest of the world.
