With the introduction of smart technology, electronic bleeps and autonomous luggage, travel is easier today than it ever was
Modern technology such as multilingual smartphones, nausea-control wristbands, self-directed luggage and sophisticated headsets, has really simplified travel.
People who enjoy travelling and do so very often know that there’s always a possibility of something going wrong no matter what. You could lose your luggage or fall sick or even just have to deal with standing in long queues. However, technology is changing all that and providing globetrotters with stress-free journeys.
Here are a few things you must know prior to departing for a trip.
If you’re one of those that get affected by motion sickness, worry no more, as Reliefband Technologies has got you covered. Their latest wearable device, called the Reliefband 2.0, which is worn on the wrist, was designed as a drug-free remedy for managing nausea and vomiting that’s motion-related. This is to enable travelers to enjoy their cruise or flight and also to partake in common travel activities like VR gaming, amusement rides, fishing, etc. without feeling sick. This technology sends signals generated by the device to the brain’s higher emetic center through the central nervous system of the body.
Furthermore, there are some devices that keep you entertained while waiting at the airport. It is generally difficult to find a place to charge your devices unless you can access an airline’s lounge. It might be a great idea to travel with smart luggage that has in-built chargers however, keep in mind that some airlines or airports may refuse to allow certain models through for safety purposes.
Effective January this year, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) instructed its 275 member airlines across the world (i.e., about 83% of total air traffic) to allow only smart luggage that is equipped with a removable lithium battery. Also, GPS tracking devices-related restrictions are in place as well.
Travelpro, Away, G-Ro, Barracuda and Raden are some of the smart luggage brands that have detachable batteries. As for the designs, a start-up company called Arlo Skye, which was founded by three Louis Vuitton and Tumi alums in 2016 are definitely worth a look.
The latest Arlo Skye’s Carry-On design – which starts shipping from May 2018 - is a portable polycarbonate bag containing two combination locks approved by the United States Transportation Security Administration. The bag has no external zips and features two fast-charging ports, out of which one is a USB-C used for charging MacBooks. The charger is portable and easy to remove from the exterior ,and the brand is sure to provide upgraded versions over time.
Another brand that has a handy smart travel kit in its new Spinner Underseater with a USB port and detachable battery is Samsonite. This new technology enables you to charge your gadgets as well as carry your on-board travel necessities in a fashionable carry-all built to fit under the seat of an aircraft.
Are you tired of carrying all that baggage? Well, there are robotic suitcase developers currently working on that as well. Travelmate – a company situated in California- is already receiving pre-orders on Indiegogo. According to the company, Indiegogo is a suitcase that’s capable of autonomously following its owner around with the use of sensors to navigate through obstacles, crowds and other difficult situations. Eventually, the luggage will be able to reply voice commands and it also complies with airport safety requirements.
ForwardX, a Chinese company, is also developing robotic luggage. This was displayed in January at CES in Las Vegas but they are yet to announce a release date.
According to a recent publication from Swiss aviation technology group Sita, airlines baggage-management practices are improving as technology has made tracking more efficient, however the proportion of lost bags is still approximately 6 bags for every 1,000 passengers. Travelers are now able to monitor their individual luggage using personal tracking devices like the Tumi Global Locator, which sends location-specific positioning info to the smartphone of the luggage owner.
The entire journey is well covered as the device functions in different modes. When it is in ‘travel’ mode, it is able to track the location of a bag every 20-30 minutes while awaiting the flight. The device goes into ‘sleep’ mode after take-off, and “waking up” mode as soon as the plane lands. ‘Hotel’ mode ensures that the bag continues to stay in its assigned “home base” location.
Be on the lookout for fresh travel accessories from luxury brand LVMH. The CEO of the brand’s luxury luggage designer Rimowa, - Alexandre Arnault - in recent times made public their plans to produce other travel-related products bearing the famed name, apart from suitcases. The recent move was brought about by the increasing number of middle class Chinese people now travelling more than ever.
When airborne, you will desire to relax and allow your mind float from work to play. You can rely on Bose’s newest travel companion headphones to help with that. The Bose QuietComfort 35II is very comfortable and perfect for long-duration flights. It features a cushioned headband, soft ear cups as well as portable construction. They are also fitted with Google Assistant in case you need to make a call or need answers to your questions.
Language barriers can also be bridged with the aid of technology. People visiting the Banyan Tree Samui, situated on the Thai island of Koh Samui, can avail of their Portier smartphone given out with room keys when you check-in. With this device, guests can surf the web, make calls and also have access to several resort features such as restaurant list of options, day-to-day activities as well as tips for exploring in Chinese, English, French, German or Russian.
As stated by the general manager of Banyan Tree Samui, Remko Kroesen, this service satisfies an immediate need. He also said that guests very often just want to be able to call home and inform them of their safe arrival as soon as possible. That can be achieved in Bayan Tree Samui without the hassle of looking for where to purchase a SIM card.
There will be more convenient connections in the nearest future. Generally, hotels are enhancing their apps to provide guests with superior experiences including mobile check-in, while brands like Hilton and Starwood now use keyless room technology that allows guests access their rooms by swiping their smartphone.
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