Johannesburg - Planning any kind of trip can be taxing. But progress in technology means it doesn’t need to be so.
Michelle Atagana, head of public affairs and communications for Google South Africa, says technology can reduce travel admin drastically, making your life – and your holiday – far less stressful.
Atagana offers her top tips for searching to get the best out of your holiday.
View the highlights reel:
Before you even go anywhere, be sure to do some research on your destination. YouTube, for example, allows you to see what you’re getting yourself into.
“It’s incredibly useful to watch video clips of where you’re going – not only to learn about your destination, but to get excited about your trip,” says Atagana.
“If you have limited time at your destination, it’s worth doing your research before you depart so you don’t waste valuable time planning when you’re there.
“From the comfort of your home, you can experience sky-diving in New Zealand, see the bright, big city lights of Times Square in New York, view Botswana’s Okavango Delta from the sky or soar in a hot-air balloon over Namibia.”
There’s an app for that:
From the start to the end of your journey, wherever you’re going, the Google app can help you manage your time, keep you connected with news and useful information, and clue you up on lifestyle destinations and popular attractions.
Atagana says: “The app is integrated with your Gmail and Google Plus accounts. Before you leave, the app can remind you of your flight times, to check in online, to confirm your accommodation and even warn you of any expected delays.
“On your way to the airport, you can get information for the best or quickest route with the least traffic – as well as your estimated time of arrival.
“While waiting for a flight you can browse breaking news and articles recommended based on your interests.”
The app, Atagana adds, can also teach you some useful phrases in the language of your destination.
See it for yourself:
Google Maps is a useful tool, not only to get from A to B simply by carrying your smartphone or tablet with you at your destination, but to see where you’re going before you get there.
Search to see how near, or far, sites are from your accommodation, check out what’s in the area you’re staying in, and see what your hotel looks like, using Streetview, before you even set off.
You can also see how long it will take you to travel any distances you need to go, by foot, car or public transport.
Atagana adds that you can also use the Google App, as opposed to maps, for assistance in getting from A to B.
“The app can assist you with your travel needs quickly and efficiently. For example, you can swiftly get the bus schedule – right from the stop.”
Check the weather:
It’s tricky to know what to pack for a trip, especially if you don’t know what the weather will be like while you’re there. And some cities, as anyone who has been to Cape Town well knows, have temperamental weather.
“I check the weather forecast where I am, and where I’m going. I travel a lot, and it’s tricky to know what to wear for a flight – especially if you’re travelling from one climate to another. I recommend wearing layers (a piece of advice I didn’t get from Google).”
Saturday Star