Cape Town - Easter Weekend this year comes to us on the cusp of summer and autumn, while the former is still fresh in our minds and the latter is still settling in.
For many, the long weekend (from March 25 to 28) will be one last chance to get away, relax and have fun before the lengthy slog of winter arrives.
Amid all the other obligations of modern living, planning a perfect holiday – whether visiting friends or relatives, or taking the family away – can become an added, unwanted burden.
Which is why a little digital know-how can take you a long way. With smart phone technology and easy internet access, everything you need is available at the touch of a screen or the click of a button.
Search
Laying the groundwork for your getaway is now the work of a lunch hour or coffee break. By simply typing a few key words into Google Search – such as “family camping” or “weekend getaway” – hundreds of categorised options will be made available to you.
Preview
While deciding on your destination, it’s worth checking out your options on YouTube. Watching a highlight reel or promotional video could be the determining factor on where you spend your long weekend. Getting a sneak peak of what to expect also helps build excitement, especially among the kids.
Plan ahead
But the insight technology offers doesn’t end there. With the Google app – which is linked to your Gmail and Google+ accounts – you will be able to stay up to date with developments at your desired destination and keep in contact with the management at your accommodation.
And with the Google app integrated into your calendar, time management becomes a breeze. The app will confirm and later remind you of your flight times (if you’re travelling far), for example, or alert you of any delays well in advance.
Plot your route
If you’re driving or taking public transport to your destination – especially if it’s a first-time experience – the Google app will ensure you travel in the most efficient way possible by plotting your route from beginning to end (through Google Maps), letting you know where and when to avoid traffic, and informing you about public transport departure/arrival times.
Check out the scenery
If you’re not comfortable “arriving blind”, you can also check out your accommodation and surrounds by using Google Street View; this will guarantee you know you are exactly where you need to be at all times, and what you can expect to see when you get there.
Plan your packing
Lastly, if you’re not sure what to expect from your destination in terms of weather, be sure to keep an eye of Google’s weather reports, which will let you know what you’re in for up to 10 days in advance.
Adapted from a press release for IOL