This idea of disconnecting to reconnect is definitely spreading. I came across a popular movement in the States called Camp Grounded, which aims to create balance in the digital age via a summer camp for adults, entirely devoid of technology. This digital detox trend and desire to unplug got me thinking about the future of our holidays and which apps and tech we will use to enhance them and which ones we just want to well, switch off from.
At one end of the spectrum, there are the apps that are truly helpful, lots of which help with trip-planning in particular. One I find the most intuitive is mygola, which elegantly displays curated lists that are easy to navigate and customise. You can also view the trip on a map and share the itinerary with other collaborators as well as make bookings. Other apps I love include Plnnr and Tripomatic, the latter for anyone (who like me) is keen on infographics. For those wanting to plan a roadtrip around the States I would recommend the Roadtrippers app and Fuel My Route, both of which will save time and money.
Planning aside, there are the apps that help you build wishlists of experiences and destinations. Tourist Eye does this effectively; it's incredibly collaborative and allows you to easily digest information from other users. Another popular wishlist aggregator is Gogobot, which has a functionality similar to Tripadvisor in that it has reviews and recommendations (hotels, sights, restaurants), though it differs in its ability to connect with friends who have been to particular destinations. After all, why would you want advice from someone you didn’t know on Tripadvisor when you could get the head's up from a friend you trust?
For those that need help getting organised, there's TripIt, which may not be as aesthetically pleasing as its competitors but its clear user interface and usability is priceless at those ‘I can’t find anything I need’ moments.
3 April 2014