When it comes to getting the most out of your travel experience, one of the most important questions you’ll have to ask yourself, is which pieces of technology should you be taking with you? While it might seem obvious that you’d need to take a smartphone with you wherever you go – it’s worth remembering that tablets offer a bigger screen, as well as everything you need to stay in touch with people at home, and complete many of the same tasks.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that the answer to “What’s best for travelers” is automatically the tablet – the truth is that there are pros and cons to each device, and overlapping devices can mean packing the right one can be confusing. Just make sure, whichever device you bring, that you also pack aworldwide travel adapter plug too – any device becomes useless without the means required to charge it!
The Pros and Cons of Taking a Smartphone
There are numerous reasons why you might take a smartphone with you on your next trip. For travelers who are headed abroad for pleasure purposes (rather than business), smartphones can be the only device you need. These gadgets take the place of multiple devices, including an alarm clock, flashlight, calculator, and map. What’s more, they’re packed with useful apps that work both online and offline, including translation tools, navigation helpers, and currency convertors. One of the biggest advantages of smartphones over tablets is that they’re small, lightweight, and easy to transport.
On the other hand, a 5″ screen isn’t exactly ideal for entertainment, particularly if you want to read a book or watch a movie on your flight. What’s more, the small battery life that most smartphones provide means that you can’t use them for entertainment over long periods of time unless you’re directly connected to your worldwide adapter plug at all times. In the question of “What’s best for travelers”, the answer may be that smartphones are more suited to people on the go, who don’t spend too much time using their device.
The Pros and Cons of Taking a Tablet
Tablet computers are still relatively new in the technological market, but they’re extremely popular. Not only do they provide a larger screen and a better battery life, but they can also be an ideal way to stay entertained, or productive for longer. While you might not have the standard calling and texting facilities you’d have with your smartphone, you will have tools like WhatsApp and Skype that allow you to connect with people at home – and these options are usually cheaper, anyway! What’s more, because battery life lasts longer on a tablet, you can get work done on the plane, browse the internet wherever you are, and access entertainment without worrying about draining your energy supply.
On the other hand, one of the biggest problems with tablets is that they don’t fit well into your pocket, so you’re going to need a bag handy, and you could be constantly worrying about thieves. What’s more, the bulk of tablets also adds extra weight to your carry-on luggage, which can be a problem if you’re trying to travel light.
The answer to “What’s best for travelers” regarding mobile technology is complicated. In most circumstances, you will find that the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs.
