packing

5 Reasons Why the iPhone Should be a Part of Your Packing List

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5 Reasons Why the iPhone Should be a Part of Your Packing List.

Everyone has different essential items for their vacation but there should be one common denominator on everyone’s lists – the iPhone. Here’s why:

1. GPS

While traveling, transportation can be very time consuming and it can even lessen the time you wish to spend at your destination. This is where the Maps App comes in – with the phone’s GPS, you can definitely save time by knowing where you are at all times.

2. Camera

One of the headaches of traveling is packing, specifically over packing. However, the iPhone has so many functionalities, it can help you save a lot of room in your luggage for souvenirs. For example, you can leave your camera at home because the one on the newest iPhone has 8 megapixels. You can even instantly post your photos to Facebook or edit them with Instagram. The built-in GSP in the iPhone means you can also leave your portable GPS at home!

3. Apps, Apps and More Apps!

The countless apps from the App Store can help you relieve a couple of hours of boredom while on the plane. The increasing number of airplanes with Wi-Fi also means you can check Facebook, your e-mail and browse the Internet while in flight.

4. Cheap hotels, flights, restaurants, car rentals.

You can also find the lowest rates for hotels, flights, restaurants and car rentals with apps such as Kayak and Urbanspoon. Urbanspoon also displays customer reviews of restaurants, price ranges so you know what to expect at the newest spot in town.

5. Camping essentials

If you are camping or hiking, useful apps such as the Flashlight and the Compass can also save space in your camping backpack. The flashlight is chunky and takes up a lot of batteries. If you are camping for a few days and are afraid of your phone running out of batteries, remember to put it on airplane mode and turn off data fetching/Wi-Fi to save battery.

Have A Nice Trip!

Travel – whether for business or pleasure – always comes with a few pitfalls: long wait times and line ups at the airport; unexpected changes in the weather; a smaller-than-expected hotel room.

With some advanced planning, you can ensure that everything within your control can be managed, and make every trip a pleasant one!

1) When packing for a getaway, make sure you have the following items in a carry-on bag:

  • an extra set of undergarments and an extra pair of socks
  • an extra t-shirt
  • a toothbrush and toothpaste, extra contact lenses and any other essential toiletries
  • any guidebooks, maps or language books you require for your stay

If your other luggage is lost at the end of your journey, you’ll at least have some things to get you by. Remember that most airlines don’t give much in the way of reimbursement for lost bags, so don’t get caught away from home without what you need!

2) Avoid jetlag by planning an overnight flight. You can sleep while you travel and wake up to a new day in a new place.

3) Rent or purchase guide videos to learn about your destination; by seeing the locations rather than simply reading about them, you’ll feel familiar with your new surroundings, and more at ease.

4) Learn the following phrases in the most commonly spoken language of your destination:

  • “Excuse me, could you tell me how to get to ________ (name of your lodging here)?”
  • “What time do you close/open?”
  • “Excuse me, where is the nearest pharmacy?”
  • “Please” and “thank you”

These are phrases you’re bound to use during your stay and learning them will help you plan, manage and enjoy your trip.

5) Renting a car while you travel is often a great way to get around; be sure to research the rules of the road, though. Find out what certain signs indicate, the speed limit of major routes, and anything else that will help you avoid getting ticketed or towed.

6) In some countries, the tip on meals is included in cheque’s total. Find out if this applies where you are staying, and avoid paying to much (or too little) after you eat.

7) Don’t carry your passport with you when you’re out and about; make a photocopy of the information and carry that instead – keep your original passport in your hotel’s safe.

8) Don’t overpack! Learn the weight restrictions of your airline before packing to ensure you’re not charged at the airport. If you plan on shopping on your trip, leave space for new items. This is often the main reason for weight overage charges.

9) Research any museums or galleries you plan to visit before you leave; many have reduced (or free) admission on particular days or certain times.

10) Order your Brightroam SIM or international phone as soon as you can to make sure it arrives on time. Don’t suffer the surprise of high roaming fees – plan ahead and get ready to roam!

5 Travel Must Haves

Packing is always the hardest thing to do – so much to organize in (usually) so little time. Some simple pre-planning and a handy list of must haves will save you valuable time, money and trouble!

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Here are five items you should always have with you for long journeys abroad, or quick weekend getaways.

1) Laundry Packets

Lighten your load for travel and bring along some travel packs of detergent to launder a few items on your trip. Laundry services aren’t available at every hotel/hostel you’ll stay in, so save yourself the hassle of locating a nearby laundromat and do it yourself in your bathroom sink!

2) Water Shoes

Be prepared for all types of water play with protective, lightweight shoes – they’re easily found at department/leisure sports stores everywhere.

3) Money Belt

Carry everything you need safely with a money belt. Leave your cash & passport in a hotel safe, and only take what you need for trips around town.

4) Insect Repellent Wipes

Avoid bug bites with easy-to-travel-with wipes.

5) World SIM Card

Stay connected to family and friends while you’re away (and have a clear mind when it comes to roaming charges) with a Brightroam SIM card.