The Tech+Travel Balance

Traveling the world is a venture as old as civilization. Human beings are curious wanderers by nature and necessity. Now the advancement of travel technology is moving rapidly that it’s ever easier to plan, book, and communicate our travel needs. Everyone has a super computer in their pocket. The latest travel apps are making it easier to get out and discover the little corners of the world that we’ve always dreamed of experiencing.

Some may say things are getting too digital for the “wanderer’s spirit.” They say point of getting away is to disconnect from technological pressures and crutches - reconnect with nature and rediscover intimate moments with actual people. I agree this idea is true to the free-spirited mindset of a traveler. In fact the apps that once distracted us are being reined in by new tech designed to course-correct our cell phone obsession and allow us to reengage with each other without sacrificing our use of technology altogether. 

But how much tech is too much tech? 

We are constantly updating our circle of friends on what we are doing on a daily basis. Checking-in to restaurants, sharing our Spotify playlist, and recording videos of our weird cats for all of Facebook to see. When we travel, we post our moments to Instagram so everyone can co-experience our vacation with us. It’s the way of life we’ve all become accustomed to. This is so normal now that it’s difficult for us to recall the days when we didn’t know what Cousin Deedee was doing all week unless we called her to find out!

Despite all of our distraction with technology, the wanderlust of raw, unchained adventure is still thriving among those of us who have it in our blood. It’s something that we can try to tame, but if we are true to ourselves, it will always be the catalyst of discovery in our lives – discovery of other worlds, discovery of ourselves. Technology can be used to our benefit, but we must always strive to be present in those moments of discovery. 

Share your thoughts:

• How do you use technology when you travel or make travel plans? 
• Do you unplug when you’re on vacation?