There have been a huge amount of changes in the travel industry in the last decade. With smarter gadgets, new technology, smartphones, new apps and many more resources for a traveler to have a virtual experience of the destination and make an informed choice to have the best possible experience. While in 2004 no one would have thought of these, in the year 2014 these are a reality and part of the daily routine:
Cheaper airline tickets
Although the trend of cheaper airlines existed in the year 2004, but with a limited network of airlines and with very selective destinations. You can’t deny the charm of traveling through a scenic rail route, but an alternative option for a cheaper airline is definitely a plus! The range of airlines and offers of exciting discounts, air miles and deals from time to time as promotions have certainly made air travel accessible to a lot more people in 2014.
Read also: What is the best airline to fly for cheap?
Travel agencies
Avoid the hassle of endless phone calls to an agent to know the right and available travel options, now selecting the best possible option is just a click away, literally! With the rise of the travel industry over the internet, one can plan his own trip, compare the options and book it online in the most convenient way and get a good deal while saving a lot of time and money. Needless to say, this new, new, powerful way is not only smarter, but also offers a tailor-made experience with their own preference for travel dates, flight times, hotels, and what not!
Communication from abroad
The hassle of finding an internet cafe to access the slow dial-up internet connection or that weekly email to the loved ones is just not the case anymore. With Wi-Fi, smartphones and social networking sites, the world seems like a smaller place. Not to mention those high bills for international calls, with international SIM cards getting cheaper and more available to most destinations. Keeping in touch with the loved ones has little effect on the wallet, making the traveler happier.
Travel photography
Years ago photography meant a film camera and then eagerly headed home and rushed to the nearest studio to develop and wait for the photos and save the negatives for more copies. Apart from the smartphones with a pretty good camera, of course, there are the DSLR cameras that have literally brought the hidden photographer to every traveler. Besides being easy to use, they have multiple functions for adding effects, adjusting the light and even editing the photos, making every image perfect!
Technology and gadgets
Nothing comes as a better life saver these days like the smartphones and the laptops. Translators are available on the telephone for language problems abroad. If you get lost in unfamiliar terrain, there is a GPS to guide you with the route. Tons of apps to solve every traveler’s problems, from checking your train’s pnr status to the things that need to be done in the destination you are traveling to. Currency converters, calculators, weather information or even a WiFi finder. There is an app for every concern.
Accessibility of world gastronomic dishes
A foodie no longer has to dream of traveling to the US to taste the juiciest burgers or the Middle East from an authentic Mezze platter. With the international chains opening up everywhere and more importantly not only the packaged foods like the sauces, chocolates etc but even fresh exotic ingredients like lemongrass for that Thai Curry to be made at home from fresh herbs to make the homemade Italian pasta garnish (made with gourmet cheese of course), the international flavors are well accepted and now available right from the cheapest ingredients to the most expensive dishes in the world.
Travel blogging
While there were also many travel companies in 2004, most people were able to share their photos and experiences with friends and family in person or via email. In 2014, sharing experiences is a big part of the journey itself. Not only do people inspire others to travel by sharing their photos on social media, nowadays everyone is a blogger in one way or another. Whether you’re commenting on someone else’s blog, simply uploading your travel photos to your social media profile or a full-fledged blogger documenting every experience and literally transporting readers to their destination. The travel blogs let people mix with other travellers, get useful tips and plan their trip in a better way.
Luxe Airlines
On the one hand, airlines have become abundant, serving wider destinations and offering a cheaper airfare on the other hand, has luxuries that have completely taken over the airlines and made the journey an experience in itself. The finest champagne or wine served along with multi-course gourmet food, a fully reclined seat, suites (yes, they are a reality now… who would have thought this 10 years ago) and the pleasure of a private lounge while waiting for the flight is all there and much more about the best luxury airlines in the world.
Entertainment options on the go
Over time, in-flight entertainment has certainly improved with multilingual choices in movies, music and even the latest television series. But whether one travels by train, road or whatever, an Ipod for music, the Ipad is now an essential part. And with Wi-Fi and in-flight phone calls (whether we like it or not) in an in-flight proposal, even in mid-air one can now stay connected so much.
carbon footprint
Though there are definite pluses of the world getting closer with rapid technological developments and so many more airlines covering most of the world’s destinations. However, it also leaves a major impact on the environment. India is one of the largest emitters of carbon dioxide in the world. Now with the times, many airlines are offering consumers the choice of paying a little more to clear the carbon footprint for their trip. In the course of the decade with more progress, on the one hand, technology has had a negative impact on the environment, while on the other hand, awareness is growing to address this issue, all it depends on is the route taken!
These changes in travel have certainly made travel easier, more convenient, almost a tailor-made experience with choices that can literally spoil the travelers with very high quality and advanced gadgets that have improved the quality of travel and made capturing and sharing very easy.
Read also:
