How Technology Can Help You Travel With Confidence – Hamilton County Reporter

Ryan Brubaker
guest columnist

There is one major constant in the travel industry. Regardless of age, destination or duration of travel, consumers want peace of mind when traveling. This has never been more important than today.

As many of us approach planning and attending a trip, we can’t help but feel the weight of uncertainty. Consumers face these unpleasant feelings for a variety of reasons. For example, potential illness, other health issues, travel costs, international tensions, regional conflicts, extreme weather events, and the risk of natural disasters. In addition to the fears that many travelers often share, there are also a variety of factors that can cause individuals to experience their own forms of travel anxiety. This may be the first time you’ve traveled alone.

Either way, it’s common for travelers in 2022 to crave a sense of safety and protection.

In light of the above, I would argue that in many ways we are better prepared than ever to travel safely. From a technical point of view this is 100% true. While our parents and grandparents were guided by travel agents and guidebooks, we used resources like Google Maps, Airbnb, and other traveler blogs to guide our travels. You can make the most of it. .

As the leader of Seven Corners, I am in a position to advocate for consumers to use insurance to protect their financial investment in travel. I also have a platform to show consumers that technology can be their guide. Whether you’re traveling state, country, or the world, here are three tips for traveling with confidence.

1. Certainty comes from research

Just as you wouldn’t attend a job interview without properly researching the company and opportunity, you wouldn’t want to travel to a new destination without prior knowledge of the top attractions, dining options, and available transportation. I don’t think so.

Two great resources that are often overlooked are the city’s tourism website and the Chamber of Commerce site. Both typically outline information about local facilities, upcoming events, where to stay, and parking availability. These platforms also help determine available activities and age-appropriate companions.

Another way to learn more about potential destinations is through YouTube videos and TikToks. These videos showcase other individuals’ previous travel experiences in a particular area and typically highlight the greatest achievements they’ve made from their trips.

2. Your mobile device should be your closest partner

We often see consumers looking for travel opportunities when they need to disconnect from the technology they use in their daily lives. This is perfectly understandable. However, it’s not the most realistic choice, especially when traveling long distances or traveling to new destinations. With just a few phone clicks, you can share your new arrival time with your loved ones, present your flight ticket, or participate in contactless check-in at your hotel.

The industry itself is becoming more dependent on technology than ever before, partly because of the pandemic. In fact, a summer 2021 data.ai report shows that travel/navigation app usage surged 20% compared to the previous month and time period. Travel apps are available and it’s wise to take advantage of them. If you’re not sure where to start, Apple’s App Store and Google Play Store have excellent lists of free and paid travel apps in use today.

3. Use technology that promotes safety

There are now several technologies you can use to keep yourself or your group safe while traveling.

Companies like Seven Corners offer 24/7 communication through multiple channels such as mobile apps, text messages, and WhatsApp. This is a growing trend across the industry, with numerous insurers, airlines, home booking companies, and rideshare companies prioritizing 24/7 communication with their customers. Apps like ‘Find My’ allow you to share your location at various times with the individuals you choose, so you can monitor your whereabouts and stay connected with all members of your party.

With resources like Sherpa, you can keep up with changing travel requirements and restrictions around the world. Finally, monitoring local news originating from your destination area is a proven way to stay up-to-date and safe while on vacation.

A family trip to Disney World has a different energy than a ski trip with friends, a meeting with colleagues, or a student studying abroad in Europe. In all these scenarios, safety is paramount and technology supports you every step of the way.

Ryan Brubaker is Chief Information Officer and Vice President of Operations for Carmel-based travel insurance company Seven Corners.