If you'd told me years ago that I could plan a whole road trip across Costa Rica using just AI tools and an eSIM app, I'd have laughed – but here we are.
When I first started travelling full-time back in 2018, trip planning meant hours of scrolling through travel forums, juggling flight comparison tabs, and hoping that a random “hidden beach” recommendation wasn't just someone's backyard. Fast forward to now, and my entire travel setup looks nothing like it did then.
From using AI-powered travel planners that map out routes in seconds, to switching between countries effortlessly with eSIMs like Airalo (a game-changer for international travel), technology has turned what used to be a logistical headache into something almost effortless. I can top up data plans mid-flight, manage my travel budget with Wise and Revolut, and even compare travel insurance options online before landing – things that once took hours now take minutes.
Of course, it's not all smooth sailing. I've had my fair share of tech blunders – like when an itinerary app confidently told me to rent a sketchy Airbnb in the Dominican Republic… at noon (rookie move).
Still, the wins far outweigh the hiccups. From using smart translation tools to chat with locals to tracking expenses and working remotely through cloud-based apps, these digital tools have reshaped the way I travel.
3 Ways To Travel Smarter You Should Know
1. Planning Made Simple
Remember when planning a trip used to mean stacks of guidebooks, endless browser tabs, and hoping someone's old blog post hadn't gone out of date? Thankfully, that's long gone.
Now, I can map out a full itinerary on my phone — from finding scenic road trip routes to discovering cities for digital nomad to work in — all in one place. Tools like Google Maps, Rome2Rio, and community-based travel apps let you visualise routes, compare transport options, and even check real-time reviews from other travellers.
One trick that's saved me countless times? Downloading Google Maps offline before heading somewhere remote. When I was road-tripping through New Zealand, I lost signal more times than I could count — but because I'd downloaded my maps, I could still navigate winding mountain roads without panicking. It's a small step that makes a huge difference, especially when you're in places with patchy coverage (looking at you, Peruvian highlands).
The best part? Everything feels more personal. I love using digital maps to mark off hidden beaches or sunrise viewpoints, and apps like Pinterest or Notion to save inspiration from locals I meet on the road. Whether you're an organised planner or a spontaneous explorer, these modern tools make travel smoother and far less stressful.
Plus, comparing accommodation, car rentals, and experiences on the go means you're no longer locked into rigid plans. If you fall in love with a town and want to stay longer, it's just a few taps away.
2. Staying Entertained On The Go
Let's be real – travel isn't always sunrise hikes and beach views. There are long-haul flights that drag on forever, 10-hour bus rides through winding mountain roads, and those rainy days when all your outdoor plans get cancelled. I've learned that how you handle those quiet, in-between moments can really shape the whole trip.
Smart Connectivity With eSIMs
Helsinki, Finland
If there's one thing I've learned, it's that connection is everything. Having an eSIM ready before I land has saved me countless times — from last-minute hotel changes to simply being able to stream music during a long ride.
I still remember arriving in Bali years ago without one — I spent an hour trying to find a SIM kiosk, only to realise my phone didn't support their local network. I couldn't book a Grab ride or even message my Airbnb host. Lesson learned.
Now, I always install an eSIM (I use Airalo) before I take off. It activates as soon as I land, so I can order transport, find nearby cafes, or stream Spotify right away. And it's not just about convenience — it keeps me entertained. Long airport layovers suddenly don't feel so bad when you've got WiFi strong enough to stream your favourite series.
But yes, there's a downside. eSIM data runs out faster than you expect if you stream too much. I've had moments in remote areas where my connection dropped mid-episode — not fun when you're deep into a true-crime podcast. Now, I always download my essentials offline just in case.
READ ALSO: Best eSIM for New Zealand Best eSIM for Costa Rica Best eSIM for The USA Best eSIM for Australia
Entertainment That Travels With You
In a hotel in CDMX, Mexico
Before every trip, I make a little “boredom survival kit” on my phone. It's usually a mix of Netflix downloads, Spotify playlists, and a few language-learning apps like Duolingo and Memrise.
When I was travelling solo through Vietnam, I'd spend hours on buses between cities. I'd plug in my earphones, queue up a travel podcast, and sometimes practise a few Vietnamese phrases. It sounds small, but learning to say “thank you” and “how much” in the local language made interactions so much friendlier — people really light up when you try.
Of course, there are times when you just want to zone out. I've binge-watched full Netflix series on overnight trains, and honestly, that kind of downtime can be strangely therapeutic. But I've also learned that too much screen time can make you miss what's around you — like that sunset outside the window or the old lady selling snacks at a rest stop. Balance is key.
Exploring Local Digital Culture
One of my favourite parts of travelling is discovering how locals unwind online. In Australia, I was surprised at how popular Australian pokies online were — not really my thing, but it made me curious about how entertainment reflects local culture. In Japan, it was rhythm games; in Thailand, everyone seemed obsessed with mobile karaoke apps.
These digital quirks tell you a lot about a place. I once joined a mobile trivia game in a café in Seoul just because everyone else was playing. I didn't understand half the questions, but it was hilarious trying to keep up. It's little moments like that — connecting through shared downtime — that stick with you.
Making Downtime Count
If there's one thing travel has taught me, it's to embrace the slow moments. Whether it's waiting for a delayed flight, sitting through a long ferry ride, or sheltering from the rain in a hostel lounge, those in-between hours can still be meaningful.
Sometimes I'll journal, sometimes I'll watch a movie, and other times I'll just scroll through photos and relive moments from the trip. Having the right digital tools — a reliable eSIM, offline playlists, downloaded movies — turns what could be wasted time into something refreshing.
Not every moment of travel has to be adventurous. Some of the most grounding ones happen when you're doing absolutely nothing — just being present, headphones in, world passing by.
Digital nomad community at Chiang Mai
One of the best parts of travelling — especially long-term — is the people you meet along the way. No matter how many stunning landscapes or perfect sunsets I see, it's always the human connections that stay with me the longest.
These days, building that sense of community is easier than ever. Apps like Meetup, Facebook Groups, and even WhatsApp communities have helped me find everything from weekend hiking buddies to coworking sessions with fellow digital nomads in Chiang Mai. When you're constantly on the move, those small pockets of connection make the world feel a little less big.
Of course, it's not always smooth sailing — I've joined my fair share of “travel meetups” that turned out to be 3 people awkwardly nursing coffee in silence. But when it clicks, it really clicks. Like the time I joined a digital nomad event organised through Instagram DMs and ended up exploring Bulgaria with 2 new friends I still talk to today.
Modern tools don't just make it easier to meet people; they help you understand a place more deeply. Local forums and chat groups often lead to experiences I'd never find on Google — like a family-run tapas spot in Granada or a hidden art space in Kuala Lumpur.
For digital nomads, that sense of belonging matters even more. Between timezone differences, spotty Wi-Fi, and constantly adapting to new cities, having an online and offline community to lean on keeps you grounded.
Travel has always been about discovery, but now, technology helps us stay connected while doing it. Whether it's sharing a coffee with someone you met through a travel app or swapping tips with locals in a group chat, those small moments of connection are what turn a trip into a story worth telling.
