Smartphones have made traveling easier and safer.

For instance, you can use map apps to plot routes and ensure you don’t get lost, and you can call for help quickly should you find yourself in an emergency situation, such as a road accident. You could also use translation apps to communicate with locals who don’t speak English.

But there are several things you should consider before you head overseas in order to make the best use of your phone and to help you prepare for safe traveling.

Get Helpful Apps

To help you navigate your way through a different country, it can be very beneficial to get several new apps for your phone before you embark on your journey.

That could include flight notification apps, itinerary apps, map apps, language translation apps, weather apps, and gas-finding apps.

If you’re planning on hiring a car while you’re away, it’s a good idea to get smartphone apps for accidents too.

For example, the SOSmart app can detect when a vehicle crash occurs using your smartphone’s GPS and accelerometer. It also reaches out to the emergency contacts you have stored to let them know of the accident.

So, with the right apps on your phone, you can better prepare for safe traveling.

Get a Temporary International Plan

There’s little point in downloading new apps if you can’t use your phone abroad. So, check with your provider that your phone will stay operational overseas.

Even if your phone will work in another country, it can soon become very expensive to make a few calls, so consider purchasing an international plan or swapping your SIM card for a local one.

Often, the best option is to set up a temporary international plan for your destination. You can then cancel the plan on your return.

When you’re sure that your phone is usable and affordable while you’re in another country, you can stay safe while you’re away. For instance, if you hire a car and break down in the middle of nowhere, it will be simple to call for help.

Download Entertainment Before You Leave Home

When planning a trip overseas, you might not think you need much entertainment on your phone. After all, you’ll be spending your time exploring places, dining at lovely restaurants, and hanging out at the beach, for instance. Right?

The truth is there could be lots of times when you want to have movies, music, and other entertainment with you; whether it’s for use while you lounge in the sun or ride a long bus journey.

Downloading entertainment can be expensive in other countries, so make sure you download the entertainment you want before you leave home.

Pack the Right Accessories

To make the best use of your smartphone and prepare for safe traveling while you’re abroad, ensure you take the right accessories with you.

A charger is one item you mustn’t forget. You should also take a portable rechargeable battery pack. Also, a travel-friendly phone case can help to protect your phone. Other accessories you’ll want to consider taking with you include cleaning cloths and a belt clip for your phone.

And you’re probably planning on taking lots of photographs with your phone while away, so you may wish to take accessories like selfie sticks or even a pocket-size cinema lens with you.

The Takeaway

To find the right smartphone options for you when traveling, carefully consider your specific needs before you leave home.

By figuring out what you want to use your phone for, you can more easily determine which plans, apps, accessories, and other things you need in order to make your journey run smoothly and safely.