Anyone who travels often knows the benefits of bringing along good gear. This is perhaps most often felt in the type of footwear we bring with us, as any seasoned traveler knows that aching and unsupported feet can be a complete burden when trying to enjoy an adventure.
But outside of more hobbyist devices like cameras, survivalist gear, and more, it’s also good to consider the general possessions you’ll bring with you. For instance – every traveler knows that a commuter’s pillow they can attach to the airplane or train seat is one of the most beautiful inventions of humankind.
That said, it’s pretty important to purchase the right phone too. Smartphones can be very useful when heading abroad, as they can help plan a journey, help you find deals, allow you to manage your money more readily, and even keep you safe. Let’s consider how to use that and more below:
International Compatibility
When purchasing a phone to travel with, it is important to ensure that it is compatible with international networks. This means checking to see if the phone has a quad-band or penta-band radio, which will allow it to work on a variety of different frequencies used around the world. Additionally, it’s important to check if the phone is unlocked, so that you can use local SIM cards when traveling abroad too – after all, your current carrier may not operate in a distinct location or charge you ludicrous roaming charges for the “crime” of trying to have a good time abroad. This way, you can avoid all of that hassle.
Durability Is Essential
When traveling, it’s important to have a durable and rugged phone that can withstand the wear and tear of the journey. Consider getting a phone with a rugged design, or with a protective case to safeguard it from drops, scratches, and other damages. Additionally, look for a phone that is water and dust resistant; this will be handy in case of unexpected weather conditions. You can sometimes help this durability with added purchases like a screen protector or a strong case – in fact, both tend to work quite well.
Be careful, however, of the claim “military-grade” when it comes to purchasing accessories for the phone, as it’s important to remember the military tends to opt for the cheapest contractor that can do the job for their own procurement, and this is just a marketing buzzword to make certain peripherals seem tougher than they are. Also, avoid any grading systems seemingly manufactured by the company trying to sell you a product – there’s no need to go overboard here.
Battery Life & Charging Capabilities
Two important aspects to consider when purchasing a phone are battery life and charging capabilities – especially if you’re going to be traveling for long distances.. Look for a phone with a long-lasting battery, and consider purchasing a portable charger or power bank to keep it charged on the go. Additionally, consider if the phone supports fast charging or wireless charging; this will make it easier to charge when you’re on the move.
This is arguably one of the most important features to consider when traveling. The last thing you need is to suffer a dead phone while trying to enjoy your adventure – and especially not when you’re lost in a foreign place.
Camera & Storage
When traveling, a phone’s camera and storage capabilities are important features to consider. Look for a phone with a high-resolution camera, as well as features like optical zoom, portrait mode, and video recording capabilities. Additionally, consider the storage capacity of the phone, and ensure it has enough space to store all your photos, videos, and other files. If you need more storage, you can also consider purchasing a micro SD card on top of that.
Security Is Essential
When traveling, it’s crucial to make sure your phone is safe and secure, and shielded from any risks like theft or hacking. Look for a phone with built-in security features like encryption and biometric authentication (facial recognition, iris scanning, or fingerprint scanning). Consider whether a security app is pre-installed on the phone or if you can download one; doing so will help you safeguard your personal information and keep your phone safe from harmful software. You can also make sure certain software can be installed, like VPN networks that keep your traffic encrypted. This can work well after learning how to change your IP address on iPhone and other models.
With this advice, you’re sure to find the perfect phone to travel with.