That much-needed vacation getaway you’ve been planning for months is almost here. Your transportation and hotel or rental house are secured. You’ve stopped mail delivery, set your out-of-office message, and double-checked your packing list. But unless you plan to go entirely off the grid, ‘getting away from it all’ may not mean going completely offline.
The Internet of Things (IoT) has changed the way we travel. IoT devices like trackable luggage and automated Airbnb check-ins add convenience and streamlined efficiency. Home technologies like smart locks, video doorbells, and security cameras let you monitor your home from afar so you can enjoy your time away without worry.
A robust and secure WiFi connection while traveling means you won’t miss important alerts, and helps your smart home stays safe and secure. Let’s explore ways to incorporate tech into your travel plans for a relaxing, stress-free vacation.
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Travel tech solutions to keep you cool and connected
Whether you’re heading out on a weekend getaway, business trip, or weeks-long journey abroad, you want to know that you, your belongings, and your home are safe and secure. Consider these IoT travel solutions when preparing for your next trip.
Smart luggage: packed with convenience
A lost or stolen bag can throw a troublesome wrench in your vacation plans. Smart luggage helps provides security, convenience, and peace of mind for a better travel experience.
IoT travel devices built into the bags let you keep tabs on your personal belongings with smart features such as:
- GPS-enabled tracking technology: Receive location updates and alerts that tell you where your luggage is—or if it’s been rerouted.
- USB charging ports and power banks: Built-in adapters let you charge multiple devices simultaneously, and many devices even include surge protection.
- Built-in digital scales: Knowing the exact weight of your bag upfront eliminates extra fees at check-in, reshuffling contents, and eye-rolling from the long line behind you.
- Remote locking systems: IoT-powered smart locks help you protect your valuables from your phone. Once your bag is out of your hands, you can lock, unlock, and monitor it.
Smart travel adapters: keeping you connected
Unplugging when traveling is important at times, but it isn’t always possible. You may need to jump on a work call, get in touch with family and friends, or safely access your bank account. A secure internet connection while traveling is essential as you navigate a new city, book a guided tour, or make dinner reservations.
IoT travel adapters let you control all your devices while you’re away. Plug your home devices into adapters with remote connectivity via your phone, and travel with a plug that assures you’ll be able to charge up all your devices wherever you find an outlet. The variety of versatile adapters available offers a range of conveniences for travel, including:
- Universal plug compatibility that connects you to different electrical outlets worldwide
- Multiple USB ports so you can charge various devices at once
- Surge protection to help keep your devices safe
- Smart charging technology that detects the optimal speed each device needs
Smart locks: passing security checks
Smart locks for your luggage and hotel or Airbnb give you keyless convenience and protection for your valuables. Want to know if your bags are safe? Need quick access to your room? You can do it right from your smartphone.
Smart locks offer a range of beneficial features:
- Lock and unlock your luggage or hotel room easily without a key—even when you aren’t nearby.
- Get real-time alerts if someone tries to open your bag or hotel room.
- Temporarily share access with family or friends.
- Never worry about losing or misplacing your keys.
Pack smarter: don’t forget the tech
When packing for your next trip, consider where you’re going, the length of your stay, your planned activities, and the weather. That will help determine any clothing, personal care items, and necessary travel documents you need. But whatever your destination, add these tech tools to your vacation packing list for a safe, enjoyable experience:
- Portable charger: Keep all your devices powered up when you’re on the go.
- Streaming stick: Catch up on the latest series and movies during downtime.
- E-reader: Unwind with a good book without adding weight to your luggage.
- RFID luggage tags: Keep your bags in check with these portable, inexpensive
- GoPro camera: Capture all your vacation adventures and breathtaking sights.
- Noise-canceling headphones: De-stress during long flights or when lounging poolside.
- Travel apps: Download apps for booking, navigation, weather, and even language translation.
Find the best hotspots
WiFi hotspots are convenient ways to connect online while away from home. You can find these hotspots in various public places, from coffee shops and restaurants to libraries and airports. A secure WiFi hotspot is crucial, whether you’re accessing sensitive data while on a business call or sharing family travel photos.
Several types of WiFi hotspots exist: public, mobile, and prepaid. Understanding the differences between each is important for determining which option is best (and safest) for your needs.
Public hotspots
Many public places provide a shared WiFi network. These hotspots are usually free, but some may charge a small fee. Be warned: these networks aren’t very secure and can be breeding grounds for hackers and identity thieves. If your only option is a public hotspot, use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). For even better protection, include two-factor authentication (2FA). This added security measure requires another form of identification besides your password.
Private mobile hotspots
This option is your best bet for security, particularly if you’re accessing or sharing private company information or your personal banking accounts. You can use the cellular data on your smartphone to create a mobile WiFi hotspot when you travel. Another option is purchasing a portable travel WiFi hotspot device, which is a good investment if you travel frequently. And if you’re lucky enough to be in a spot that offers fiber internet, you’ll get lightning-fast speeds and incredible reliability across multiple devices.
Prepaid hotspots
Like mobile hotspots, prepaid hotspots can be accessed through a smartphone or other portable hotspot device. The main difference is that with a prepaid hotspot, you pay upfront for a set amount of data rather than a monthly plan.
Stay connected to home from anywhere
If you worry about your home’s safety while on vacation, you’re not alone. According to the United States Department of Justice, there are over one million home burglaries yearly. Thanks to advancements in technology, you can monitor your home from anywhere.
Ready to set up your smart home for safety and efficiency? Here are some IoT home security features to get you started:
Smart thermostats
Investing in a smart thermostat offers convenience, energy efficiency, and cost savings. Whether you’re out of town for the weekend or traveling the world, you can control your home’s temperature from your smartphone. Set the temperature before you head out and enjoy a worry-free vacation. When heading home, adjust it so you return to a comfortable environment. Smart thermostats can even self-regulate if temps rise or fall.
Automated lighting
Thieves casing neighborhoods look for telltale signs that someone is out of town. Lighting, inside and out, is one of the main giveaways. Homes that remain dark all day or lit all night are indications that nobody is home. Motion sensors and timers let you adjust your home’s interior and exterior lighting to give the appearance that somebody is always there. Automated lighting is also energy-efficient, putting more money in your pocket for your next vacation.
Security cameras and video doorbells
These devices keep a close eye on your home while you’re away. Strategically placed security cameras provide real-time monitoring so you can react immediately if you spot unwanted intruders on your property. And video doorbells with two-way communication let you speak to delivery persons or deter suspicious trespassers.
Smart switches and plugs
These devices provide the ultimate in security, safety, and convenience. In addition to controlling thermostats, lighting, and cameras, they help automate all the appliances in your smart home. Not sure if you turned off the iron? Automated timers will take care of that. Want the TV or smart speakers to turn on at a specific time to send would-be thieves packing? You can do it right from your smartphone.
Connecting all your home’s technology in one seamless package is simple. Quantum Fiber® 360 WiFi® blankets your home with fast, reliable coverage. If you travel frequently, 360 WiFi is a surefire way t help keep your home protected, connected, and energy efficient.
Transforming travel through IoT
The Internet of Things connects us in many ways, including how we interact and explore the world. If you want a secure WiFi connection when traveling, boost your experience with the lightning-fast speeds, reliable connectivity, and seamless convenience of Quantum Fiber
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