social technology

Social Technology, Apps and Gadgets for the Adventurous Traveler

Social media has made it easier than ever to stay connected with friends and family. At any time, we can snap, filter and upload our lives to Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and other trending platforms. But the best part is: we can do it from anywhere (as long as there’s internet connection, of course). Why not join the fun? Check out some of the cool ways that apps, gadgets and social technology can help you capture and share your next big adventure!

Social technology, apps and gadgets for the adventurous traveler

Must-have camera apps and gadgets

One of the greatest things about owning a smartphone is that you have a communication device, music player and camera all in one. The next time you’re on vacation, take advantage. Instead of lugging around a bulky camera bag with expensive equipment, use one of the must-have (free) camera apps below. You can turn those spontaneous photo ops into Instagram-worthy pics every time!

Snapseed for iOS and Android

If you’re looking for a photo editing tool, Snapseed is hands down your go-to. This powerful editing app comes with the whole shebang: Adjustment tools for exposure, color and sharpness, customizable filters, the ability to spot edit images and a user-friendly interface. It even has a “healing” tool that lets you remove unwanted eyesores from your pic. This way, you can take all the pictures you want on your boat excursion and edit them later at the hotel.

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VSCO for iOS and Android

If you’re looking for a one-stop-shop, this photo app will do the trick. You can take pictures directly in the app using manual controls and then edit to your hearts content. Beautiful filters have a classic film look and feel, and built-in adjustment tools can modify exposure, color and more. Plus, this app’s photo sharing community really takes things to the next level. Before you upload to social media, you can share your images with the VSCO photography community. And of course, for those looking to keep it simple, there’s always the option to just use the actual Instagram app.

Spectacles

While some people love pictures, others are all about video. And this gadget will help travelers capture their adventures one 10-second clip at a time. Spectacles (made for the most loyal of Snapchat fans) are a pair of video recording sunglasses that can record “snaps” of your day and sync them directly to the Snapchat Memories on your smartphone. It may be a little on the expensive side at $129.99, but it’s the perfect travel accessory for those who want to run around hands-free! The gadget comes with a bright yellow sunglasses case (which doubles as a portable battery charger), a ghost-shaped cleaning cloth and a USB cable. This device takes the idea of showing the world through your eyes to a whole new level.

social technology
Apps like Geocaching and Field Trip help travelers explore the world around them.

More apps and social technology for the curious traveler

Camera shy? No worries. Traveling isn’t just about taking amazing pictures and videos to share with your social media connections (although, that is a lot of fun). Traveling is also about living in the moment, meeting new people and getting out of your comfort zone. Check out some of the apps and gadgets below for fun ways to explore those new and unfamiliar places!

Geocaching

Whether you’ve heard of Geocaching or not, this activity is a great use of social technology. Using a smartphone or GPS, participants can hunt down different “caches” (AKA containers of cool items and knickknacks) all over the world. And most of these caches are hidden by locals who know the area well. While your overseas and miles away from home, Geocaching will help you find fun adventures off-the-beaten tourist path. It’s like a worldwide treasure hunt (without the pirates) and you can join in anytime you want!

Field Trip for iOS ank Android

For those of us who don’t know where we’re headed, but want to enjoy the journey all the same, walking tours are a perfect choice. And we’re not talking about those overpriced city tours that you take with a bunch of strangers – we’re talking self-guided tours. There are plenty of travel apps that provide walking tours but one of the most popular and widely used is Field Trip. Less intrusive than other options, this app runs in the background of your smartphone and provides localized mini-history lessons about hidden and unique spots all over the world. Whenever you’re near something cool, the app will send a pop-up notification to your phone. Plus, using recommendations from popular sites like Zagat and Thrillist, this app will even make suggestions on where to stop for lunch, shop and have fun. It’s the perfect tour guide for foodies, shopaholics and history buffs alike. Enjoy it solo or with a friend!

With a better idea of what apps, gadgets and social technology to take on your travels, all you need is somewhere to go! So, if you’re looking for a little inspiration for fun and exotic places to take a life-changing trip, try exploring a few destinations with one of these cool virtual reality travel apps. Then, call the experts at AAA or book online for hassle-free planning. It’s time to get excited about your next vacation!

What are some of your favorite for apps, gadgets and social technology for traveling? Let us know in the comments below!

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