10 Tips For Travelling with Your Phone


Whether you are travelling through BC for the holidays this year or planning a destination ski vacation, one of your most valuable travel companions might just be your smartphone. It can be your map, accountant, entertainment, and camera during your trip.

Here are some of our tips for getting the most out of your phone while you travel BC.

  • Back it Up
    Make sure you backup your phone before you leave on a trip. If your phone gets lost or stolen, you can rest a little easier knowing that you have saved your contacts, photos, videos, and other important data. If you are also travelling with a laptop, be sure to backup your photos every night so that you don’t lose your vacation memories.
  • Use WiFi
    Take advantage of WiFi wherever and whenever possible. WiFi will help you save money on data fees and in many cases your upload and download speeds will be faster. All of our Prestige Inns, Hotels and Resorts include  complimentary WiFi, so wait until you get back to your hotel before uploading your photos from the day to Instagram or Facebook.
  • Get Google Maps
    If you have an Android phone, you will already be familiar with Google Maps, but the program doesn’t come preinstalled on iPhones. Google Maps is particularly helpful in that it will show traffic congestion, construction, ferries, tolls, and even accidents on the screen so that you can reroute or prepare yourself.
  • Download Your Banking App
    Most banking institutions offers free apps for their customers, allowing you to see your account status and transfer funds. Regularly checking your app is a good way to make sure that you stay on budget and it may also come in handy in the event your debit or credit card is stolen.
  • Make a Great Playlist
    Canada is a vast country and British Columbia is a big province with such spectacular scenery that taking a long road trip can be wonderful. That said, having some great music can help make the journey even better, so be sure to put together a playlist with great music (perhaps some BC artists?) or even comedy. You will be happy you did when you reach an area in the hills with little or no radio reception!
  • Download a Movie
    Not everyone thinks to download a movie to their phone before a long trip, but this can be a lifesaver if a highway is closed for an extended period. Of course, it can also come in handy if the kids are starting to get anxious in the backseat!
  • Say Cheese!
    For a lot of people, the days of lugging around a camera on vacation are over. If you are using your phone as your primary camera, consider getting a small tripod. This will allow you to take a better photo of yourself amongst the breathtaking BC scenery. If you want to step it up a notch, you can also get external lenses for your phone that will allow you to zoom, get a close-up, or take a wide-angle shot.
  • Travel Apps Galore
    There are tons of great travel apps that can help you with everything from accommodation to restaurants and activities. Some of our favourites include TripAdvisor, XE Currency Converter, Urbanspoon, Packing Pro, and TripIt.
  • Help Find a Lost Phone
    If you lose your phone, there is a good chance that whoever finds it may want to return it to you. But if your phone has a lock screen, they won’t be able to find contact information. If you are able, add an email address or alternate contact information to your phone’s lock screen so that your good Samaritan can get your phone back to you.

    (Photo: Phandroid) Many Android phones allow you to add a custom owner message to your lock screen

    (Photo: Phandroid) Many Android phones allow you to add a custom owner message to your lock screen

  • Keep in Touch
    If you are travelling BC from out of the country, you will almost certainly want to keep in touch with friends and loved ones back home. Download Skype to make video calls and What’s App to text your loved ones (just be sure to use WiFi).

If you are travelling in beautiful British Columbia, be sure to check out our 10 Prestige Hotels and Resorts locations throughout the province. We look forward to seeing you!

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