Technology has transformed travel. We have more access to information, recommendations, and tools. Planning and on-site decision making is unrecognizable compared to 20 years ago. Here are five ways technology is changing travel.

1. Hotel Reservations

To select a hotel no longer requires people to approach a desk. More than one-third of people use a mobile device to book a hotel room. Online lodging services now include a streamlined process and informative solutions that benefit hoteliers and customers alike.

Travelers often look for rooms last-minute. Spontaneous travelers can quickly lock down extra rooms on specialized websites and apps.

To book a room, hotel websites are using artificial intelligence for personalization and convenience. Chatbots can efficiently interface with customers to answer questions or pass on information. As guests finalize their choices, chatbots complement the process.

2. Digital Flight Resources

Airlines cut down on the chaos of juggling tickets, maps, boarding passes, and receipts thanks to mobile devices. Internet-based resources also revolutionized flight planning.

Predictive pricing allows flexible travelers to pick the best time for their trip. Google Flights is one tracking tool that can show an estimated price pattern. These flight forecasts help people manage their travel budgets and buy tickets at optimal times.

Airline apps store boarding passes and tickets on smartphones. Flyers swipe to their documents rather than sifting through papers. These apps also let travelers check-in before arriving at the airport for a hassle-free travel routine.

Augmented reality apps are also available to guide people through expansive airports to their designated gate.

3. Arranging Transportation

Technology has forever altered travel transportation. This is proven by the popularity of Uber and Lyft. It’s now common to arrange a ride from your mobile device, especially when unacquainted with the area.

Travelers can order an on-demand ride from the airport or their hotel in a matter of seconds. Online services, like SuperShuttle, line up transportation quickly during travel. People can trace their car or shuttle’s path as they wait. They can also contact their driver if needed.

Ride-hailing services fast-track a trip itinerary, saving time for a traveler’s sightseeing and adventures. For budget-conscious people, shared-ride opportunities can reduce the cost of transportation.

4. Destination Navigation

When visitors arrive in an unfamiliar location, they may need help to explore the destination on foot. Smartphones act as a navigational system to orient travelers. Through map apps and AI voice services, a tourist can effortlessly make their way to Times Square.

Travelers don’t have to worry about getting lost or asking for directions when they have GPS on their phones. People can discover activities when they arrive at their destination. There’s no longer a need to to meticulously plan out the experience ahead of time.

From 2015 to 2016, smartphone searches at hotels increased by around 30 percent. “Near me” searches constantly escalate, too. Voice searches rapidly inform tourists about the area and can match them with restaurants or shops along their travel route. Responsive voice systems like Siri make navigation smooth and accessible.

5. Online Reviews

Travelers depend on others’ advice and ratings from the online community to find the right entertainment, food, activities and attractions. Crowdsourcing recommendations is a staple of the internet, and travelers trust the majority of posted opinions.

The social media presence and reputation of establishments also shapes travelers’ choices. If a hotel or restaurant has a decent following and regular engagement with customers, people see them in a more positive light. Online reviews can steer travelers to one business over another.

Travel Will Advance

Technology has left its mark on each stage of the travel process. Swift changes continue to the way people plan and take trips. Ultimately, the advancement is bettering this industry. Stay up-to-date on innovations and capabilities in travel.

Author Bio: Kacey Bradley‘s blog, The Drifter Collective, expresses various forms of style through the influence of culture and the world around us. Along with writing for her blog, she has written for sites like U.S. News, SUCCESS, Ruffled, and more.