These new and exciting technological innovations will change the way we travel in the future.
BIKE SHARING
AirBnB redefined travel in the last couple of years with its creation of a community for vacation rentals that connects rental-property owners with users looking to rent the space. Now, that idea has sparked a similar platform created by another inventive company called SpokeFly, which operates a bicycle sharing model. Members can rent bicycles from their owners for a minimum fee, allowing a cheap and easily accessible commute or transport. Currently the service is available in several states in the U.S. with a national roll-out set to follow suit. If it catches on like AirBnB, then do expect SpokeFly to be available in the next city you’re travelling to in the near future.
VIRTUAL CONNECTIVITY
Skype and FaceChat are godsend for travellers looking to keep in touch or keep tabs with their loved ones. But now tech company Suitable Technologies have created a new virtual reality gadget called Beam+ that is essentially a web-connected video monitor with wheels. Looking more like a robot, the Beam+ allows its user to control where they want to go and what they want to see, giving them the option to catch up with friends and family via a virtual state. In fact, the Beam+ does offer an immense opportunity in travel and tourism as it can allow users to experience a more complete virtual travelling experience.
SMARTPHONE CONCIERGE
The Starwood Group is redefining their hotel experience for guests with SPG Keyless. Powered by the SPG app, the feature enables guests to bypass front desk registration and unlock their rooms directly with their smartphone. The service is already in place in several Starwood properties worldwide and the hotel chain is expected to rapidly rollout SPG Keyless with plans for it to be available on 30,000 doors in 150 hotels around the globe by early 2015 across Aloft, Element and W hotels. SPG Members must register their phone once through the SPG App and allow push notifications. The service is an optional facility made available for guests who opt for the service.
GUIDED BY GLASS
Wearable tech is already making its headway into our lives but devices such as Google Glass will help your travel experience. Industry experts have already identified the potential for the tourism market with these devices and several companies are already offering services to cater to this demand. 'What’s Around' for example is an app that enables the Google Glass to beam information to its user offering information such as interesting landmarks and points of interest. 'The Traveller' is another application that allows the Google Glass to snap, send and share photos totally hands free.
