Each of us, sooner or later, makes our first trip. This could be a very short trip to a neighboring city or a longer flight to a new country. And the most important thing you should always remember is the safety of yourself and your loved ones, because traveling is always something new, but it can be fraught with many dangers.
Let's talk today about how you can keep yourself safe while away from home using just your smartphone. And it's not a joke. All the most important things can be so simple!
Technologies for Our Safety
There are many examples of how you can take care of yourself during your travels using devices and the Internet. Below we have listed some of them:
Smartphone Apps:
Navigation and Mapping: Google Maps, Waze (for real-time traffic updates and directions).
Apps that Track Location (https://numbertracker360.com/): Number Tracker, Noonlight, Life360 (emergency alerts, location sharing, SOS features, etc).
Translation Apps: Google Translate can help communicate in foreign languages.
Wearable Devices:
Smartwatches: Apple Watch, Garmin, Fitbit can track your location, send SOS signals and monitor your health.
Personal Safety Devices: Invoxia GPS Tracker, Spot Gen3, Silent Beacon offer location tracking and emergency alerts.
Travel Insurance Apps:
Apps provided by travel insurance companies like Allianz or World Nomads can offer quick access to emergency services and claims processing.
Portable Wi-Fi Hotspots:
Devices like Skyroam or GlocalMe ensure you have reliable internet access for communication and navigation.
VPN Services:
ExpressVPN, NordVPN protect your data on public Wi-Fi networks.
Health Monitoring Apps and Devices:
Health (Apple) or Samsung Health, combined with devices like portable ECG monitors or oximeters, help track your health condition.
Home Security Apps:
Ring, Nest, Arlo allow you to monitor your home security remotely.
Digital Copies of Important Documents:
Storing encrypted digital copies of passports, insurance and other important documents on cloud services like Google Drive or Dropbox for easy access.
Weather Apps:
Apps like AccuWeather or Weather Underground provide real-time weather updates and alerts for natural disasters.
Note: These are just a few examples. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages. We recommend you to learn more about each and compare them to each other so that you can choose the most appropriate one for you.
Location Tracking Apps: Why They Are Important
That is true that there are many different solutions for safety but now we are going to find out more about location tracking. This is how this technology can help you in your trips:
Emergency Assistance:
Rapid Response: In case of an emergency, location tracking enables emergency services to find and assist you quickly.
SOS Alerts: Many location-tracking apps have SOS features that send your location to designated contacts or authorities when you need help.
Safety and Security:
Monitoring: Family and friends can monitor your whereabouts to ensure you're safe, especially if traveling alone or in unfamiliar areas.
Lost or Stolen Items: Tracking devices can help locate lost or stolen belongings, such as luggage, phones, or wallets.
Navigation:
Real-Time Directions: GPS and mapping apps provide real-time directions, helping you navigate new cities or remote areas without getting lost.
Traffic Updates: Apps like Google Maps and Waze offer traffic updates and alternative routes, helping avoid delays and potential hazards.
Travel Planning:
Location History: Keeping a record of places you've visited can help in creating travel logs, sharing your journey with others, or revisiting favorite spots.
Recommendations: Location data can be used by apps to suggest nearby attractions, restaurants, and accommodations tailored to your preferences.
Health Monitoring:
Activity Tracking: Wearable devices can monitor your activity levels and location, providing data on your physical activity and ensuring you're not overexerting yourself.
Health Alerts: In case of health issues, location tracking can help medical services locate and assist you faster.
Cultural and Social Connection:
Meet-Ups: Location tracking makes it easier to meet friends or fellow travelers by sharing your location in real-time.
Events and Activities: Discovering local events, activities, and points of interest based on your current location can enhance your travel experience.
Parental Peace of Mind:
Child Safety: Parents can keep track of their children's whereabouts, ensuring their safety in crowded or unfamiliar places.
Overall, location tracking adds more safety, efficiency and enjoyment to your travel experience, so that you can focus on making the most of your journey without unnecessary worries.
Tips for Using Location Tracking Apps in the UAE
Using location tracking apps in the UAE can be beneficial for safety, navigation and convenience. However, it's important to think about local laws and cultural norms. Here are some tips for using these apps effectively and responsibly in the UAE:
Check Local Regulations:
Legal Compliance: Ensure the location tracking app you are using complies with UAE laws. Some apps and services may be restricted or regulated.
Permissions: Be aware of what permissions the app requires and ensure you are comfortable with the level of access to your data.
Use Reliable Apps:
Trusted Providers: Use well-known and reputable apps for navigation and location tracking.
Updates: Keep your apps updated to ensure you have the latest security features and maps.
Privacy Settings:
Control Sharing: Adjust your app settings to control who can see your location. Share your location only with trusted contacts.
Temporary Sharing: Use temporary location sharing options if available, which allow you to share your location for a limited time.
Stay Aware of Data Usage:
Roaming Charges: If you are using a SIM card from outside the UAE, be mindful of data roaming charges when using location services.
Wi-Fi Access: Utilize Wi-Fi whenever possible to reduce data usage, especially for downloading maps or using GPS.
Battery Management:
Battery Drain: Location tracking can drain your battery quickly. Ensure you have a portable charger or power bank, especially for long outings.
Power Saving Modes: Use power-saving modes on your device to extend battery life while using location services.
Safety Features:
Emergency Contacts: Set up emergency contacts within your location tracking apps, so you can quickly notify them if needed.
Local Emergency Numbers: Familiarize yourself with local emergency numbers, such as 999 for police and 998 for medical emergencies.
Cultural Sensitivity:
Respect Privacy: Be mindful of the cultural emphasis on privacy in the UAE. Avoid sharing locations that may invade others' privacy.
Appropriate Locations: When meeting someone or sharing your location, choose public and culturally appropriate places.
Navigation Tips:
Landmarks: In the UAE, landmarks are often used for navigation. Familiarize yourself with major landmarks and their locations.
Traffic Updates: Use apps that provide real-time traffic updates to avoid congestion, especially during peak hours.
By following these tips, you can make effective and responsible use of location tracking apps during your travels in the UAE. This will enhance your safety and overall experience.
Your Perfect Trip
Now you know that you can stay safe during your trip to the UAE in just a couple of clicks. Every day, application developers are trying to improve their masterpieces more and more so that users can enjoy the features without stress and panic.
Before you hit the road, take a few minutes to download an app that can keep you safe while away from home. You will absolutely not regret it.
