Technology hasn't just revolutionised the world, it's changed the game in the travel industry, too. From providing you with the ability to record your experiences through photos and videos, to keeping in touch with people back home, tech now plays an important role for any gap year travelling adventures.
If you're planning on taking a gap year to explore the world, then make sure to prepare for your travels with the help of the below handy gap year gadgets and apps...
Gap Year Gadgets
Portable phone charger
A portable phone charger is an absolute essential for your gap year travels. While you're off exploring the planet, there will likely be times when you are out-and-about for hours on end, and you might not be near a power source. Cue the portable phone charger. Simply charge it up overnight, then pop it in your backpack to boost your battery life when it's low.
Waterproof phone case
Keep your mobile safe and sound while you're swimming by placing it in a waterproof phone case. This way, you won't have to worry about leaving your phone unattended when you're in the sea, plus, you'll get to take some epic snaps underwater. Bonus!
Kindle
Save space and weight in your suitcase by ditching the books and packing a Kindle instead. Lightweight, thin and paired with an epic battery life, a £60 Kindle should definitely be on your list of essentials for gap year travel. One of these bad boys will hold thousands of books, meaning you'll never get bored during your alone time on holiday.
Wireless bluetooth earphones
During your solo time, or whilst you're sight-seeing, you might want to listen to some music to keep you entertained. While your basic set of earphones will suffice, a wireless bluetooth pair will be even better. They won't fall out of your ears while you're walking or running, you don't have to worry about those pesky twisted wires, and they look bloody cool, too.
MiFi
Ever heard of a MiFi? Neither had we, until recently, that is. A MiFi is basically a mobile WiFi which lets you connect all of your gadgets to the internet at once, making it perfect for travellers! We recommend Three's MiFi, which lets you connect your devices to the internet in up to 60 destinations - phwoar!
Gap Year Apps
Airbnb
Most of the time, you'll probably be staying in hostels while on your gap year travels. But sometimes, just sometimes, you might want something a little more quirky, like a local flat near the beach. The Airbnb app will help you find affordable accommodation around the world at the touch of a button, so it's a must-have to download onto your mobile.
Tripadvisor
Wherever you may be going, Tripadvisor will likely be of some help at some stage of your travels. Explore restaurants and book tables online, download offline maps and city guides, find out about epic excursions and browse reviews with this handy app.
XE Currency
If math isn't your forte (it certainly isn't ours), then the XE Currency app will be a life-saver. At the tap of a button, you can convert every currency in the world, which will help you know whether or not you're getting a bargain on that beer in Indonesia!
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This article originally appeared on The Debrief.