The Apple Watch is a versatile tool that can significantly enhance your travel experience abroad. While it's already a great companion for staying connected and healthy, there are several lesser-known features that can make your trip smoother and more enjoyable. From tracking flights and translating languages to taking photos and reaching emergency services, the Apple Watch is a compact travel gadget that can help you navigate unfamiliar areas with confidence. In this article, I'll explore 10 ways to use your Apple Watch when traveling abroad, and provide personal commentary and analysis on each feature.
One of the most useful features for travelers is the ability to keep track of your flight. With apps like Flighty and Flightradar24, you can see all the details of your flight, including its route, estimated departure and arrival times, and delays. This means you won't have to keep getting up to check the flight information display system, as the data is all available on your wrist. Personally, I find this feature particularly useful when I'm in a crowded airport, as it allows me to stay seated and focused on my entertainment.
Another great feature for travelers is the ability to store boarding passes and tickets in the Apple Wallet. This eliminates the need for physical boarding passes and allows you to tap your Apple Watch on a scanner to gain entry. I think this is a fantastic innovation, as it simplifies the travel process and reduces the risk of losing important documents. However, I do wonder if there are any security concerns associated with storing sensitive information on a wearable device.
The Apple Watch also has a feature that can help you beat the time zones. By setting the 'Set Automatically' option in the Date & Time settings, you won't have to change the time on your watch when you arrive in a new country. Additionally, the World Clock app allows you to add multiple cities and see the times in various places at a glance. This is particularly useful for business travelers who need to attend meetings in different time zones. However, I do find it a bit frustrating that the World Clock app doesn't automatically update to the current time in the selected city.
The Weather app is another great feature for travelers. As long as you have Location Services turned on, you can access local data on the wearable device's Weather app. This allows you to view current information such as the weather conditions, temperature, and humidity, as well as forecasts for the next 12 hours and 10 days. I think this is a fantastic tool for planning and adjusting your itinerary, but I do wonder if the Weather app could be more accurate in predicting severe weather events.
One of the most unique features of the Apple Watch is the ability to translate languages. After opening the Translate app on the smartwatch, you can select the language you want to translate to and tap the microphone button to say a phrase. This is particularly useful for ordering food at a restaurant or asking for directions. However, I do find it a bit frustrating that the Translate app doesn't support all languages, and that it requires an internet connection to function.
The Apple Maps app is another great feature for travelers. After searching for the place you want to go to, you can choose whether you'll be driving, cycling, walking, or taking public transportation. This allows you to check out the route suggestions and see more information. However, I do find it a bit frustrating that the app requires an internet connection to function, and that it doesn't always provide the most accurate directions.
The Compass app is a great feature for travelers who are worried about getting lost. By activating the Backtrack feature, you can record your path and retrace your steps if you get turned around. I think this is a fantastic tool for exploring new areas, but I do wonder if it could be more accurate in determining your location.
Apple Pay is another great feature for travelers. By double-clicking the side button from the home screen, you can bring up the list of credit cards that you've loaded to your Apple Wallet. This allows you to make contactless payments without having to take out your wallet or phone. I think this is a fantastic innovation, but I do wonder if there are any security concerns associated with storing sensitive information on a wearable device.
The Camera Remote app is a unique feature that allows you to use your Apple Watch as a viewfinder for your iPhone's camera. This is particularly useful for taking pictures of yourself when selfies won't be able to capture the entire scene that you want. However, I do find it a bit frustrating that the app doesn't support all camera features, and that it requires an internet connection to function.
Finally, the Emergency SOS feature is a critical tool for travelers. By pressing and holding the Action button, you can call emergency services in a long list of supported countries. I think this is a fantastic innovation, but I do wonder if the feature could be more widely available and if it could be integrated with other emergency services.
In conclusion, the Apple Watch is a versatile tool that can significantly enhance your travel experience abroad. From tracking flights and translating languages to taking photos and reaching emergency services, the Apple Watch is a compact travel gadget that can help you navigate unfamiliar areas with confidence. However, I do think that there are some areas where the features could be improved, such as the accuracy of the Weather app and the availability of the Translate app. Overall, I would highly recommend using the Apple Watch when traveling abroad, as it can make your trip smoother and more enjoyable.
