Family travel 5: Tech and travel | Travel

Rapidly evolving technology has an impact on many aspects of our lives, and travel is no exception. Here are five ways technology may continue to reshape the way we travel with our families.

Planning

Not sure where to go? AI can narrow your search by matching your family’s interests, budgets, and desired amenities with possible vacation spots. And you can forget old-school brochures. You’ll soon be able to get the kids jazzed about your next holiday by test driving suggested destinations or resorts via virtual reality. Look forward to day-by-day travel plans tailored to kids’ ages, nap times, and family interests. AI tools can also generate family-specific packing lists based on destination weather, kids’ ages, and planned activities. AI can also highlight playgrounds, family restaurants, and stroller-friendly walking routes in your future destination.

On the way

Consider AI input for the uncovering the best flight times, road conditions and even for predictions about crowd levels at attractions. Look for AI-curated and parent-approved entertainment for airplanes, trains, and cars including personalized games, movies, and AR windows showing fun facts along your route.

You can even ask AI for age-appropriate jokes to share with the whole family. Tech-enabled electric shuttles, bike-share programs, and eco-friendly booking filters can also help families travel more sustainably.

Hotels and resorts

For families, tech advancements mean easier check-ins with kids, faster service (no waiting with hangry youngsters) and rooms that feel more like home. Expect mobile check-in with your phone or smartwatch and digital keys for speedy entry.

Your smart room’s lights, curtains, TV, and temperature will be controlled by your phone or voice. Hotels will remember your preferences (room temp, favorite pillows, kid-friendly amenities, allergy-friendly cleaning) and set them up automatically for your next visit. Instead of calling the front desk, you’ll text or voice-chat with an AI concierge to order extra towels, book dinner, or get local tips.

Eager for a solid night’s sleep? Expect snooze-optimized lighting, circadian rhythm controls and air purifiers.

During future stays, robots may deliver snacks, toiletries or room service, and in-room fitness apps or VR workouts will become standard in higher-end hotels. Streaming apps for kids, along with parental controls will be easily accessed.

Going global

Expect streamlined border and airport experiences. Facial recognition and AI-powered customs systems will speed up family check-ins and security lines. Face scans and digital passports will speed boarding, making airports less stressful with kids in tow. Digital wallets and currency converters will make it easier to manage family expenses abroad without juggling cash or multiple cards. GPS-tracked luggage and child wristbands with location alerts will give parents additional peace of mind. Phones and AI-powered earbuds offering Instant translation for menus, signs, and conversations will make it easier for families to explore non-English-speaking countries.

Health and safety

Real-time alerts about weather, strikes, or other health and safety concerns can help parents keep kids protected at home and abroad. Wearable health monitors and AI-driven telemedicine access will provide parents the option for immediate medical guidance while traveling.

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Lynn O’Rourke Hayes (LOHayes.com) is an author, family travel expert and enthusiastic explorer.  Gather more travel intel on Twitter @lohayes, Facebook, or via FamilyTravel.com