CC0 Licensed Image Courtesy of Freepik
Going abroad and finding yourself in a situation with zero phone signal can be a nightmare. Not only are the kids not entertained, but there can be some serious problems. From not being able to access maps and GPS to a complete disruption to your plans, here are some examples.
A Communication Breakdown
When travelling, you may not have access to your usual service provider because they don’t operate there, or the roaming charges are pretty high. That means no Candy Crush, no texting teens and no YouTube binges. No phone signal also means no communication or planning between family members. However, you can find the best eSIM for travel just by Googling before you leave. eSims allow you to connect to a network when you don’t usually have access.
No Access to Maps or GPS
Getting around an unfamiliar place is very easy these days, if you have a smartphone! Without one, you can still get around, but it requires much more effort. Google Maps and other travel apps just make things easier, and being without these means you have to rely on other methods. These include trying to make sense of signs in another language, remembering landmarks and asking locals for directions. You will love your smartphone even more when you have to do this.
Zero Phone Signal is a Major Safety Risk
Around 36% of tourists require emergency care when travelling. While your phone is excellent for capturing and sharing precious moments when on holiday, it is also vital for emergency contacts. Without a smartphone, there is a higher risk of a bad situation getting worse, as you might be out of range of emergency services. That means you don’t have the ability to call for help, which can be a terrifying prospect when you or your family are in immediate danger.
Disrupted Travel Logistics
You don’t realise just how useful a smartphone really is until you don’t have access to one. Even at home, your life can be disrupted when you lose your phone. But it can be a nightmare when you are in a foreign place. Today, phone or computer access is needed for simple tasks like booking attractions, arranging an Uber and checking departure times. If you don’t have these available, then your travel logistics can become severely disrupted while you’re on holiday.
Bonding Time and Connection
It’s not all bad news, though. Today, most people spend too much time on their phones, and that includes children, teens and adults. Without a smartphone signal, you could be encouraged and inclined to spend more time together as a family, while making memories that you won’t forget. Rather than sitting next to a campfire, glued to the dim glow of a screen, perhaps you can tell scary stories as a family while enjoying the great outdoors, under the stars, with great food.
Summary
The ability to plan and communicate goes out of the window when there is zero phone signal, especially when on holiday. This can pose a safety risk in the case of an emergency. However, it’s not all bad, as limited smartphone access can force families to spend more time interacting together.