Full Speed Ahead

Glasses that prevent motion sickness may seem like something from “Star Wars,” but, in the lightning-fast world of emerging technology, anything is possible.

That’s why Citroën – the French company better known for producing cars – developed plastic anti-motion-sickness glasses that sell for about $110 and can be worn over regular glasses. The premise is simple: Liquid in encased rings creates a false horizon line, eliminating the contradictory signals between the ears and eyes that cause motion sickness. 

These revolutionary glasses, which are not only cool-looking but claim to eliminate symptoms in about 10 minutes, are one of the many ways cutting-edge technology is changing the travel industry. And travelers, many of whom already eschew paper guidebooks, maps and the ilk, are fully embracing the changes.

Booking.com notes: “2020 will see travelers put key aspects of their decision-making process even more firmly in the hands of technology.”

Read on for just a few of the ways such innovations are rapidly transforming travel as we know it.

There’s An App For That

Our ever-present phones, which contain approximately 1 million times more memory than the computers that sent the Apollo crew to the moon in 1969, also serve as a personal guide, concierge and factfinder. 

Vacationers want to experience something different every time they travel, but few take the time to consult a map or call a destination for information. In fact, 59 percent of people claim that they want tech to offer them surprise options that would introduce them to something entirely new this year, according to Booking.com.

So, it’s no wonder that 46 percent of global travelers plan to use a mobile app to explore and book activities before and during vacations. And the choices are endless: Hopper tracks airline tickets; Triposo discovers restaurants, local experiences and activities in 50,000 destinations worldwide; and TripWhistle provides emergency numbers in nearly 200 countries.

Many airline apps now offer up-to-the-minute information on flight status, standby lists and luggage tracking as well as perks like mobile games (Sudoku, anyone?), currency converters and in-flight entertainment access.

Airport Advances

Technology utilizing biometrics – identification through unique biological elements, like fingerprints, iris scans and facial recognition – is replacing the manual check-in processes currently used throughout most airports because it’s faster and more effective. Biometric verification can viably replace manual check-in at every touch point, including bag drop, security, immigration and boarding, according to information technology company SITA.

British Airways is currently testing biometrics at gates in Miami, New York and Orlando. At the bustling Orlando airport, the airline is able to board almost 240 customers in 10 minutes while using the feature, according to a press release.

Delta Air Lines gives passengers flying out of 16 gates at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport the option to use facial recognition for boarding rather than a standard boarding pass. 

And, for those who do get stuck in the airport for an extended period of time, another innovation is making the experience much more palatable. Sleep pods, private capsules with armchairs that convert into beds, are now available in many airports worldwide. They include space for luggage, charging facilities, airport information, Wi-Fi and Netflix. 

Getting Personal

Globetrotting is a way of life for Chandler Heath, a solutions architect for St. Louis-based World Wide Technology and a resident of Maple Grove, Minnesota. He embraces the technological advances being implemented in the world of travel, and he anticipates being able to make cell phone calls on flights in the immediate future.

“On Delta, in first class, the flight attendants know your name from information on their cell phones,” he says. “They apologize for late flights and know my connecting gate, which is very convenient.”

He believes that a highly personalized travel experience – based on an individual’s preferences and utilizing artificial intelligence – is already here. 

“Today, travel suggestions are becoming more personalized based on our travel history and preferences. Airlines and hotel chains are beginning to leverage our historical data to make suggestions for future travel destinations.”

Smooth Sailing

For proof that good things come in small packages, look no further than Princess Cruise Lines medallions, now available on some ships. About the size of a quarter, the medallion is a first-of-its-kind wearable technology that provides guests with keyless room access and services from boarding to entertainment. It’s used in conjunction with a mobile app and onboard touch screens. 

The new technology greatly enhances the cruise experience, says Jeff Dash, owner of Dash Travel in Delray Beach: “It is a digital companion that personalizes your trip, and all your personal information is encrypted so it is safe and convenient. It is hassle-free travel and is easy and intuitive to use.”

It certainly elevates the relaxation factor of any voyage: Passengers can order food, drinks, towels and more from the comfort of their lounge chairs. 

“Your Medallion tells crew members where you are and sends them directly to you so you won’t miss a moment of relaxation and enjoyment,” notes the company’s website.

Smart Hotels 

Hotels aren’t letting the tech craze pass them by. Smart elevators whisk guests to their floor without them pushing a button or speaking a word, and rooms equipped with voice assistants make it easy for guests to change the temperature, turn the lights on and off, close window shades and set personal preferences on the TV.

At the Yotel hotel in Midtown Manhattan, Yobot the robot stores luggage. Meanwhile, Marriott’s Aloft Hotels have been “employing” Botlr, a 3-foot-high robotic butler that delivers water, towels, toothbrushes and more to guest rooms. He even wears a bowtie.

Coming Soon

In the constantly evolving tech world, there’s always a new innovation on the horizon. Case in point: The Volocopter, a flying electric taxi being developed in Germany in a joint venture with Intel, could make a ride to or from the airport actually fun. 

Finally, for those of you with deep pockets who want to reach for the stars, NASA plans to sell tickets to the International Space Station this year or as soon as it has a crew. Although the trip will cost millions, proponents say the view is out of this world. O