We have heard this before from many travel experts that new technology such as the mobile phone will benefit the vacation rentals market and play a big part in how independent travellers will go about their business. It’s true to say that Apples innovative Iphone has certainly revolutionised mobile phone intuitiveness making it easy for the ordinary user to navigate Google Maps and search for information on the move, however, can this be improved upon and will Apples new Ipad complete the user experience?
Firstly, for those who are fortunate and can afford to own such devices, there is no doubt that the information available through 3g phone networks is truly powerful, however, there are still network issues and not all providers make it easy if you stay in holiday rentals abroad to access comparable 3g networks in terms of cost and accessibility. In modern developed countries, this may not be an issue, however, developing and third world countries, there is a long way to go!
For the majority of independent travellers especially those who rent a vacation rental abroad old habits in terms of referring to the guidebook or local tourist pamphlet for travel information may die hard. In addition, there is a security issue whereby it’s not a good idea in some areas especially busy cities with popular tourist attractions to publicly display your new mobile phone searching for information on the go because of the threat of pick pockets and muggers.
For the average traveller renting a self-catering holiday villa, apartment, cottage or gite, staying in touch with the outside world has now become the norm thanks to mobile technology, however, there are those who choose to turn off their devices whilst on holiday and escape the rat race, I confess I am one of those!
To summarise, I don’t think the new Ipad will revolutionise vacation rentals for the independent traveller other than improve the user experience, however, technology marches on at a pace!