As the Australian summer beckons with its promise of adventure and relaxation, it’s time to pack your bags, plan your itineraries, and ensure you’re tech-ready for the journey ahead. If you’re an iPhone user, you’re in for a treat because your device is more than just a communication tool—it’s a powerful travel companion that can enhance your holiday experience in ways you might not have imagined.
Before you set off to explore bustling foreign cities or unwind in tranquil coastal towns, let’s delve into some secret iPhone settings and features that will revolutionise the way you travel this summer.
1. Secure your iPhone against thieves
Theft can be a concern when visiting tourist hotspots, and iPhones are prime targets for pickpockets. To safeguard your device, it’s crucial to adjust your settings to prevent thieves from easily disabling its tracking capabilities. Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode and enable Control Center under Allow Access When Locked. This ensures that Airplane Mode can only be activated with your Face ID or passcode, keeping your phone traceable if it falls into the wrong hands.
2. Keep your iPhone trackable even when off
In the unfortunate event that your iPhone is stolen or lost, and the battery dies or it’s turned off, you can still track it. Enable this feature by navigating to Settings > Apple ID > Find My > Find My iPhone and turning on the slider for Find My Network. This allows you to share your iPhone’s last known location with authorities, increasing the chances of recovery.
3. Share your flight status effortlessly
Keeping loved ones informed of your flight status is now a breeze. Simply text your flight number from your boarding pass to them via iMessage, and it will generate a link for them to monitor the live status of your flight. This feature is particularly useful if someone is picking you up from the airport.
4. Ensure your safety with check-in notifications
For added safety, the Check-In feature on your iPhone can notify friends or family when you’ve arrived at your destination—or if you haven’t. While composing a message, tap the Apps button, select More, and then Check-In. If you stop making progress towards your destination, you’ll have 15 minutes to respond before Apple notifies your selected contact with details about your location and journey.
5. Convert currency on the go
When shopping abroad, quickly figure out how much you’re spending in Australian dollars with the iPhone’s calculator app. Access the Calculator Mode button in the bottom left corner and turn on ‘Convert’ to enable unit and currency conversions. This handy tool helps you stay within budget and avoid overspending.
6. Overcome language barriers with your camera
Navigating foreign languages is no longer a challenge with your iPhone’s camera. Point your lens at text, tap the screen, and select the text box button, then click translate. For a more immersive experience, the Apple Translate app translates text in real-time as you move the camera, perfect for understanding signs, menus, and instructions.
These iPhone travel hacks are just the beginning of what your device can do to make your summer travels smoother and more secure. Remember to explore other features and apps that can assist with navigation, accommodation, and entertainment to fully leverage your iPhone’s potential as a travel tool.
We’d love to hear your thoughts! Have you used any of these iPhone features on your travels, or do you have other helpful tips to share? Let us know in the comments below and let’s make the most of our summer travels together!
Also read: Best iPhone plans for seniors
