Entertainment and Technology: Use modern gadgets wisely

A fold-out city map, a printed travel guide and a camera: this is the usual form of equipment used on excursions and short trips. Today, smartphones do all these tasks and more.

Hardly any other device has changed modern life as much as the mobile phone. According to Statista, in 2022, 93.3 percent of Swiss owned and used a smartphone. One of the most popular leisure activities is exchanging messages with friends. Likewise consumption of music videos.

On day trips or long trips, a smartphone is an indispensable aid in many ways. This starts with checking current train and bus departure times online and booking digital tickets instantly.

Entrance tickets to tourist attractions can also be booked in advance to avoid queues. And if you don't know where to eat, you can find a lot of recommendations through apps.

More and more museums and similar attractions are offering QR codes instead of paid audio guides.

Simply scan the QR code at the entrance and your smartphone will become a guide through the exhibition and an audio guide. Exciting videos, visuals, and essential information can often be accessed using additional QR codes.

Another must-have feature today is GPS navigation. Whether by car, by bike or on foot: simply enter the desired destination into the digital map and the device will guide you there. You can often provide additional information. For example, to avoid strenuous climbs when cycling or toll roads when driving.

While the smartphone is also the leader here, other gadgets can also be put to good use. If you don't want to keep your smartphone in your hand all the time, smartwatches will guide you to your destination with equal safety.

Particularly practical: In combination with Bluetooth headphones, you can be guided by a voice in your ear and visually enjoy the surroundings. At the same time, you will not be immediately recognized as a tourist.

The selfie stick has become a cliché for ardent selfie enthusiasts. There are many other ways to take great souvenir photos.

The combination of a smartphone and a smartwatch is ideal: place the smartphone as a camera in a good place. Assume the desired pose alone, as a couple or in a group. Then press the shutter button using the smartwatch on your wrist.

Aspiring photographers have discovered the drone as a valuable assistant in their spare time. You spend many hours in your free time flying the device and taking aerial photos.

They're now several sizes smaller: the mini drone is barely bigger than a smartphone and can easily be taken on trips.

However, the official drone rules must also be taken into account here. According to the Swiss Civil Drone Association (SVZD), especially when carrying a camera.

Socializing with friends also includes music. Small, portable Bluetooth speakers now take over the function of the former boom boxes.

It can be easily connected to your smartphone to stream music to the group. If you prefer peace and quiet, take noise-cancelling headphones with you on the train or while hiking.

Another useful innovation is GPS trackers for luggage. If a piece of luggage is lost or stolen along the way, it sends its location to your smartphone.

This allows you to collect it where it was lost or report the incident to the police or transport company.