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Staying Connected on Your Australian Adventure: Essential Tech Tips for Solo Travelers

Australia is on the bucket list of many solo travelers because it offers an infinite number of adventures. Whether you’re into city exploring, partying, or a nature freak, you will find something to satisfy your expectations. You can stay in Sydney for weeks and still have hundreds of things to do or you can trek in the Outback, or catch the waves of Burleigh Heads.

However, whatever your plan is for your adventure on this oldest continent in the world, it’s vital to stay connected for safety, and easy navigation and to keep your family and friends updated at all times.

To help you with that, we’ve crafted this guide with the most essential tech tips for solo travelers.

Let’s get into it!

Your Power Bank Is Just As Important As Your Phone

One rule when going on a solo adventure anywhere is to have a power bank with you at all times. This is especially true for Australia and if you’re planning on trekking in the Outback. Power banks keep your phone and other gadgets charged at all times, so whenever you need to contact someone or navigate, you’ll always have power with you.

Certain solo travelers also get solar chargers which can be useful and eco-friendly if you’re out in the sun throughout the whole day.

While we are on the topic of power, make sure to consider the next tech tip as well!

Get a Type I Socket Adapter

One of the worst things when out in the world as a solo traveler is finally getting to your hotel room or Airbnb only to find out that the country uses a different type of socket than your phone or laptop charger.

So, if you’re making plans for Australia, make sure to grab a type I socket adapter for your charger.

eSim Technology is Your Friend

Let’s be real, whether you’re out in the sand dunes in Australia or in a touristy city in Europe, you always need internet and cell service. Unfortunately, roaming services from traditional mobile networks are often incredibly expensive. A couple of gigabytes of data can cost $100 dollars and just as much for phone calls.

Fortunately for travelers around the world, eSIMs have become a thing. eSIMs eliminate the need for physical SIM cards, as well as the need for signing contracts with network providers and they’re considerably cheaper. For example, certain brands that offer eSIM for Australia can give you 20GBs of data for 30 days for about $30 (US).

And, the whole process of getting an eSIM is quite streamlined. Usually, all you need to do is download an app or scan a QR code, buy the eSIM, and that’s it.

Use More Enhanced Navigation

Google Maps is usually sufficient for most cities and the same applies for Melbourne, Sydney, or any other Australian cities you want to check out. However, if you are planning to go off-road then consider more specific GPS/map apps like ExplorOz or Hema Maps. These offer a wider range of maps, more robust tracking, popular treks, personal treks, and a lot more.

Also, don’t forget to download offline maps to ensure you still have navigation even if you end up with no cell service and internet. Using the offline map means you can also save on data if you don’t want to spend any more cash on your eSIM.

Grab a More Rugged Phone Case

Life in Australia can get wild, especially if you’re planning to go out in the wild. Even if you decide to spend your time within the beautiful cities of Australia, it’s still a good idea to protect your phone as best as you can. Your phone is your connection to the world, navigation, for some, even your wallet.

So, consider grabbing a more rugged case that offers better protection. While you’re at it, get a glass screen protector as well because one drop on a rock at an angle is enough to leave you without a phone screen.

Tripod is a Must-Have for Photography Enthusiasts

It is no secret that Australia might bear one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, both natural and man-made. Getting a snap of a glowing Sydney in the dark night sky or the Milky Way over Uluru can be photos you’ll cherish forever.

But, solo adventures usually end up with hundreds of beautiful shots, but never with them in it. So, if you don’t have a tripod already, you have to get one! Use it to make some self-portraits showing that you were actually there to experience the beauty of Australia or to snap some more unique angles. Just make sure to grab a travel-friendly design because you won’t be able to carry a heavy, full-size tripod with you everywhere.

Other Gadgets/Apps You Will Find Handy For Australia

Here are some honorable mentions for gadgets solo travelers might find useful in Australia:

• Flashlight – if you’re certain you will be exploring Australia’s wilds or even going camping, a flashlight will come in handy. Much brighter than your phone’s flashlight, saves your phone’s battery, and will last pretty long.
• Earbuds/headphones – a gadget you probably already have, but it still deserves a mention. Any kind of headphones is a must-have when traveling. Download an audiobook or your favorite podcasts and put them on because you’ll be commuting quite a lot while in Australia.
• E-reader – if you’re the type of person who prefers reading over audiobooks, an e-reader is another good option when commuting. It’s easy on your eyes and lasts much longer than your phone.
• Safety App – download Emergency Plus app or UrSafe app to quickly contact the right services in case of an emergency.

Conclusion

As a solo traveler in Australia, you will get an unforgettable experience, but taking these extra steps to stay connected and equipped ensures it’s going to be a safe and hassle-free experience as well. With the right tools and preparation, you’ll navigate new landscapes, share your journey, and keep your tech running smoothly.