Verizon Wireless Cell Phone News, Views and Reviews

 

 

 

What better to take on a trip with you than a small device, that you don't have to pay $25 extra for it's luggage, won't hog your armrest  and won't beg you for a window seat? You may think you want to shut off that phone and relax, but relaxing might be right out the window if you don't take advantage of some of the great features it will provide for you along the way. For example, if you aren't already set up for text alerts on your way to the airport you are already waaay behind. Buck up my traveling friend, we at Wireless Zone will provide you with the best tips that will get you closer to the R&R you crave and deserve.

 

Before we even tackle modes of transportation, this first tip may save you some grief and aggravation if you should encounter a black cloud over your head. Suppose you lose or are parted with (stolen) your wallet while traveling? Before you leave, take a photo of your credit cards along with the 1-800 #'s with your cell phone. Leave a copy at home and take another with you. A good idea would also be to call the credit card company and let them know you will be traveling and wracking up bills elsewhere. You don't want the one time they decide to indulge you with customer service to be the time that they think someone stole your credit card and put a block on you trying to use your own card because it's far from home. Also, if you do photograph your cards, make sure you have a security lock on your phone. Before you tuck your phone away, enter the phone numbers and reservation numbers to any of the places you are staying. You never know when you may have to call for a late check in or even directions.

So, where ya headed? If you plan on traveling out of the U.S., there are several options. If you are going to Canada or Mexico, check with your carrier. They may have a plan that you can upgrade to before you go and downgrade when you return. My Dad just completed a one time business trip to Canada. We upgraded his plan to cover U.S. and Canada and away he went, able to make calls to recipients in Canada while there as well as call home. You may think you only need to call home with your phone but think about how many times in the course of the day you use your phone as an informational tool. That won't change because you are on vacation. In fact, it'll probably increase. We'll talk more about the different options in the plane "edition" of our travel companion series.

This is a serious of articles and I will try to tackle all aspects of travel. I will start with the almighty road trip as the first means of getting there. Wherever "there is", I'll provide you with tips and tricks for using your phone to make it an easier, more enjoyable trip.

• Get an all in one charger for your phone.

• Download drivesafe.ly's software. If you have an Android, Blackberry, iPhone or Windows Mobile Device, you can download software to your phone that will read to you while you are driving. It will announce incoming calls without you having to look at the phone to see who is calling while you are driving. It will read emails and text messages as they come in so you never have to take your hands off the wheel.
  Video demo

• Map out your route. Download navigation if your device doesn't already have it. VZ Navigator is available to just about all feature phones. Blackberrys, and many others. Androids have their own Google Navigation, which is outstanding. Check to see if your navigation offers traffic.

If it does, learn how to use that function before you go. Some are extremely accurate andcan possibly save you hours in case you have to reroute. If you have a phone that has Navigation, get a window mount to get it up out of the way. If they don't make one specifically for your phone, Wireless Zone can get you a generic window mount that'll hold just about any phone.

• Verizon Wireless provides Roadside Assistance to their customers. Check to see the terms or see if you have an assistance plan through your insurance, AAA or other before you go. Program those numbers into your phone. Have the info available and bring it with you! If you are using navigation you should be able to tell them right where you are down to your coordinates if you need assistance.

• Are you traveling with a pet? Pack them a small bag with a water/food bowls, a leash for rest stops, and bring more food than you think you need. Get the name of a vetrinary clinic or hospital near your destination in case you should be in need of their services. Program that into your phone ahead of time. Other ideas/products to make the trip a happy one for your pet. Pet Travel Kit

• See what other things you phone has to offer. It may have a weather widget, most smartphones do so you can see what the weather is where you start, along the way and where you are going.

That's it for the"road trip" portion of our travel series. If you have any good suggestions, Shout 'em out! We'd love to hear 'em & share 'em!

Peace out

-CC