THE FUTURE OF TRAVEL TECH
Nicola Jayasundera sheds light on revolutionary ways to explore the world
HYPERLOOP TRANSPORT
High-speed transportation is on the verge of reality as this futuristic transportation system accelerates into 2024. Imagine travelling at speeds reaching 1,200 kilometres an hour in vacuum tubes that whisk you off to your next destination! Gone will be the days of hours in transit and long travel durations. Redefining the concept of distance and opening up a world of new possibilities for more spontaneous travel adventures, the future is here with a speedy roaming option. Several companies such as Virgin Hyperloop, Hyperloop Transportation Technologies, TransPod and Arrivo have emerged, to develop and implement the hyperloop concept.
AR EXPLORATION
Blurring the boundaries between reality and fantasy, the coming year will take augmented reality (AR) to the centre stage by transforming travel experiences. Overlaying digital information and virtual objects onto the real world, AR goggles will allow you to stroll through ruins as you walk in the footsteps of the past. This tech will enrich guided tours, adding interactive elements and immersive storytelling. History and culture will come alive in a way never seen before, enriching exploration and perceptions of the places we visit. AR travel exploration is still evolving and as technology advances, we can expect even more immersive and interactive experiences that enhance our travel experiences.
ROBOTIC HOTEL STAYS
Robot or smart hotels that use automation and robotics to enhance the guest experience and streamline operations are innovative accommodation options that have gained the attention of travellers across the world. You can expect more hotels to introduce various robotic technologies to provide services and amenities – such as automated checkins and checkouts, robotic concierge services, housekeeping robots, language translation and luggage handling robots, and advanced AI-powered robots for guest assistance. These technologies are designed to improve efficiency, convenience and the guest experience; so don’t be surprised to see a takeover by robots in the hotel sector going forward!
AI-POWERED TRAVEL
Assisting you to reach wherever you want to go, AI-powered travel assistants are intelligent beings that will enhance and streamline your travel experience from planning and booking, to navigating and post -trip activities. With the use of machine learning and natural language processing, these assistants will ensure you get the most out of travelling by understanding your preferences and curating personalised itineraries. Offering real-time information, recommendations and assistance at various stages of the travel process, such assistants are becoming more sophisticated and capable of delivering even more personalised and seamless travel experiences.
SPACE TOURISM
Your travel experiences will no longer be tethered to Planet Earth! Space travel is no longer science fiction and 2024 might see this becoming a reality. With pioneering companies offering commercial trips to space in the near future, prepare for a once in a lifetime experience that will enable you to gaze at Earth from the expanse of the cosmos. While companies like Virgin Galactic, Blue Origin and SpaceX currently offer suborbital and orbital flights that take passengers to the edge of space and even Earth’s orbit, space tourism will mark a new era in travel that the world has never seen but always dreamed of – at a price!
SMART LUGGAGE
Already making strides in the travel sector, smart luggage with built-in trackers, digital scales, biometric locks, smartphone connectivity, smart handles, integrated charging ports and even self-driving or ‘follow-me’ luggage will become indispensable for travellers by as early as next year. Never lose your suitcase again, avoid overweight baggage fees and keep your devices powered on the go. Smart luggage will be a must-have for the tech-savvy adventurer as more advanced and integrated options emerge. Striking a balance between innovation and practicality, smart luggage can genuinely enhance the travel experience while remaining user-friendly and secure.