Smartphone Travel Tips
doug • August 9, 2017
Smart Phone Travel Tips
“If only I would have read Smartphone Travel Tips before my vacation.”
If only I would have found smartphone travel tips article before my last vacation. No…Nothing like losing my smartphone would ever happen to me because I am so careful. Wrong! While I was loading the car up with take out food at Firehouse Subs. I set my smartphone and wallet on the back of the truck and forgot about it. I drove a mile back to the hotel and realized I did not have my phone or wallet. I looked and it was not on the back of the truck. I hopped back into the truck and retraced my route back to the restuarant. I even went into the Firehouse Subs to speak to the manager and the manager came outside and helped me look. That was very kind of her. We did not see it. All I could think about was the cash, credit cards and personal info on my cellphone were going to be used. I drove back to the hotel and pulled into the parking lot and there in the middle of the parking lot was my wallet, smartphone and cash spread out over about 15 feet. I couldn’t believe it! It was probably laying there for about 30 minutes and nobody touched it! What a relief. I called the Firehouse Subs to let the manager know I found it. She was still out in the parking lot looking for my phone and wallet! I wish I could remember her name. This incident happened on Saturday August 5, 2017 in Pineville, NC. I hope the manager can see this and I would like to know her name so I can thank her.
Nobody – young and old alike – goes anywhere without their smartphone anymore. And, why would you? With your phone in hand, you have instant access to maps, flight details, restaurant reviews, a camera and other essential travel tools. When we are on vacation we are taken out of our normal environment and routine. That in and of itself creates problems. So check out these smartphone travel tips.
Smartphone Travel Safety
But, there’s more to traveling with your device than simply slipping it in your pocket and hitting the road. Do you know what to do if it’s lost or stolen? What if you forget your charger at home? And, how do you use your phone without annoying those around you?
With peak summer travel season upon us, these Smartphone Travel Tips can help:
- Power up: A smartphone is only a great travel tool if it has power, so plug in while you sleep every night. If you forget your charger, check with your hotel — they may have one another guest left behind. Battery always running low? Get a power pack or add-on battery so you can charge without an outlet.
- Lock up: A simple passcode can make a big difference when it comes to protecting the personal data on your phone. And, you might want to consider software that can help you locate your phone using GPS. Many programs allow you to control and/or wipe data from your phone remotely if it is lost or stolen. And, since we’re talking about wiping data, this is a great time to remind you to back up your phone. When’s the last time you did that?If your phone is one of the millions stolen every year, don’t panic. Try to locate and lock your phone remotely, maybe even wipe its data. Then, contact the police and your wireless provider, as well as your financial institutions if you use your phone for banking, paying bills, etc.
- Wrap it up: If you have to take a call, finish it before you get on the plane or sit at the table. Set your ringer to silent or vibrate. And, when you’re in a crowded space, text instead of talking. Others in the vicinity will thank you.
Other tips:
- Know your plan (and your phone)
- Turn off data
- Get a country-specific SIM card
- Airplane mode When flying, you can now use your smartphone in-flight however airplane mode will need to be used. Airplane mode disables talk, text and data but you can still play games, watch downloaded movies or listen to your playlists (see below). Airplane mode is usually found under Settings and is as simple as tapping an on/off button. These smartphone travel tips are helpful.
- Airline apps Most of the airlines now have mobile apps. These Apps provide useful information like flight status and airport directions, also boarding passes can be used here. Just check in via the app and the on-screen boarding pass can be scanned. A bonus tip: take a screenshot of your boarding pass just in case you can’t get a signal at the airport when you need it. The screenshot is scannable as well.
- Download your favorite media Instead of streaming, you are better off saving media (music, movies, video) directly to your device for your travels. You may not always have a data connection and, even if you do, streaming can eat into your data plan and cost you a lot of money. Often your airline will have on-board internet service, you can’t normally stream movies using their connection.
Finally, remember to look up. At least every once in a while, put down your phone and connect with those around you. You’ll be glad you did.
Other smartphone travel safety tips by Forbes
Where is my phone?
The post Smartphone Travel Tips appeared first on Select Source Insurance Group.
TL;DR: Article Take Away - Don't just get the cheapest car insurance! A client who chose higher liability limits paid a little more monthly but avoided a $137,387 bill after causing a big accident. Investing in good coverage protects you financially when things go wrong. Talk to your agent about your options! Dodging a Huge Bill: How My Clie nt Became a Liability Limit Hero (and You Can Too!) Hey everyone, sit down, grab your drink, and let me tell you a cool story. It's about how one of my clients made a really smart choice with his car insurance and avoided a huge money problem! It all came down to something called good liability limits compared to state minimum limits. Now, I know what you might be thinking. "Insurance? Yawn! Just give me the cheapest one so I can watch more funny cat videos." And I get it! We all love a good deal, and saving money feels great. But when it comes to car insurance, skimping on coverage is like playing Russian Roulette with your bank account and other assets. If you don't have a high enough limit, you could end up paying out of pocket for damage you caused to someone else. Just because you have insurance doesn't release you for being responsible for ALL the damages. Investing in the right coverage is one of the smartest things you can do for your peace of mind and your wallet. Let me tell you about a guy we'll call Marcus. Marcus was looking for car insurance and, like many of us, he was hoping for the lowest price each month. He was looking at a plan that cost less than a cheap hotdog (and wouldn't have offered much protection at all!). Now, having the right agent can make all the difference in the world. I knew Marcus could be better protected. So, I didn't just give him the cheapest thing and say "bye-bye." We talked a bit. We had a friendly "let's-think-ahead" chat. I explained that while a low monthly cost might seem great at first, the amount his insurance would pay if he caused an accident was really low. It might not even cover a small crash. It's all about having enough protection for those unexpected moments. Have you bought a car recently? Have you noticed skyrocketing repairs and medical costs? "But I'm a good driver!" Marcus said, like a lot of people do. And maybe Marcus is a super good driver – that's fantastic! But you know what they say: stuff happens! Sometimes, even the best drivers can be in a situation where someone else makes a mistake, like texting and driving a large vehicle when you're nearby. So, I showed Marcus different choices. We talked about how much his insurance would pay if he accidentally hurt someone or damaged their stuff. I really encouraged him to get more coverage. Not because I want to buy a lot of avocado toast (even though I do!), but because it's the smart and safe thing to do with your money. Think of it as investing in your future security. It's like wearing a helmet when you ride a bike on a rope over hungry crocodiles – a little extra protection can make a huge difference! Marcus was smart and thoughtful. He listened to what I said and realized the value of having better coverage. He decided to pay a little more each month to get much better protection (and it wasn't that much more). This was a really positive step for him! A few months later, guess what? Something bad happened. Not a monster truck, thankfully, but a pretty big car crash with a lot of cars. Marcus was responsible for paying for some of the damage to other cars and some people getting hurt. This is where Marcus' wise decision really paid off. Now for the exciting part! The first guesses for how much all the damage and doctor bills would cost were HUGE. Like, "make a lottery winner nervous" huge. It was a really serious situation. But because Marcus had listened and bought the higher limit insurance, his insurance company paid for almost all of it! What a relief! How much money did Marcus almost have to pay out of his own pocket if he had bought the cheap state minimum or other low liability insurance? A whopping $137,387. That's a life-changing amount of money! Think about that! One hundred and thirty-seven thousand, three hundred and eighty-seven dollars! That could be a down payment on a small castle, a lifetime of fancy coffee, or just really cause a lot of financial stress. And the extra insurance only cost less than $30/mo. Instead, Marcus just had to deal with the insurance claim (which was still a bit annoying, but not a disaster). He didn't have to sell his house, create a GoFundMe account, ask for the church offering plate to be passed, or spend years paying off bills. He was protected! So, the point of this story is: accidents are no fun, and we all hope they never happen. But being prepared with the right insurance can make a huge difference in how you handle those unexpected moments. The limits on your policy is all it is going to pay. If the damages are more, it has to come from somewhere. Choosing the right coverage isn't about spending more, it's about making a smart investment in your future security. Car insurance isn't just something you have to get. It's something that really protects your future money and gives you peace of mind. Those limits on how much your insurance will pay? They're like your shield against bad things happening on the road. Having good liability limits is like having a strong safety net. So, do yourself a favor. Don't just look at the price each month. Talk to your friendly, independent insurance agent at Select Source Insurance. We're here to help you understand your options and make the best choice for you. Understand how much protection you're getting. Think about what could go wrong. And please, make a wise choice now so you don't face a big financial worry later. You might not end up saving exactly $137,387, but knowing you're covered well? That feeling of security is truly priceless. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm suddenly really hungry for avocado toast. It's just part of the job!
tl;dr Why Car Insurance is Pricey: Expensive Accidents: Repairs, medical bills, and lost wages drive up claim costs. Rising Healthcare Costs: Increased medical fees directly impact insurance payouts. Distracted Driving: More accidents due to distractions mean more claims and higher premiums. Costly Car Repairs: Modern, complex vehicles are pricier to fix. Factors Affecting Your Rate: Driving record, age, vehicle type, and location all play a role. Why is Car Insurance So Expensive? Car insurance is expensive. There's no getting around it. But why does it cost so much? The High Cost of Accidents One of the main reasons car insurance is so expensive is because accidents have become more expensive. When you get into an accident, there are a lot of costs involved. There's the cost of repairing your car has risen, the cost of medical care for you, any passengers, the other party and the cost of lost wages if they can't work. Insurance companies have to pay for all of these costs, which is why they charge high premiums. South Carolina is trending towards having higher rates. Let's do our part by driving safe to help reduce our costs. The Rising Cost of Healthcare The cost of healthcare is also on the rise, which is another reason why car insurance is so expensive. When you get into an accident, you or the other party may need to go to the hospital or see a doctor. The cost of these services is only going to continue to rise, which means that insurance companies will have to charge more for their policies. The Increasing Number of Distracted Drivers Distracted driving is a major problem, and it's only getting worse. When people are distracted while driving, they're more likely to get into an accident. This means that insurance companies have to pay out more claims, which drives up the cost of car insurance. Follow Us on Facebook The Increasing Cost of Car Repairs Cars are becoming more and more complex and not to mention safety technology, which means that they're also becoming more expensive to repair. This is another reason why car insurance is so expensive. There are delays in South Carolina body shops and supply chain disruptions. When you get into an accident, it can cost a lot of money to fix your car. How to Keep Your Car Insurance Costs Down There are a few things you can do to keep your car insurance costs down here in the upstate. One is to shop around for the best rates. At Select Source Insurance we do the shopping for you. You can also get discounts for things like good grades, safe driving, and having multiple policies with the same company and many others. The Bottom Line Car insurance is expensive, but there are a few things you can do to keep your costs down. Shop around for the best rates, get discounts, and drive safely. A Few More Things to Keep in Mind Your driving record: If you have a clean driving record, you're likely to get a lower rate on your car insurance. Check your record for claims and tickets to make sure you are not being charged for errors. Your age: Younger drivers typically pay more for car insurance than older drivers. Your car: The type of car you drive can also affect your car insurance rates. Sports cars and luxury cars are usually more expensive to insure than other cars. One myth is if you have a red car your rates will be higher. This is false. Your location: Where you live can also affect your car insurance rates. If you live in a big city like Spartanburg, you're likely to pay more than if you live in a small surrounding town like Lyman or Inman. In Conclusion Car insurance is a necessary evil, but it doesn't have to break the bank. By shopping around for the best rates, getting discounts, and driving safely, you can keep your costs down. I hope this blog article has been helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below or reach out to us at 864-585-8318. If you would like to submit your basic information to our private local website, we will quote your rates with the most competitive companies available. We do not sell your information, it is completely secure. Get a Quote Here Additional Tips: Get quotes from multiple insurance companies. At Select Source we do that for you. Ask about discounts for things like good grades, safe driving, and having multiple policies with the same company. Drive safely. Maintain a clean driving record. Consider getting a higher deductible. Take a defensive driving course. Use a rideshare service or public transportation when you've been drinking. Will Car Insurance Rates Go Down Who has the Cheapest Car Insurance Maximize Your Groove With Discounts South Carolina DMV
TL;DR: The 3-Second Rule: Why It's Not Just a Suggestion (And Why You're Not Vin Diesel). Three seconds is NOT an eternity: It's the buffer you need to avoid turning your car into a metal pancake. "Pro" drivers are delusional: Physics doesn't care about your ego; it cares about stopping distances. It's simple: Pick a point, count "one Mississippi, two Mississippi, three Mississippi." If you pass it too soon, back off. Those seconds give you time to process, react, and let your car do its thing. Chill out, count, and avoid awkward insurance conversations. Driving isn't a race, it's a shared journey to avoid metal-on-metal crime. Three Seconds: The Eternity Between "Oops" and "OH NO." Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the thrilling world of the three-second following distance. Yes, that glorious, often-ignored rule that separates us from a symphony of crumpled metal and insurance adjusters. Let's be honest, three seconds on the road feels like an eternity. Especially when you're stuck behind someone who seems to be navigating too delicately. You're thinking, "Come on, buddy, I could knit a sweater in three seconds!" But, alas, the highway safety supreme being (and your insurance premium) demand we adhere to this seemingly endless time gap. Both following too closely and texting while driving has added to the number of accidents in South Carolina in recent years. Ten Safety Tips for Driving in the Rain The "But I'm a Pro!" Delusion We've all been there. You're a driving ninja. You can parallel park in a space the size of a postage stamp. You know the exact moment to hit the gas to catch that elusive green light. You're basically Vin Diesel, but with a slightly less impressive car and a significantly less impressive physique. So, three seconds? Pfft. Amateur hour. And really, does arriving at your destination 3 seconds later matter? Avoiding the nightmare of claims is definitely worth it. Don't become a South Carolina accident statistic. "I can react in a nanosecond!" you declare, as you tailgate a semi-truck during a monsoon. "Three seconds is for people who can't tell the difference between a brake light and a Christmas tree." Spoiler alert: You're wrong. And you're about to learn a valuable lesson in the physics of large, metal objects, sudden stops and metal accordions. The Reality Check: Physics Doesn't Care About Your Driving Ego. Here's the thing: even if your reflexes are lightning-fast, your car isn't. It needs time to respond. And those three seconds? They're not just some arbitrary number a bored traffic engineer pulled out of thin air. They're a buffer. A safety net. A "Hey, maybe don't turn your car into a metal accordion" zone. The 3 second rule works for every speed whether you are traveling at 15 mph or 60 mph. Imagine this: the car in front slams on their brakes. Why? Who knows? Maybe a squirrel decided to audition for "American Ninja Warrior" by crossing the highway. Maybe they saw a particularly enticing roadside taco stand. Whatever the reason, they've stopped. Now, you have three seconds (or less, if you're a "pro") to react. Those three seconds give you: Time to process: "Wait, are those brake lights? Are they serious?" Time to react: "Okay, foot, move to the brake pedal! Now!" How much time does that take? I tried to calculate the time and it is slow. Time for your car to react: "Engaging anti-lock brakes! Please hold while I calculate the optimal stopping distance." Without those precious seconds, you're just a passenger in a metal projectile, headed for a very expensive collision. The Actual Technique (Because, You Know, Safety) For those of you who haven't memorized the driver's manual (and let's be honest, who has? I definitely have not.), here's the lowdown on the three-second rule: Pick a stationary object: A sign, a pole, a particularly grumpy-looking squirrel. When the car in front passes it, start counting: "One Mississippi, two Mississippi, three Mississippi." I slow this count also. If you pass the object before you finish counting, you're too close. Back off, buddy. Back. Off. The Moral of the Story: Chill Out and Count. Follow Us on Facebook Driving isn't a race. It's a delicate dance of metal, momentum, and the shared desire to get to our destinations without becoming a viral road rage video. So, take a deep breath, relax, and give yourself (and everyone else) a little space. Have you ever seen a stop light change to green and the car in front of you races to the next light. You can see clearly that the next light ahead just changed to red. Why are we racing to get to it? Also, if you are following too closely, and can't see what's in front of the car in front of you, be prepared for an accident. If the car in front stops suddenly or moves to another lane to avoid the stopped car in front of it, you won't have enough time to react and hit the stopped car. Several years ago, this happened to me. The 3 second rule works. Those three seconds might feel like an eternity, but they're the difference between a smooth ride and a very awkward conversation with your insurance agent. And trust me, nobody wants that. And besides that, it is less wear and tear on your car. Following to close, means using your brakes more often. I don't know if you have paid for a brake repair job lately, but it is not cheap. Can Car Insurance Drop You? What Does Car Insurance NOT Cover ? Top Ten Car Insurance Terms You Need to Know