Fortunately, thanks to the Internet, many new possibilities have arrived to simplify these steps. An example of this evolution is the relationship between eSIM and more sustainable travel: being able to use a data plan without purchasing a new physical card means avoiding packaging and waste, as well as making international connectivity management easier.
Studying and working abroad: the new needs of travellers
International mobility increasingly concerns situations other than traditional tourism. University students, researchers, professionals and workers can spend weeks or months in countries with different habits, infrastructures and services.
One of the most felt needs therefore becomes that of being able to connect from one’s smartphone to consult transport timetables, reach accommodation, communicate with a university or participate in an online meeting… all activities that also take place at home but which acquire further value abroad.
Preparing for departure, therefore, also means knowing the conditions of the destination immediately, checking the services available and identifying, if there are any, needs to be satisfied as soon as you arrive on site. And in this, technology helps to reduce document printing, queues in offices or wrong routes in search of destinations to reach.
Digital documents and online procedures: less paper, less travel
One of the most important changes in travel organization concerns the progressive digitalisation of administrative procedures. University registrations, reservations, accommodation contracts and entry procedures can be managed, at least in part, through online platforms, avoiding the printing and sending of paper documents.
When a procedure can be completed remotely, the need to physically reach offices, branches and administrative offices is also reduced, with possible savings in fuel and related emissions. Naturally, not all documents can be replaced by digital versions: for some formalities, paper originals or in-person checks remain necessary.
However, the possibility of storing receipts, tickets and certifications on your smartphone allows you to limit superfluous copies. It is important, however, to check in advance which documents are accepted in electronic format in the destination country.
Getting around an unfamiliar city without depending on the car
Access to digital information can also influence how you get around once you arrive abroad. In a little-known city, the difficulty of finding one’s way or understanding how public transport works can lead to a preference for taxis and private transport services, even when viable alternatives exist.
Applications dedicated to mobility, on the other hand, allow you to consult routes, connections, stops and timetables, facilitating the use of buses, trams and subways. In many cities it is also possible to purchase travel tickets directly from your phone, without necessarily using paper tickets.
These tools can therefore encourage mobility choices with a lower environmental impact, especially for those who spend long periods in the same destination and must organize daily travel. The benefit naturally depends on the means chosen and the actual availability of services: technology does not reduce emissions alone, but it can make some alternatives more accessible.
