Avoiding information overload while full time traveling

[FULLTIMEWANABE]

Sorry if this is a bit long but I'm hitting an alien environment to me.

Been around these forums for many years but now realizing we need to get more into information resources than before. Just have felt when reading some of the "app" threads we've become overwhelmed with them on numbers of apps/choices and their use. I'm sure it's a case of using them leads to ease, speed and familiarity but ..... I've never used an app in my life, just always go online google for website research in SnB. One thing that concerns me very much is when we hit the road FT, we'll have expensive mobile data travelling Canada and the USA, and how much do these apps, website searching and viewing suck of data when using them?

Can you tell we're not very techy whatsoever other than google searching on a lap top and what programmes used in work environment. Under protest do now have an iPhone 5 that I use to receive emails, send messages on and make phone calls if that helps! Basically we are the opposite of the majority of folks you see today glued to their mobiles.

OK, so I'm curious in the most simplistic form whilst at the same time not missing out on what most areas have to offer what would you use to meet the below criteria we are trying to fulfill. We've always used the premise of the KISS principal in our lives and would like to continue to do so as we enter the "highlight of our twilight" phase.


MAIN INTERESTS: Fishing++ for hubby. Kayaking, Rafting, Shelling, Swimming, Snorkelling, Small Town Americana, Local POI, Animals, Wildlife, Farming, And Prefer Boondocking Over Being Sandwiched In A CG. Don't mind walking or biking for miles but not keen on huge steep Olympic climbs, but if worth it at the end will psych up for them very very slowly (LOL). I don't feel we are very fit but we seem more energized and get tons more exercise when travelling than ever at home. We also like to sit in a relaxing area and people watch here and there and very much into picnics with home cooked/baked goods. Eating out is nice on occasion to sample local fare, but far from a priority to us.

a) When we decide on an area, we'd like to find an easy resource that not only gives you the major tourist attractions, but some of the maybe more locally known hidden gems.

b) An easy to use/understand book/website with clear directions for boon docking locations when heading to a specific area or attraction to us ie; fishing lake, GC, YNP, Nearby Appealing Town/City.

c) Farmers Markets - knowing where and when they are open in which towns enroute would be good.

Any comments ref data consumption of any apps/websites when mobile only, and what would be your top 5 go to ones if you were us is very much appreciated. Likewise any tips in layman's terms on how to reduce amount of data consumption would be great (apart from switch device off and put in a drawer = LOL).

Just thinking probably ought to start to try and get familiar whilst I've got SnB wifi I can use to experiment at less cost.

Thanks to ya all.

FTW.

PS: If you feel Top 5 apps is nowhere near enough, would you be kind to list your go to ones in order of use imagining you were our type of nature. We won't sit too long in one place, so will be traveling FTers. Thanks again.

[Veebyes]

Executive wrote:
1. RVParky.com for locating cg.
2. RVParkreviews.com for reviews of cgs.
3. GasBuddy.com for locating and pricing of fuel nearby.
4. Tripadvisor.com for locating things to do.
5. SatelliteAR app for helping set up your satellite dish.
6. Weatherbug app to check on the weather.
7. Lakers.com to check your favorite sports team...:W
8. Groupon app for discounted venues. Kayaking, eating etc.

That is about it for me too. Don't have satellite. Not big sports fan. Not big on restaurants either. The others are the main 'go to' sites for anything needed to be known.

[GaryKH]

I missed this topic when it first came around, but here's my 2 bits worth...
First is, if you are travelling & doing your banking or other activities that require strong passwords (& who doesn't), then get yourself a good password manager. We use Last Pass & find it works great, but there are others out there also. Last Pass needs to be accessed by a master password (so you only need to remember 1), then you have access to all of your passwords, which can be set up to automatically fill in the blanks on web sites.This works on your laptop & any other device you have, such as your Iphone. It helps if you should get either your devices stolen, or lost, at least they can't gain access to those sensitive sites!
Second is, when we go travelling, we go online at either the tourist info bureaus, or coffee shops where there is free wifi Remember to use LastPass! This way we don't have to use any data plan.
Third is, we only seek out these places maybe 1-2 times a week. After that, we are there for the visuals (ie. camping, driving, etc.)!

[AlmostBoatless]

if anyone has a good resource for farmer's markets, I'd love to hear it! me toooooo!

ditto - ditto again! This is the hardest thing for us from NH and now in northwest FL is the lack of fresh pick your own veggies at a small, local market. We were drooling at the thought of the pick your own fruit and veggies once we got here, but only the Publix have sort of fresh and they are bagged! Maybe we need an education?

[ventrman]

Truckers Tools is real Handy to find the next Truck Stop. It will also tell you if the have a Full Service Restaurant, etc.

[TwoTechies]

Another one to keep in mind is the national parks. Through the national park
service web site or at the first visitor center you stop at as there is a wealth of info on all of the parks and monuments. If you are on the interstate highways going from one state to another the welcome centers have a lot of info.

[FULLTIMEWANABE]

Thanks JayJones for the clarification, I think being Canadian it makes sense for us to keep our Bell Mobility deal with a small US travel add on each month = $50+$50 and then do a Verizon Pay As You Go Mifi for when in the USA. If anyone sees a better option for us feel free to comment 🙂 🙂 🙂 We've had a tracfone for the last 6 years which we put a $100 of minutes on and never use half of them each year so they have added up over time for when we first hit. Must admit would be nice to do away with that eventually due to clarity, if other mobile providers come up with a better deal for us to make our calls to daughter back here.

That RoadsideAmerica is an interesting link Executive - amazing some of the oddities there are to enjoy out there.

Our feet are getting more itchy as each week/month passes to just hit the road FT, but am also recognizing that having this still remaining year plus, is probably a good thing to enable us to get more "i's" dotted and 'T's crossed in preparation. We are intending (subject to commitments here being addressed first) a west coast 4 to 6 week trip at the end of August (avoiding school out hopefully!), to try and satisfy the soul in anticipation and really looking forward to it. 🙂

[Executive45]

To the OP...while not an app, we found the following to be an excellent guide to weird and out of the box places....Dennis

RoadSidea

[JayJones]

If you are able to use your mobile device as a hotspot, in general you won't need to tether. Old devices required tethering but anything modern you shouldn't have to. When you set up the hotspot you will set the network name and a password for security. As far as bandwidth, you will be using the same data plan as your phone so it will be shared. Typically you will use more bandwidth on a laptop so you will want to keep a close eye on your usage.

The advantage of a jet pack or other types of MiFi are that they support many more options than your typical mobile phone hotspot like 5Ghz data networks and your data won't be interrupted by a phone call or other types of services. You could also have a MiFi from one company and mobile device service from another. This can be beneficial if you are getting a weak (or no) signal from one while the other is able to connect. Of course having two will increase your expense.

In any case, I hope this helps!

[C-Bears]

We have had Verizon forever. I can't really answer your question about pros and cons of using your I-phone as a hotspot. We both have 5's and have used them for short durations as hotspots, but generally have the MiFi on.

The benefit of the MiFi for us is that we haven't really found anyplace so far that we could not get a signal. In addition, the newer/smaller printers can easily print from your I-phone, I-pad, or computer wireless if you have your MiFi.

You may not think the need for printing would come up very often but it actually does for us. We do everything online, even our insurance, so when we get new vehicle insurance cards we have to print. It just seems like every week something comes up and you need to print something.

[FULLTIMEWANABE]

Thank you all and interesting how many folks still do it the way we've done our research for years on a laptop through googling, welcome centres and asking locals. Also Matt and Jay-Jones for the Farmers Markets suggestions = much appreciated. Thought I'd just put this topic out there, as I'd be so disappointed if I was in an area and found out about something we missed we would have loved after we'd left, no doubt it'll happen though time after time.

C-Bears, thank you for your comments on how much bandwidth you use do you use Verizon or Straight Talk? That's good to know and I hope others comment with their general usage with how much time and types of using they do. I've been trying to find out through umpteen calls, what certain websites I visit daily like TD Waterhouse etc use the way I use them and it's like trying to extract teeth to get any info from them, even a broad range they won't commit to me. I'm sure it'll be a case of keeping a log and seeing where we are at as habits unfold and learning what needs adjusting somewhat.

Out of curiosity I've read of many using MIFI's but more recently a few folks commenting about using their mobiles as hotspots more effective on speed etc. Just curious, when using your mobile as a hotspot do you eat up more data quicker than through a MIFI or is it totally irrelevant? Is this done wirelessly or do you have to tether? I have an iPhone 5.

Thanks again to you all for responding, been enjoyable and glad it's also addressing others needs like Naio 🙂 🙂 🙂

[Naio]

Thanks, Matt and JayJones!

[3oaks]

donn0128 wrote:
Apps? Naw, stop at the local tourist office and ask questions. Same for park staff or camp hosts. I love informing visitors about sites to see in the area. It gives me a chance to interact with lots of interesting people

I agree. Far too many people are dependent on technology today. That's why they are lost and in a panic when systems fail and go down even for a short duration. New technology is great and is always bringing new advancements, but to be totally dependent on it is also a great mistake.

[punomatic]

Here's our ploy:
1. Ask locally at the tourist info center.
2. Visit the local hardware store. You meet lots of interesting people who know about local eateries, attractions and secret places!
3. We discovered Gypsy Guide apps when we were in Hawaii. When you turn it on, it uses the GPS capability on your iPhone and gives you a running commentary on where you are traveling. We found a number of out of the way places to visit using the app.

The best part is that it is easy to use. We were so enamored of the app that we named it Ralph. "Where do you think Ralph will take us today, Honey?"

P.S. I have no commercial interest or connection to Gypsy Guide. We just loved the app for the Big Island so much that we tell everyone about it.

[C-Bears]

We added a few RV type apps when we went full time. Between our (2) I-phones, one I-pad, and a laptop we get by on 15 or 16GB a month. That includes doing all of our banking, mapping, and any research on-line.