7 iPhone Features That Will Help You Overcome Travel Anxiety

The unknown variables of traveling can be both exciting and nerve-wracking, but your iPhone can help in many ways. Here are some handy iPhone features that can help alleviate some of your travel worries.

1. Note taking app to keep a list of things to bring

Many people often worry that they might forget their fast charger or even their jacket, especially when staying in multiple hotels. To avoid this, people often tend to repack things a few times during their trip.

Use the Notes app to keep a packing checklist handy, as your iPhone is one thing you definitely won’t accidentally leave behind. Before you check out of your hotel, review your list on your iPhone to make sure everything is packed.

To start a list in Notes, tap the checklist icon (next to Aa) while typing a note. Whenever you want to add a new item to the list, tap the Enter button  on your iPhone keyboard.

Tap the circle next to the listed item and a check mark will appear. Tap again to deselect and reuse the list.

When organizing items into different categories, double-click the category title to highlight it, then click the Aa icon to access and apply the Heading or Subheading style .

2. Files app to store copies of documents

While WiFi is widely available and you can purchase data roaming plans while traveling, phone signal can sometimes be unreliable, so it’s always a good idea to have an offline copy of your tickets and booking receipts handy in case you can’t access your email to retrieve those important files.

Many people use their Macs to view emails and AirDrop those PDFs from their Mac to their iPhone. To access these files, all you need to do is launch the Files app and navigate to On iPhone > Downloads .

In some cases, if you have physical copies of receipts or documents, scan copies of them into the Notes app instead.

3. Built-in text scanner to translate menus and signs

When traveling to less touristy cities in a country and not knowing the language, you can feel confused because things like food menus, signs, and announcements are often written in words you don't understand.

Luckily, iOS has a feature that helps you scan and translate text on your iPhone. The iPhone text scanner works when you point your camera at the text, as well as when you take a photo or screenshot of the text.

4. Translate App to Chat with Locals

Language barriers are a common problem when traveling. Not all situations allow for communication between tourists and locals through body language and limited vocabulary, and typing everything out for translation takes too much time.

In such cases, Apple's Translate app comes in handy. In Translate, go to the Conversations tab and select your preferred language from the text bubble. Then, tap the microphone icon whenever either party speaks. The app will automatically record the language spoken and provide a corresponding translation.

As a bonus tip, if you're using an iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max running iOS 17.2 or later, you can also use the Action button to translate spoken words.

5. Low Power Mode to Save iPhone Battery

While it’s always a good idea to carry a spare charger, it’s always a good idea to conserve as much of your iPhone’s battery as possible. This way, you can rest assured that your device will always be usable and won’t run out of battery in an emergency situation, like needing to call a ride back to your hotel at night or using Google Maps for directions in an unfamiliar city.

One easy setting to help save battery on your iPhone is Low Power Mode. It automatically reduces your iPhone's screen brightness and visual effects, blocks email sending, and more to get the most out of your iPhone's battery. To use it, go to Settings > Battery and turn on Low Power Mode .

6. Share your location to stay updated with loved ones

If you are a young woman traveling alone to an unfamiliar city, it is a good idea to share your location with your friends and family. A simple location update at certain times of the day provides peace of mind and a sense of security for you and your loved ones.

There are a few ways to share your location on your iPhone, like through iMessage or WhatsApp, where you can type a quick message about where you've been along with a photo of the delicious meal you just had.

7. Emergency SOS and Medical ID in case of accident

Last but not least, set up Emergency SOS and Medical ID on your iPhone for extra safety on the go.

Imagine you’re in a dangerous situation and need to call and share your location with local emergency services, just press the Side or Volume button to do it. Additionally, if emergency responders ask for medical information, they can access it on your iPhone through Medical ID.

To set up Emergency SOS, go to Settings > Emergency SOS , turn on Call by holding and releasing and Call by pressing the button 5 times . You should also turn on Call silently so you can call emergency services discreetly.

If you're using an iPhone 14 or later, you also have the option to turn on Call After Critical Incident . Crash Detection detects if you've been in a car accident. If you're incapacitated and unable to respond to information on the screen, your iPhone will automatically call emergency services.

After enabling Emergency SOS in Settings , go to the Health app to set up Medical ID on your iPhone. Additionally, use some third-party apps to make your trip as safe as possible.

It's always a good idea to be prepared for your next trip. While glitches are inevitable, using these iPhone features can help make your travels more enjoyable.