Monday, April 24, 2017

How to Avoid International Roaming Charges while playing Pokemon GO

How to Avoid International Roaming Fees while playing Pokemon GO.

April 24, 2017
Pokemon GO has taken the world by storm, and while the initial firestorm of hype has worn off quite a bit, the revolutionary Augmented Reality mobile game still commands a respectable following.  Just like with every game, there are dedicated (some would say obsessive) communities of players across the globe.  The hope is that one day the game will bring a trading mechanic to add depth to the experience- something that has always been in the main series games and anime. 

One of the questions we get asked frequently at AMS Travel Sales is how to avoid the onerous international roaming charges that come with playing Pokemon GO abroad.  These roaming fees can add up quickly, and more than one Pokemon GO Trainer has been hit with a nasty bill from the mobile carrier.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prepare before you travel overseas to catch those regional exclusive Pokemon. 

Your first step should be to contact your mobile carrier.  All of the major carriers have International Data plans that you can sign up for.  That way, you'll know what you will be paying for data ahead of time.  If the options they have are not ideal, here are some other options to try once you've arrived in your destination!

If you have an unlocked phone, you can purchase a SIM card from a local wireless provider at your destination. These are flat rate data cards, perfect for overseas travel. In case you are unaware, the SIM card is the brains of your phone, and allows it to communicate with the network. Just replace your existing sim with the new one and you'll be instantly connected to the local provider's plan.  Nick from Trainer Tips did just this on his recent trip to Australia!  When you depart your destination just put your original sim back in!

If you're unable to use a foreign SIM card in your phone, you also have the option of renting a completely new phone in your destination.  This comes in handy if you want a dedicated device simply for playing Pokemon GO or other online games.  This is often a more expensive way to go, but it does give you the benefit of experimenting with different hardware.   Both the SIM cards and rental phones are found in many international airports- where they sell or rent tech supplies such as noise cancelling headphones, e-readers, cameras and other devices. 

If neither of these options work for you, it is theoretically possible to play the game using WIFI hotspots in local hotels, restaurants and stores.  This really limits your ability to explore, but if you're just looking to keep your streak alive, it may be all you need.  Just look for an establishment in range of a Pokestop. (Knowledge of your regions Sponsored Pokestops may be handy.) 

Want to catch Regional Pokemon?  AMS Travel can get you to Japan, Australia, South America, and more! Just give us a call!

When you've got your phone set up with a data plan, you want to make sure to adjust your phone's settings.  Simple settings can help you reign in data usage.  First and foremost- set up your App Store (or Google Play) to update ONLY over WIFI. This keeps your phone from downloading huge app files using cellular data.  

Similarly, you can add a WIFI only restriction to your email accounts as well- so you're not wasting precious data downloading the latest batch of Out of Office Replies.  

These are some quick and easy tips to avoid dreaded international roaming fees while playing Pokemon GO!  Of course, these tips and tricks are applicable to anyone who wants to stay connected while traveling abroad, but we Pokemon trainers spend a LOT of time on our phones! 

Are you interested in traveling to a new area to capture region exclusive Pokemon like Kangashan,  Heracross,  Mr. Mime, or Farfetch'd?  Maybe a cruise to catch Corsola in the Caribbean?  We at AMS Travel Sales can help you do just that!  Request a Quote today and tell us where you'd like to adventure next! 

Monday, April 17, 2017

Geocaching in a Foreign Country with Confidence


How to go Geocaching in a Foreign Country- with confidence!

April 17, 2017
Traveling to a foreign country can be intimidating.  You don't speak the language, there are unfamiliar customs and cultural differences.  The service of a great travel agent can help you plan with confidence, but they are usually not there to walk with you through the streets of your destination. It is up to you to research the destination and the mannerisms so you won't feel completely out of place.  

It's the same with a game like geocaching.  When you've spent the money required to get you to the destination- you want to make sure you have ample opportunity to find caches efficiently and quickly.  You need to prepare for your geocache adventure before you walk out the door. 

I strongly recommend looking closely at each geocache you plan to find when you're in a destination.  Use the Geocaching.com Favorite Points to quickly see the best caches in a region. Read the descriptions and D/T Ratings of each geocache carefully.  If it doesn't sound fun, cross it off your list.  Focus on the geocaches you know you will enjoy finding- don't waste your time on lamp posts if that's not your thing.

Once you've got your list of favorite cache opportunities, study them on a map to familiarize yourself with the immediate region, look for landmarks to help you when you're onsite.  Google Maps is amazing for this, especially Street View.  Read the hints- sometimes you'll be able to narrow down Ground Zero on the street view.

Google can also help with translation!  It won't be perfect, but you'll be able to use Google Translate to get the gist of the description and log entries before you go.  Make sure the cache doesn't have a string of recent DNF's, no matter how many favorite points it is.  If it's not there, you'll waste precious time on the cache.

Use pocket queries.  Yes, that means a dedicated GPS. When you're traveling abroad, you may not have the cell service you need to use your smartphone.  Plus it's easy to rack up international roaming charges, even if you use offline lists.  Check with your wireless carrier for an international data plan!

Reach out to local geocachers on Facebook or Reddit. Locals will be able to guide you on region specific geocaching lingo and hide styles. 

AMS Travel Sales includes a free .GPX file of the region you're visiting, so you're one step ahead of the game when you book your trip with us!   Give us a call or Request a Quote to start planning your next vacation!

Thursday, April 13, 2017

Donerstag! Geocaching in Germany

Dönerstag! Geocaching in Germany




April 13, 2017
|

John Bishop
The Geocaching World is all atwitter over #Dönerstag this week, with a new souvenir to be had.  Groundspeak is celebrating the German Geocaching Tradition of Dönerstag! Did I hear that right- a Geocaching Tradition?  They've been doing this in Germany for 11 years now;  Sounds like a tradition to me!  The only Geocaching tradition I have is forgetting my pen.

All this excitement over Germany has led me to want to research travel options that might be perfect for those who want to get out there with Signal and discover the joy of Deutschland. 

I have found a perfect tour from Globus Tours that takes you into the heart of Germany, visiting many of the beautiful and historic sites that makes this such a splendid destination.  On this tour you will visit the UNESCO Heritage Site Classic Weimar as well as the medieval town of Rothensberg.  You'll tour the castle from Beauty and the Beast and stroll through Obergammerau- home of the annual Passion Play.  
Geocaching in Munich

Geocaching in Munich

Munich- the "second capitol" of Germany

3/4

The Tour is called German Vista and it's 8-Days in Length taking you from Berlin to Munich.  Right now, several departures are on sale for as low as $1500-$1600 a person plus airfare and insurance.

Take a look at my YouTube Video below that explains the tour in greater detail!   If this is something which might interest you, simply Request a Quote and let AMS Travel Sales work up the details for you.  Globus has been offering their perfectly planned vacations for decades and we highly recommend their products.