15 Tips for travellers with an iPhone

iPhone Tip #1: Know how to Take Long exposure Photos

You don’t need a fancy camera to capture silky water or cool light streaks. Your iPhone can do long shutter speed shots too!

Here’s how:

  1. Take a “Live” photo while holding your iPhone as steady as possible.
  2. Open your photo album, select the “Live” photo, and choose the “Long Exposure” option.

And voilà! Can you even tell this photo was taken with an iPhone and not a bulky camera?

👉 In this tutorial, I’ll guide you through it step by step.

iPhone Tip #2: Use the Calculator as a Converter

Did you know you don’t need an external app to calculate foreign currencies? Go to your calculator, tap the calculator icon in the bottom-left corner, and select ‘convert’.

Then tap ‘USD’ to choose a different currency.

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Can’t see this feature? You need iOS 18 for this, so make sure to update!

Phone Tip #3: AirPod Holders for On the Plane

I absolutely love my AirPods – the sound is so pure! But let’s be honest, I’m not the only one who’s accidentally dropped an earbud, right? It’s especially awkward on a plane, where space is already so limited. Last time, I ended up twisting and turning in all sorts of ways just to fish my AirPod out.

Luckily, there’s a simple solution! For just a few euros, you can get an AirPod holder or cord. Sure, it might take away a bit of that wireless magic, but it’s super handy in places where you’re likely to lose them.

👉 Buy the AirPod holder on Bol.com

iPhone Tip #4: Set Up Apple Pay (and Wise)

Apple Pay is incredibly convenient when travelling. Not only can you use it to pay in shops, but it’s also often accepted on public transport. You can easily use it to open many subway gates without needing to buy a local transport card.

But that’s not all. One major advantage of Apple Pay is that it shows your spending instantly on your screen. With a regular bank card, it can take up to 24 hours to appear in your account. Wondering, “Did I overpay?” With Apple Pay, you’ll know straight away.

Travelling outside Europe or prefer not to link your main account to Apple Pay? Then consider using a Wise account. What’s Wise? It’s a multi-currency account that lets you exchange euros into foreign currencies easily, without the high fees charged by traditional banks. A must-have for anyone travelling outside Europe! You can also use it for euros and link it to Apple Pay.
Open a free Wise account via this link.

Want to know more about how Wise works? 👉 I explain everything about foreign transactions here.

Need cash?

You can also use Wise to withdraw cash from an ATM, but you’ll need a physical card. Get a free card through this link. All transactions appear instantly in the Wise app, and opening an account is completely free.

iPhone Tip #5: Consider an eSIM When Travelling Outside Europe

When I had an Android phone with dual SIM slots, adding a local SIM was easy. Pop it in, and done! Now that I’m back to using an iPhone, I have to switch SIM cards all the time. It’s frustrating, especially when I need dual authentication via text messages, which makes swapping even more annoying while travelling.

That’s why I now use an eSIM for every trip outside the EU. It’s less hassle than dealing with physical SIM cards and saves me time. I activate the virtual SIM just before heading to the airport, and as soon as I land, I’ve got mobile internet. Perfect for ordering an Uber and heading straight to the hotel!

Yes, it’s a bit more expensive, but it’s so much more convenient. Want to give it a try? Use the code KIMBER7371 to get $3 off through the Airalo app.

👉 Not sure how it works? I explain it here.

iPhone Tip #6: Smartphone Holder for the Plane

I wish I’d bought this gadget sooner! If you’re happy using the built-in flight entertainment system for 12 hours, feel free to skip this tip. But if, like me, you prefer watching Netflix or YouTube, this gadget will help you avoid a sore neck next time you get off the plane.

You can attach this little device in various ways – on the folded table, when it’s not in use, or even in other places outside the plane. I’ve tested it on three flights, and I’m a huge fan! And it’s not just for iPhones; it fits all smartphones.

👉 Buy the smartphone holder on Bol.com

iPhone Tip #7: Put an AirTag in Your Luggage

An AirTag is a small tracker that you can put in your luggage. Once paired with your iPhone, it constantly tracks the location of your items. That way, you’ll always know where your luggage is. Or your keys!

It’s perfect for when you need to leave your belongings somewhere, or if you’re travelling with expensive gear like a camera.

👉 Buy an AirTag on Bol.com

iPhone Tip #8: Have an (Offline) Backup Option While Travelling

I’m always a little paranoid about my photos and videos. Coming home without those precious memories sounds like a real nightmare. That’s why backing up while travelling is common sense to me.

When I have good internet, an online backup usually does the job. But anyone who has travelled through less internet-savvy countries knows that sometimes that’s not an option.

This USB was a one-time investment that’s been travelling with us for years. It’s super easy: install the app, plug the USB into your iPhone, and the backup happens automatically. When you’re home, just plug the other end (normal USB) into your laptop, and you’ll have instant access to your precious memories!

The SanDisk iXpand Flash Drive is available in two sizes: 128GB and 256GB.

👉 Buy the SanDisk iXpand Flash Drive on Bol.com

iPhone Tip #9: Navigate Offline

Stuck in the middle of nowhere, or just in a place with poor reception? It’s super handy to be able to navigate offline. Not only does it save you mobile data, but it also saves battery.

Download the map of your destination on Google Maps (and optionally the Maps.me app for hikes) while you’re connected to Wi-Fi. After your trip, you can delete it to free up storage.

Here’s how to get started on Google Maps:

1. Open Google Maps and navigate to the country or area you want offline.
2. Tap your profile photo in the top right (if you don’t have a photo, your initials will appear).
3. Tap ‘Offline maps’.
4. Tap ‘Create your own map’.
5. Zoom in and out with your fingers to select the area you want to save offline.
6. Finally, tap ‘Download’.

In the ‘Offline maps’ screen, you can also update or delete your maps.

iPhone Tip #10: Use a Good Waterproof Case

Still using one of those plastic underwater cases? Don’t do that to yourself next time.

Buy this Redpepper waterproof case, and you’ll never have to deal with those clunky, see-through waterproof pouches again.

It’s the best €25 you’ll ever invest. Pinky promise.

Now thinking “the quality doesn’t look that great”? This is a screenshot, not a photo. All the images in this video were taken with my iPhone 13 Pro, using this waterproof case.

Always test the case before use by placing a tissue inside and submerging it in water. I usually leave it in a sink of water for about an hour and place something heavy on top to keep it submerged.

iPhone Tip #11: Set Your Video Settings to 60fps for Slow-Motion Videos

Want to slow down your videos later? Then it’s best to film in 60 frames per second (fps).

Normally, you record at 25 or 30fps, but doubling this gives you twice as many frames. The result? When you slow down a video, you’ll have enough “footage” to keep it smooth and avoid choppy images.

Don’t see this option?
1. Go to Settings > Camera > File Formats.
2. Select “High Efficiency.”
3. Go back to Camera and select Record Video.
4. Turn on “Show PAL Formats.”

Now you can choose the default fps (frames per second). You can also switch frame rates in the built-in camera app (top-right corner).

Mine is always set to 60fps. When I tap the “60,” it changes to 24, 25, or 30.

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Just keep in mind that 60fps videos take up more storage. It’s also better to switch back to 25 or 30fps when filming in low light, as 60fps can affect video quality in those conditions.

iPhone Tip #12: Opt for a Good Power Bank

If you use your iPhone frequently, you’ll almost certainly find yourself with a dead battery by the end of the day. A power bank is truly indispensable when travelling.

We both now use this iMoshion power bank. With 20,000 mAh, I can charge my iPhone around 6-8 times, and with the USB-C cable, it charges incredibly quickly. It’s also not too heavy or bulky, making it perfectly acceptable to take on a plane.

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Can You Bring a Power Bank on a Plane?

Yes, you are allowed to bring a power bank on a plane. It must be in your hand luggage and NOT in your checked luggage.

Generally, you can bring up to 2 power banks per person, with a maximum capacity of 27,000 mAh.

iPhone Tip #13: Create a Vacation Mode

While I was hugging reindeer in Tromsø, I received a WhatsApp message. My cat hadn’t eaten for two days. I immediately panicked and couldn’t think about anything else. At that moment, I couldn’t leave, so I was stuck worrying. Of course, I didn’t enjoy the excursion after that. I would have preferred to see that message two hours later, after the trip.

Since then, I’ve been using “vacation mode.” In this mode, I set which notifications I want to receive and which I don’t. I make sure to keep notifications from services like Booking and GetYourGuide, so I’m still updated. You can even set who can call you. Of course, situations like the one I mentioned are (hopefully) rare, but this mode is incredibly handy.

I always turn on vacation mode when I’m doing something fun. Want to set one up? Go to Settings > Focus, and create a new mode there.

Too much effort? Then just turn on “Do Not Disturb” during activities or when you don’t want to be interrupted. But with your own mode, you have more control.

iPhone tip #14: Use a Stabilizer

Would you like stable, smooth video footage or are you looking for a good way to film or photograph yourself? Then a smartphone stabilizer or mobile gimbal might be the perfect solution.

We are very satisfied with the DJI Osmo Mobile 6. It’s a compact and lightweight gimbal with many features!

👉 Buy the DJI Osmo Mobile 6 on Bol.com

iPhone Tip #15: Find Your (Rental) Car

Are you travelling with your own car, or perhaps renting one? Connect your iPhone to CarPlay via Bluetooth or cable, and your iPhone will show you exactly where you parked your car.

Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Go to Settings
  2. Go to Apps
  3. Select ‘Maps’
  4. Scroll down and enable ‘Show Parked Location’

Once you open the Maps app, you’ll see where you parked your car – super handy!