Travel with just your phone? Apple says yes… but there’s one big catch you should know.
Apple Just Changed the Future of Travel
I've been planning some mini experiments for my next trip, and one of the things on my list is jet lag pills.
They're supposed to help you avoid the effects of jet lag.
I'm skeptical, but if you've tried them before, what's your take on them?
Apple just announced Digital ID, a new feature that lets you add your passport to the Wallet app. Link
This is a big deal; it means you could soon travel with just your phone, since your boarding pass and passport can live on one device. 🤯
Even if your state doesn't support Digital ID yet, you're still covered.
That said, Digital ID has limits, and I'd only use it for domestic flights. Like earlier attempts at virtual IDs, don't expect this to work everywhere just yet. Most important, don't expect to use the Digital ID for other forms of verification outside of flying.
So if you're flying internationally, bring your physical passport. You'll still
need it to verify your identity outside the U.S.
In the future, Apple plans to expand Digital ID for booking flights and hotels, opening accounts, and more.
How to Add Your Passport to Your iPhone
To get started, you'll
need:
A valid U.S. passport
An iPhone 11 or later with iOS 26.1 or newer
Or an Apple Watch Series 6 or later with watchOS 26.1
Open the Wallet app on your iPhone.
Tap the
(+) icon at the top.
Choose "Digital ID" under United States.
Follow the on-screen instructions to scan your passport.
Take a Live Photo of your face to verify your identity.
The app will ask you to capture a few different angles — just follow the
prompts.
Once verified, your Digital ID will appear in the Wallet app.
Is Digital ID Secure?
According to Apple, yes.
Your ID data is
encrypted and stored only on your device.
Apple can't see your information, track when you use your ID, or view what data you share.
Do I honestly believe them?
What do I know, I'm just a travel blogger.
The good thing is that I do believe
your personal information is protected from random people because you'll need Face ID or Touch ID every time you use it.
If you're privacy-conscious, I'd recommend getting a rotary phone because these companies probably have your information anyway. Just my 2 cents.
Who knows how to use one of these?
Keep traveling,
Andrew
How comfortable are you with storing your ID on your phone—does it feel modern and convenient, or like a privacy nightmare waiting to happen?
Cocktail of the Week
The Bloody Mary is believed to have been invented in France in the 1920s at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris. One story says it was created by bartender Fernand Petiot, who mixed vodka with tomato juice as a simple two-ingredient experiment that evolved into the iconic
brunch cocktail we know today.
Add vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice,
sauces, salt, and pepper to a shaker.
Gently roll the mixture back and forth (don’t shake hard—it gets foamy).
Pour into an ice-filled glass.
Garnish with celery, lemon, olives, or your favorite over-the-top additions.
Random Travel Thought
Every trip changes you. That’s the real souvenir.
Follow me on Instagram.
The Plug
Cheap flights:
Going.com: This might be the only discounted flights website you need.It’s a paid service that sends you notifications when deals become available, but they expire in a couple of days so Act Fast!!
Secret
Flying
🤫: This website emails you about free flight opportunities and even better… it doesn’t cost a thing!!
Skyscanner
:
An older, but still reliable website that’s also *FREE* so there’s no reason not to use it. Use the "Explore the World" feature and set your departure date to "Whole Month" to find the cheapest deals.
Insurance:
Safety
Wing
:
I use Safety Wing as my travel insurance because the plans are flexible. You can easily insure a 1-week trip for like $11 dollars which is less than the cost of a cocktail at the bar.
Travel Gear
Compression socks: Sitting for extended periods of time is not good for the body, so keep yourself healthy enough to go on more trips.Link
Apple AirTags: Consider getting Apple AirTags for the peace of mind of always knowing where your luggage is. Link
Smart Phone holder: It's a foldable sheet that can be used as a stand for your iPhone or iPad.Link
Packing cubes: Having a separate container works wonders for keeping
clothes wrinkle-free. It also makes packing/unpacking much easier.Link
Donut Power Strip: Power outlets are always in demand, but sometimes they're in weird spots. I use this bagel because it's lightweight, and I don't have to think about it.Link
Travel Case Organizer: Cable organizers can be a pain, but this is what I use to keep my cables organized. Link
Backup batteries: I like these backup batteries because they have three important components for me: 1. They have enough power to recharge my phone multiple times at once, 2. Are small enough to put in my pocket, and 3. Are sturdy enough to survive a fall. Link
Yoga Mat: I use this thin mat to get my stretching in even when I'm traveling. Link
Jump Rope: It's so easy to bring a jump rope with you for exercise because it
weighs almost nothing and takes up no space. Link
Liquid IV: Great for hydration to keep you from dying. When you're traveling, it's time to live it up! Link
*Above are Affiliate links at no additional cost to you.
