Whether for business, pleasure, or a little bit of both, I've always loved traveling. Seeing new cultures, exploring new cities, and visiting new countries is a big passion of mine - even if I don't get to do it as often as I'd like. I even kind of enjoy airports. Please tell me there are at least a few of you in the audience who understand.

I love being on the road. What I don't necessarily enjoy is dealing with some of the challenges that travel - especially internationally - usually entails. Those of you who are frequent fliers already know what I'm talking about. Batteries that never seem to last long enough. Poor connectivity and high roaming fees. The logistical nightmare of managing layovers and delays when you're already on a tight schedule.

Here's where you're in luck. See, both the BlackBerry KEY2 and BlackBerry KEY2 LE were created with these challenges in mind! Whether you're a business traveler or a frequent vacationer, they can make your trips a whole lot less painful across the board. Here's how.

With Dual SIM, Roaming Fees Are A Non-Issue

Several BlackBerry Android devices ship with hybrid SIM slots that support a SIM and SD card or two SIMs at once. Not only is this great if you want your device to support both a work plan and a personal one, but it also allows you to switch out your SIM cards when you're on the road. You can either purchase a prepaid International SIM card before you leave on a trip or pick up a card when you arrive at your destination.

From there, all you need to do is open the tray on the side of the device with the SIM ejector tool. A hairpin, earring, or paper clip can work in a pinch. Remove the card you're not using, and replace it with your International SIM (or just insert the international card if you don't already have two cards installed).

Reboot your device, check your phone's settings to make sure it's configured to use the right card for data, calls, and messages, and that's it - you're golden!

A Smarter Battery Keeps You Online For Longer

Both the BlackBerry KEY2 and BlackBerry KEY2 LE have pretty formidable batteries, but that's not the only way they help you stay online. They're also armed with something called the Smart Battery Experience. In broad strokes, it's a piece of software that learns your daily charging and usage habits, offering recommendations and reminders around when you should top up your battery. You can also use your phone's built-in software to monitor the apps and features on your device, tweaking the ones that tend to hog battery, so they don't slurp up quite so much.

What that all amounts to should be pretty plain to see - no more scrambling for that outlet moments before your flight is set to leave, and no more anxiety over the fact that you forgot to charge your phone the night before.

Android's Got A Ton Of Travel-Focused Features and Apps

Last but not least, I'd like to take a moment to talk about the Android ecosystem. Specifically, about the fact that it offers an app for pretty much every need imaginable - including and especially travel. There's a ton of useful apps and features which together allow you to tackle everything from trip planning to room and board to transportation.

I've included a few of my favorites below - but you can bet there are way more available at your fingertips.

  • Google Lens - Want to know more about a nearby landmark? Looking to add a contact at a networking event? Curious about what a word means? Google Lens - a proprietary camera-based search tool integrated into Google Assistant - has you covered, and it's fully supported on BlackBerry Android devices. It's built right into the Camera app on KEY2.
  • Airbnb - It might not be the ideal choice for a business trip, but if you're looking for affordable, quality room and board, Airbnb remains a solid choice. You'll be able to find a place for less than the cost of a hotel, and you might even have the benefit of a knowledgeable guide to wherever you're staying.
  • Kayak - For frugal fliers, Kayak's the app of choice. With access to a huge range of exclusive sales and offers, it helps you nail down the cheapest flight, hotel, car rental, and more.
  • Google Trips - The big advantage of Google Trips is its integration with Google's other apps. This allows it to effectively be a superpowered all-in-one trip planning app, complete with customizable itineraries, food, drink, and sightseeing recommendations; tipping advice, and much more. Basically, in combination with apps like Google Lens, it turns your phone into your own personal travel guide.
  • Uber - Whether you aren't keen on renting a car or need a ride home after a night out, Uber remains the best choice. It's easy to use and supported in just about every major city across the globe.

Travel Smarter Through BlackBerry

Sure, traveling can be a headache sometimes - but I still enjoy it, for the most part. And there's no arguing that for many, it's an essential part of their career. What that means, at the end of the day, is that all any of us can really do is take the good with the bad. Fortunately, if your travel companion is your BlackBerry, the bad isn't quite such a pain.