Who needs paper! - Part 2

Though phrasing their headline as a question, rather than a statement, the Economist has published an interesting article also called "Who Needs Paper?"

What I find particularly interesting, is that the article mentions that Continental Airlines is testing a system to deliver tickets to traveler's mobile phones using the same technology as the Digital Coupons I talked about in a previous post.

Who needs paper!

My recent trip to New York really highlighted how little paper is needed when traveling. The combination of credit cards, and online or mobile services meant that my trip was almost paperless.

Hotel and Flight Booking: Expedia - E-tickets and electronic booking.

Shows, Meals, Museum, Shopping: Credit Card, Credit Card, Credit Card! Even many of the street vendors had credit card readers attached to their mobile phones. Though there were a couple that still only took cash.

Recommendations: No tourist book here. DailyCandy.com , city search, and email & txt with friends gave me great recommendations.

Finding Places: I did use the free tourist map, mostly to figure out the subway stops, but most of the time I used Google and the map on my blackberry. Sometimes the digital maps in New York taxis came in handy too.

Getting Around: Credit Card. The subway and all taxis take credit card.

Money Exchange: I didn’t change any cash before I left, or get travelers cheques. I actually didn’t have a single (U.S. or Canadian) in my pocket when I boarded the plane. I did take out cash from a bank machine when I got there, mostly as a precaution, but I ended up having to try to spend it, using it instead of a credit card so that I wouldn’t be left with it when I got back.

Tips: Credit Card and Cash, this is one of the last bastions of paper.