Are you planning to catch ’em all on vacation?

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll already know all about Pokémon Go. The app has broken numerous download records, and players around the world are enthusiastically hunting for the cute little characters wherever they may appear.

With some Pokémon exclusive to regions outside of the US, many players strategically plan to extend their hunt from their hometown to their next vacation destination. However, is this approach truly beneficial?

The Good

It’s a Great Free Tour Guide

While not explicitly designed to serve as a tour guide, Pokémon Go functions surprisingly well in this capacity. PokéStops are generally located at local points of interest throughout a city, allowing players to discover various attractions while playing. Even if you’re far from capturing a Pokémon, a simple tap reveals a photo and a brief description, assisting in deciding which stop to visit next.

For example, while exploring the vibrant streets of Lisbon, players can uncover street art, historic buildings, and hidden statues—all under the guise of hunting these imaginary characters. The game encourages players to venture down quaint alleyways and paths they might not typically explore, thus enriching their understanding of the area.

Meeting the Locals

Pokémon Go enjoys immense popularity, often bringing together hundreds of players in one location while searching for rare Pokémon. Even in quieter moments, Gyms and PokéStops naturally lead players to communal spaces, whether at home or on vacation.

For instance, a solo Pokémon hunt can lead to engaging conversations with local parents, children, and fellow players, creating a relaxed environment for bonding over a shared interest.

Spicing Up Your Travel Photos

If vacation photos have become monotonous, Pokémon Go provides an exciting alternative. The game employs augmented reality (AR) technology to overlay Pokémon onto real-world backgrounds visible through your phone camera. As a result, players often display their creative talents by integrating these characters into memorable travel snapshots.

When you encounter a Pokémon, it will move within a limited area, allowing for a little exploration before capturing that perfect shot. Once you have your picture, share your imaginative masterpiece on social media platforms.

The Bad

You’re Much More Distracted

While exploring a new city is thrilling, it’s essential to consider how much you’re truly absorbing when constantly checking your phone. Fully enjoying a travel experience involves engaging with the sights, sounds, and smells—thus, an excessive focus on your device can lead to missed opportunities.

This distraction can also pose safety hazards. Attentiveness to your screen might cause you to overlook potential dangers in your environment, from walking into obstacles to straying into traffic.

It’ll Kill Your Phone Battery

Any app reliant on the screen, GPS, camera, and cellular data will inevitably drain your smartphone’s battery, and Pokémon Go is no exception. To hatch in-game “eggs,” players must walk a specific distance with the app active. Since GPS and data are continuously used, the battery life can diminish rapidly.

By enabling Battery Saver Mode, which reduces screen activity when the phone is face down, you can extend your battery life somewhat. Nevertheless, carrying a portable battery charger is advisable if you plan to enjoy the game while using your device for other purposes.

No Data? No Pokémon

When traveling internationally or to areas with poor cellular service, data connectivity becomes a significant concern. Without a reliable signal, don’t expect to catch any Pokémon. Always consider your data roaming costs and the speed of your connection to avoid unexpected expenses when using cellular data abroad.

Slow internet connections may hinder gameplay, and even though Pokémon Go conserves data, hours of play can accumulate costs quickly on an expensive roaming plan.