Looking for the best travel apps? I’ve got you covered.
In this day and age, there are many practical, problem-solving mobile apps and websites to simplify your travel queries.
Best Travel Apps to use Before your Trip:
Regardless, a little organization always pays off.
TripIt and TripCase
Goodbye color-coded binder tabs. Both TripIt and TripCase combine all of your travel itineraries, tickets, reservations and bookings on one mobile platform. Check them both out and see which one is for you.
Points.Com and AwardWallet.com
The infamous travel bug will bite you, and before you know it, you’ll be a travel pro without any bonus points (speaking from experience). Points.com and AwardWallet allow you to manage your points for free online and reap rewards like an expert.
Gate Guru and iFly Airport Guide
Both apps update you on flight departure, gates, maps and terminal reviews.
Best Travel Apps for Transportation:
Yes, you should be using kayak.com and skyscanner.net — both also have mobile apps, and I’m mentioning them for the travel rookies. Here are some other apps that should be at the top of your list as well:
Google Flights
Google Flights lets you you look up flights BY REGION instead of by specific cities and airports so you can compare rates for a series of destinations. If you have some flexibility, this is the way to go because whether you start in Barcelona or Rome, your EuroBreak is going to be awesome.
TripBridge:
Send your travel itinerary to in-vehicle navigation with TripBridge mobile app. It also sends nearby points of interest using Foursquare to in-vehicle navigation.
Road trips abroad are that much better when you let yourself get lost… equipped with the agency to find the road again of course.
Google Maps
Another for road trip enthusiasts. You can buy the local country’s SIM card (usually $20 to $40) and pop it into your smart phone to use data (have your Wireless provider “unlock your phone” at home first). Having internet on the road is always handy. Don’t forget to pack a car charger!
Best Travel Apps for Communication:
Whether you want to meet up with a local, or you need to check in with the family at home, it’s the twenty-first century and you can take advantage of apps to make valuable connections. However, try to stay off your phone and enjoy your travels when you are in the moment!
WiFi Finder and J Wire
No one wants to waste their minimal data plan abroad when WiFi is available. Use either of these apps to locate WiFi hotspots.
Roamer
This is a great app to keep your phone number without getting roaming fees.
Skype and FaceTime
Both apps work with WiFi (but devour your data if you’re limited).
WhatsApp:
My favorite for internet-based SMS. Other great options are Viber and WeChat!
Google Translate
Google Translate has released an app that works on the spot. Playing charades is fun, but sometimes you have to take advantage of technology for optimal accuracy.
Best Travel Apps for Accommodation:
If you’re a newbie to planning your own travels, browse through AirBnB, HostelWorld, booking.com and CouchSurfing (all have mobile apps) to get a feel for accommodation options.
Tingo.com
Automatically receive a refund if the price of your hotel room drops.
HotelsCombined.com
The equivalent of Skyscanner a la accommodation. Compare rates from different booking platforms.
RoomerTravel.com
A win-win for travelers, RoomerTravel allows you to book hotel reservations from people who canceled their trip, or sell a hotel reservation you can’t use anymore
For Finances:
Venmo
In case you missed the memo, this generation plays a game called “rounds.” In general, most travelers take care of each other without pinching pennies, but if you’re traveling long enough, things can get messy. Venmo is an easy means to send your mates their due funds to the exact penny.
Mint.com
Give yourself a budget and categorize your expenses from all bank accounts online.
XE Currency
You’re on vacation, there’s no need for unnecessary math. Keep this app on hand to protect yourself from conversion mistakes and local scam artists.
Concur
Track and submit your travel expenses (a must use for business travelers). Reimbursements can be made directly to your bank account. Cost for usage is $8 per month with a 30-day free subscription.
Travel Blogs:
I’d be biased if I listed a few, but I’d never heard of travel bloggers until last year, and wish someone had told me they existed. Browse a bit, and select someone you can relate to, and who you feel like you can trust their judgment. Bloggers are great at offering practical tips from their experiences.
I wish someone had told me to skip the train for a charter bus in S.E. Asia, Eastern Europe, and South America. I wish I’d known that you can’t always rent a car day-of without additional costs. With anything, there’s no need to start a fire when a stove is readily available. I am all for being spontaneous, but a little research and guidance only makes your holiday treat a lot sweeter.
NOTE: All of the said apps and websites have been published on TravelBreak.net from various Travel Tips and Tricks articles. I’ve compiled the best and most essential apps and websites, SparkNotes style. For your minimal effort!
Original TRAVELBREAK post by Stephanie Be, this has also been published on Huffington Post. Thanks guys!
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