Ten Best Travel Apps
As the nights draw in and the temperatures drop it’s so tempting to ditch those winter blues and book up some summer sun to look forward to next year. Come June 2017, EU roaming charges will be abolished, so a trip to the continent makes even more sense than it did before – as if we needed any extra persuasion! So below we have rounded up our pick of the ten essential travel apps you should download before you go on your next trip to the mainland…
1) PackPoint
By asking where you’re going, how long for and what you plan to do PackPoint suggests a list of all the thing you will need to pack for your trip away. It creates an easy to read checklist of suggested items as well as your own that you will need to pack in your suitcase. It’s also a helpful reminder when packing your items before returning home. No more lost property!
2) AppInTheAir
App in the air is the responsible parent you need whilst travelling. This app has the ability to check-you in automatically and reminds you when your gate is closing. Plug in any number of flights and you can track boarding and landing times along with current waits for check-in, security and customs. You’ll also find gate information, airport maps and tips from fellow users. If you thought the app couldn’t possibly do more – it even works offline!
3) CityMaps
When you’ve got a busy day in a big city, that involves public transportation or confusing street names; you’ll need precise directions on hand! However, CityMaps is so much more than a super reliable map app. CityMaps offers personalised suggestions and recommendations for hidden gems en route, to any destination around the globe. If you’re in a rush but see a recommendation that interests you; you can save that place and come back to it later. The most useful thing about CityMaps is you can pre-plan journeys, save them and access them offline.
4) Hotel Tonight
For the more spontaneous traveller, HotelTonight takes the edge off of any last minute travel stress. The app makes it so easy to book great hotels at amazing last-minute rates anywhere in the world. Whilst in most cases ‘the early bird catches the worm’, HotelTonight only works with hotels they know you’ll love, so you are guaranteed to get great deal!
5) Huggle
Huggle is a social-networking app that lets you discover and connect with people who go to the same places as you. It’s the perfect way to meet new people when moving to a new city or traveling alone. Huggle works by automatically picking up your locations and then adds them to your list of places. When you can click on a location from your list, Huggle will show you who goes there too and how many places you have in common with these people. The perfect social app for travellers!6) GoGoBot
GoGoBot is not your average ‘what’s on’ app. Firstly, it takes your interests, time of day, local weather and your location into consideration before showing you the best attractions, events, restaurants and hotels, that are waiting to be discovered. It also lets you compare prices, write and read reviews and you can also book directly from the app. Let GoGoBot be your go-to guide when travelling around new and exciting cities.
7) GoogleTranslate
The practicality of this app is what makes it a real essential to your travels. Although GoogleTranslate can be used for more serious language learning, it’s main feature is instantly translating text from an image captured from your camera. Hold your camera up to a menu and you will be able to read it in your desired language so there’s no more worrying about ordering the wrong dish at dinner, or ending up in the servants’ quarters when you thought you were following signs for the spa. You can also use it to brush up on your local lingo and make yourself better understood as you explore off the beaten track.8) Splittr
There are plenty of apps that help to split bills, Splittr is the ideal app to use when travelling with a group. You can note down expenses quickly and easily as you go and the group is notified regularly with who’s turn it is to pay next. It even tells you who owes what amount to who. Splittr supports all currencies and allows you to even mix currencies if you need to. To make things even easier for you, Splittr can turn all the trips events into an easy to read pdf that can be emailed to each individual’s phone. Arguments diverted.
9) SitOrSquat
During a long day exploring it is likely you will need a pit stop or two. SitOrSquat not only highlights where the nearest public restroom is but it also rates them for their cleanliness and hygiene. SitOrSquat simply codes bathrooms you’re safe to visit in green (sit) and should avoid in red (squat). The app allows you to add bathrooms, read hygiene scores, view photos of the bathroom and select specific needs such as baby changing facilities.
10) Findery
Findery is like a life-size travel scrapbook. Whilst this app may not be a necessity it is definitely a cool addition to your adventures. As you visit places and points of interest across the world not only can you annotate them with notes, recommendations and reviews – you can see everyone else’s notes who have been to that place. If you want to know more about an interesting statue or a quirky cafe, Findery will have the answers.
