The integration of advanced technology in our daily lives is remarkable, from the use of sweeping robots to smartphones. And let’s not forget the role that mobile apps play into our lives. These days, there’s an app for everything! And some of these apps can be handy, especially when traveling. So here’s a list of the best apps to help you in your travel.
Planning
1. Hopper
This app lets you book flights for cheap, saving up to 40% through their analytics. It can even predict the cheapest dates to book based on historical data of flight prices. Simply punch in your location and the city you plan to visit, and Hopper will color-code its calendar to show which dates in the year have the historically cheapest flights (green), the most expensive (red), and those in between (yellow-orange, orange). You can also use its Watch feature to get push notifications for price drops. This way, you’ll know whether to book that flight or wait.
2. Hotel Tonight
Hotel Tonight is the perfect app to use for spontaneous travel plans. You can book a room on the same evening or up to seven days before. And the best feature of this app is that it gives you discounts on empty hotel rooms, which is incredibly convenient when you’re looking for a place to stay at the last minute.
3. Airbnb
If you don’t fancy staying at a hotel for your trip, you can book home rentals through Airbnb. An Airbnb is perfect for trips where you’re traveling in a big group since you can rent a whole house for all of you to stay in. This also allows you to save up on food by picking a place with a kitchen so you can cook instead.
4. TripIt
If you’re a bit disorganized and anxious about missing or forgetting certain things about your trip, then TripIt is there to help you. TripIt organizes you travel details such as flight details, hotel bookings, car rentals, and reservations into one itinerary for easy perusal. You can even share your itinerary with others for better coordination.
5. Pack Point
This app is perfect for both people who like to pack days ahead to make sure they don’t forget anything and for last-minute packers. Once you input important information such as travel dates, duration, location, and activities, PackPoint will give you a list of items to pack. It even takes into account the weather and washing and re-wearing certain clothes.
The Flight
6. Lounge Buddy
Depending on the airport, layovers can suck with uncomfortable seats, slow or nonexistent wifi, and expensive yet bland airport food. You can, of course, seek sanctuary in the airport lounges. By inputting certain details like your credit card, airline status, and lounge memberships, Lounge Buddy will show you the lounges you have access to. And if you don’t have a lounge membership, the app will still show you the lounges you can access for free or those that offer a day pass. And the app also shows you if the lounge has food and drinks or if you’re able to shower there.
7. Timeshifter
Jet lag can be bothersome when you’re traveling. Luckily, Timeshifter helps you adjust your sleep schedule with its analytics that is based on sleep and circadian neuroscience and takes into account your sleep patterns, age, and travel plans. The app tells you what times you should be exposed to sunlight, avoid caffeine, and take naps to ease you into a new time zone.
8. Netflix
Netflix is pretty handy when you’re stuck waiting at the airport or if your flight doesn’t have inflight entertainment. And internet connection isn’t a problem since you can easily download your shows or movies on your phone to view later offline.
The Trip
9. TripAdvisor
When you’re traveling to a city you’ve never been to before, TripAdvisor can help give you recommendations on where to stay, eat, and what to do. Through the app, you can find well-reviewed places nearby. It also contains lots of reviews with photos and videos to help you pick the right place. TripAdvisor also shows you information regarding the place you’re going to, such as the background of the city, attractions, and activities.
10. XE Currency Converter
Converting currency is vital for international trips. This currency converter gives you live exchange rates so you can ensure that you’re not getting ripped off. You can also access it offline to see the most recent rates stored in the app’s data.
11. Google Translate
Having an online translator on hand is very convenient when traveling in non-English speaking countries. This app can translate over a hundred languages when typed, and its camera feature even allows you to point your camera at signs and translate the text in about 40 languages. Google Translate can also support around 60 languages when used offline.
12. Google Maps
Google Maps is a helpful app to avoid getting lost in a new city. You can get directions for traveling on foot or by car. It also lets you know when certain establishments close, and it shows you how busy places are in real-time. You can also download maps for specific areas to use offline.
13. Wanderu
If you can’t get around the city by car or on foot, then you can always commute. Wanderu shows you the bus and train routes, and you can even book tickets through the app. The app also caters to flights, hotels, and car rentals.
14. Uber
If you’re hesitant to commute, this ridesharing app is available in over 600 cities and will get you to your destination safely. And you don’t have to worry about the language barrier between you and the driver since the app already shows the information both of you need to know, like the pick-up point, destination, and the price.
15. Zomato
If you want to find out the best places to eat, this crowd-sourcing review site is handy to have. Zomato lets you look through the menu, photos of the food, and reliable reviews from other users to help you decide where to eat. The app also allows for online food delivery in select countries.