Photo by CC user FirmBee on Pixabay
Planning to travel soon? This is the ideal time to download a few handy apps that will simplify your vacation or business trip itinerary.
What the experts say
World renowned travel expert, Rick Steves, knows a lot about travel technology. Must-have Android apps that Steves recommends include Smart Traveler, DB Navigator, and the XE Currency Converter. Launched in 2011 by the U.S. State Department, Smart Traveler offers up-to-the-minute travel information and advisories that may be accessed with fingertip ease. Simply download the app from Google Play or the Apple Store, install and tell it which country you wish to know about. In an instant, you’ll receive relevant data about national relations, the current political climate, and other important news for international travelers.
DB Traveler offers timely info about train travel in Germany. For train information in the UK, try the free TheTrainLine app. XE Currency Converter is just what it sounds like — an easy to use app that helps travelers judge costs and expenses in other countries. If you’ve ever fumbled through your wallet trying to figure out international exchange rates, this is an app you’re sure to use time and time again.
Jetsetter magazine recommends taking something called GoTenna with you everywhere you travel. Small enough to fit in your pocket, GoTenna is a lightweight device that facilitates communication with other people in your travel group. With a range of up to four miles, this invaluable tool is sure to make traveling easier and more efficient for anyone who uses a smartphone.
Where to stay
If you want to save a ton of money on lodging, download and use the AirBNB app. With this handy tool, you can reserve a room in a private residence in more than 30,000 destinations worldwide. Lightweight and portable, AirBNB offers millions of alternative lodging options that can make traveling more affordable than ever, says Android Central.
LoungeBuddy app offers instant info about VIP airport lounges at more than 900 airports around the globe. If you think those fancy lounges are off-limits to the average traveler, do think again. Tell LoungeBuddy about your ticket, the type of credit cards you carry and whether you’re a member of the armed forces. You might have more VIP perks available than you are aware of. If so, LoungeBuddy will let you know.
Duolingo is an app that can help you learn the basic of another language before you travel or while you’re on the road. Explore the learning modules at your own pace and never be at a loss for words whilst traveling.
Will you need an umbrella or a swimsuit?
Of course, you’ll want to know what sort of weather to expect at your intended destination. That’s exactly what Weather Live Free from Apalon does. This weather app is sleek, accurate and very easy to use. Know what the weather’s going to be like anywhere you go, and never over- or underpack again.
There’s a whole big beautiful world to explore out there. Install a few 21st-century travel apps, take the right sort of travel tech along, and enjoy your trip.
Eloise Bailey would describe herself as a globetrotter. Though she’s yet to write that down as an occupation on any application forms, yet!! Read her travel articles around the web.