Smartphones are an essential part of travel. From photos to texting, smartphones go everywhere you do. So why not on holiday? I’ve compiled a list of the top apps i’m using this year and you should also. Before we get into the list a few points.
- Prices may vary from phone to phone and day to day. All prices are accurate as of today.
- Downloading these apps may have additional data fees. My advice is to connect to wifi and download. Also set you app updates to “Only update when connected to wifi”.
- Make sure to cancel/suspend your data plan before you leave your home country. Data has become so transparent in our lives that you may not notice they are running up roaming charges. The best options is to remove your sim card once you board the plane.
- All of these apps were available on Android and Iphone but may changes at the drop of a hat. Please let me know so I can update the availability.
- Some app names or appearance may change so I include photos. All images are courtesy of Google Play store or their respective website.
Take a look at the list. Comment below with your favorites.
- WhatsApp (.99usd a year)
WHATS IT DO: Allows you to send text messages to other users for “free” through wifi.
If there is one app to stay in touch it’s this one. Whatsapp offers “free” texting from anywhere in the world through your existing number and a wifi connection. Avoid those pesky roaming charges and fees. If you collect friends like memories you’ll want something to keep in touch while on the go. Here it is. You not only can text but also send photos and videos. With over 500 million users, and cross platform capability, i’m sure you know several people using it already. Whatsapp is making traditional text obsolete. Welcome to the Facebook of texting……..now owned by Facebook………
- Google Translate (FREE)
WHATS IT DO: Translates Languages in a variety of ways.
Although I advocate learning at least a bit of the local language, I also understand not everyone has the aptitude. Thank you Google. Google Translate started as purely an online language translator but has evolved into an entirely different animal, complete with voice features and offline capability. The ability to download a language pack for use offline is an outstanding feature. Having the ability to say just a few words (or show) goes a long way. Especially in places that aren’t Romance based languages like in Russia and Hungary.
- Instagram/Instasize (Both FREE)
WHATS IT DO: Social media site for photo sharing. Instasize compresses photos and crops for upload.
I’m sure I don’t need to explain what Instagram is. The reason I like Instagram is it’s fast and efficient for sharing those quick images. I know several photojournalist who have transitioned into using IG to display their best Dslr work as well. Instasize is a companion app that resizes your image so you don’t have to crop much of it when uploading to IG. What would the world be without pictures of your Creme Brulee or holding up the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Don’t forget to #everything.
- Tune In Radio
WHATS IT DO: Internet radio service which streams radio stations from around the world.
With 100,000 Live music channels and 50 million users, TuneIN is quickly becoming the defacto internet radio leader. What I really like about Tune In is that I can listen to my favorite radio stations from back home. Pandora and Spotify are great but I prefer the familiarity of Tune In. Feels like home.
- PocketGuide
WHATS IT DO: City travel Guides.
I love these little guys. PocketGuides offers mobile guides for several of the worlds top destinations and a few more obscure ones as well. They not only offer guides but also map enhances routes and points of interest. There offering is limited to major cities right now but I like their set up.
- Flight Track/Seatguru
WHATS IT DO: Tracks flights and there possible delays. Seatguru shows you the best and worst flight seats.
Not only is this an excellent flight tracker and status update site, but also a seat selector. Seatguru offers advice and reviews of every aircraft in the sky. And as someone with over 100K flying miles on a few airlines I can tell you this works. You have to take it with a grain of salt at times though. Opinions are opinions. I’m 5″11. Leg room for me is different than someone 6″5 or 4″5. The usability of the flight track feature isn’t really debatable. It just works well. Those extra few inches can be the difference between a nice nap and a leg cramp.
- Tripadvisor (with Google Maps)
WHATS IT DO: Offers the most comprehensive travel reviews anywhere. Google Maps is the best map service in the world.
Although it’s a dirty little secret they have LOTS of fake reviews, Tripadvisor remains an excellent source of information on destinations, restaurants, hotels, and activities. I especially like the “Near me Now” feature which scans your area for hotels, restaurants, and activities. This feature found me cheap accommodations three times in the last year after some issues. Very Helpful
- Prey Anti-Theft
WHATS IT DO: Tracks your devices if stolen. Also allows you to remotely erase vital information.
I have this app installed on my laptop as well as my phone. After a travel blogger friend posted a live account of this app getting his laptop back from the other side of the world, I was sold. Prey is a background app that you activate which tracks your item. Not only can you erase and lockdown your device remotely, but also take a photo of the thief. GET THIS ASAP EVEN AT HOME!!!
- Skyscanner
WHATS IT DO: Searches flights through a multitude of sites. Consolidates them in a chart for you. Also allows you to search by the month.
Skyscanner is the go to flight consolidator for Europe. Although it works all over the world I found it works best in Europe. Skyscanner cross references dozens of airlines and sites to find you the very best deal. What I really enjoy about the app is its ability to search an entire month. Just enter the month you want to travel and SS gives you all the flight options for that month.
- XE Currency (FREE)
WHATS IT DO: Converts currency. Allows you to save ten currencies and keeps them updated automatically.
Currency exchange rates can be a pesky thing to remember. Especially when they change from day to day. XE Currency updates automatically when connected to WiFi (or data plan) and provides up to the minute rates for all world currencies. When offline XE saves the last exchange rate for use. You have the ability to save up to 10 currencies (especially useful in central and eastern Europe) for quick recovery.
- your bank app (Should be FREE)
WHATS IT DO: Depending on your bank but you usually can check balances, make transfers, and place disputes.
Whatever bank you use, get their app on your phone. What this does is allow you to know if your account has been over charged or scammed while abroad. Whenever I use my card somewhere my app pings my phone. I can then cross reference the charge instantly. It’s especially handy when you’re charging things in the local currency. Most banks automatically convert for you.
- Hotels.com (FREE)
WHATS IT DO: Allows you to book hotels and provides map directions.
I’m a fan of Hotels.Com. As a frequent traveler I find their reviews to be accurate and up to date. I also like their rewards program. For every ten nights you stay, they’ll give you a free night based on the average of your stays. It’s not a lot but quickly adds up on those long vacations. What could you do with a free hotel stay after your holidays?
- Rome2Rio (FREE)
WHATS IT DO: Allows you to search how to get from one place to another through different modes of transportation.
Not an app per say but a must use for any traveler. Rome2Rio is a website that tells you how to get from one location to another. R2R gives you several options and prices to choose from as well as links to the companies. Although I’ve found a few holes in their system, it’s still my go to website since it was recently introduced to me by a fellow writer.
