Traveling can get overwhelming, especially when you’re constantly moving around. That's why some of the best travel apps are made for on-the-go travelers who need the convenience of services and information at their fingertips.
To prevent overcrowding your phone, review the list of popular travel apps selected with the idea of making any trip more enjoyable. Some are more useful for the planning stages and others while visiting a destination.
Travel planning
HOPPER (Airfare predictions) – Hopper analyzes countless flights to come up with best deals, times to fly and purchase. Simply pick a destination and travel date, and the app returns with the lowest available price for that travel period and suggests whether it’s the best deal, or to wait for a better price. It will offer calculated suggestions in case another travel time might be more affordable.
XE Currency (Currency converter) – Before planning a trip it helps to know the value of the dollar against a foreign currency. Knowing exchange rates will allow for a more realistic travel budget and also calculate how much to withdraw in another country.
WEATHER and ACCUWEATHER (Weather) – Weather might be a key contributor to schedule a vacation, being informed regarding climate trends is a plus; either of these apps will be helpful. Just add the city where you’ll be traveling, and an actual reading will be available, along with 15 or 7 day projections, respectively.
DUOLINGO (Learn a new language) – One quick way to establish basic rapport when visiting abroad is through language: a few phrases are enough to break the ice. For those who are looking for a language-learning platform that makes the process fun, Duolingo may be the right choice. One can go through several levels free, a feature not always available with other language-learning apps.
SMART TRAVELER (Travel advisory) – If concerned about unrest while on vacation, check with Smart Traveler, the official U.S. Department of State travel abroad app. Not only does it offer updates on countries worldwide but it also allows US citizens and nationals to register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) while on visits or longer stays. It's also a means for U.S. embassies to reach those enrolled in case of emergency and keep them informed regarding their travel plans.
To keep kids engaged
TOCA LIFE: VACATION (Kids 5-8) – A virtual vacation for the little ones that will entertain while exercising their imaginations and decision-making potential.
SWIFT PLAYGROUNDS (Kids 9-12) – Promises hours of fun learning to code on iPads using Swift, an Apple programming language.
Use at the destination
GUIDES BY LONELY PLANET (Location-focused travel guide) – Simply type one of the 200 cities covered to discover diverse information: most recommended experiences, activities, books, as well as access to a community of travelers via their online forums.
GOOGLE TRANSLATE (Translator) – Many swear by this platform equipped with quite an attractive feature: Word Lens. Focus the camera at a sign and voila! the translation will appear on the screen.
WIFI MAP (Free Wi-Fi locator) – A must for those with an IOS mobile operating system in need of constant Wi-Fi connection, especially when traveling: it shows a map with free Wi-Fi Hotspots in the area. Since it's crowdsourced, users regularly add new hotspots at busy airports and major urban centers to small towns and villages.
CITYMAPPER (Transportation) – Whether moving by foot, car, bus, train or metro, this will be a reliable source of information. It’s simple to use for public transportation and mapping services in cities worldwide.
ZAGAT (Restaurants)– Here’s one for food lovers everywhere from a top name in dining reviews. Whether deciding on a coffeeshop close-by, where to enjoy Sunday brunch or a special place for that unforgettable dining experience, the folks at Zagat have you covered. Users are welcome to share their reactions.
Return to the U.S.
MOBILE PASSPORT (Customs and Immigration) – After a long transatlantic flight sometimes the U.S. Customs and Border Protection line can seem endless. This app (currently accepted at 25 airports and 2 cruise ports) will help to speed up the process. Set up the personal profile before landing (it can be reused for other trips, just update it by adding the current flight number) and just follow the Mobile Passport Controls line. You'll be done quicker than most and on your way home.
Phone storage capacity is valuable, and no one is interested in cluttering theirs with unnecessary apps. After reviewing the list with some recommended domestic and international travel apps, this might be the right time to find which suits you best.
If your travels include driving, make sure you have a team of insurance experts working for you. Call an Infinity agent at 1-800-INFINITY or get a free online quote today.