My Essential Travel Apps for Every Journey
The world of travel is more convenient and accessible than ever before, and this is largely a consequence of the smartphone, and all of the applications it allows us access to.
Getting your phone loaded with the right selection of apps can make the travel experience that much more rewarding. But exactly what are these applications?
Maps for Navigation
A map can be highly useful, whether you’re dealing with a foreign road system, or navigating on foot around a city center. Favorites like Google Maps and Waze might be a natural choice, but you’ll also want to consider a map you can download so that you don’t have to rely on you mobile data.
Translation Tools
It’s worth learning the basics of the local language. But a translation application might allow you to get around sticking points, and to avoid embarrassment. Certain apps might allow you to read signs, and get around interactions with shopkeepers, doctors, and other professionals.
Options like Google Translate, Apple Translate, DeepL and Microsoft Translate have the advantage of being free – and they’re all great to use.
Budget Tracking
Going away means spending money. If you’re going to avoid keeping control of your finances, a budgeting app can be a great tool. The best of them will let you know at a glance how much money you have to spend on a given day, and provide you with the information you need to stay in control.
Secure Connectivity
During your travels, you might be tempted to take advantage of the WiFi in airports, cafes, and hotels. Sometimes, this might be unavoidable, because of the poor cellular signal. This is where a free VPN app can come in handy. It will grant you the privacy and security that comes with an additional layer of encryption.
Travel Planning
Knowing where you’re going, and when you need to be there, can be very useful. This is where an itinerary application comes in. You’ll be able to keep track of all of your reservations, and avoid having to hop from one window to another in pursuit of them. Whatever details you need, you’ll have them to hand in one place.
There are a number of great options to choose from in this niche, but the best happens to be TripIt. It will do much of the hard work for you, allowing you to get on with the business of enjoying your break.
Amélie is a health and wellness junky. Certified yoga instructor with Yoga Alliance in the Vinyasa and Ashtanga styles, she has a Yoga Instructor Certification – Level I (300 hours) and Yoga Instructor Certification – Level II (200 hours) under her belt. She also has a certified Open Water Diver certification with PADI and SSI Scuba Schools International Freediving Level I certification with SSI Scuba Schools International. She’s been vegan for over 15 years and is obsessed with anything wellness-related.