Let’s face it, technology has changed the way we live, work, and travel. While there’s an app for just about anything, for every useful app there are a dozen or more not-so-useful ones, simply taking up space on your phone for no good reason.
Before you embark on your next trip, consider downloading what I consider to be some of the best apps for travel to help make your planning and the journey itself run smoothly.
Packpoint
Travelers who hate packing, rejoice! Packpoint takes the guesswork out of packing and shows you what to bring based on the length of your journey, the weather in your destination, and the activities planned.
Packpoint even accounts for washing and wearing your clothes multiple times throughout your trip. All you have to do to get started is download the app and enter your travel details – easy packing is just a few clicks away!
Lounge Buddy
Regardless of which airline or class you’re flying, Lounge Buddy offers access to premium airport lounges around the world. When you enter your trip details, the app advises which lounges you have access to based on the airports you pass through, and how to purchase access if you don’t have it already.
Timeshifter
Traveling through different time zones? Timeshifter will help you avoid jet lag long before you take off, as well as offering in-flight and post-flight suggestions. The app itself relies on neuroscience and circadian rhythm research and creates a personalized plan for you based on your age, gender, sleep patterns, and specifics surrounding your travel plans.
Calm
One of the most popular meditation and sleep apps on the market, Calm offers an array of themed meditations, sleep stories, and music. Meditation topics run the gamut and include self-awareness, calming anxiety, breathing, lowering stress levels, and happiness.
XE Currency Converter
The XE Currency Converter is an app will keep you from getting swindled on those exchange rates the next time you’re abroad! Providing live up-to-the-minute rates that you can store and view off-line, you’ll be glad you had this techy travel companion to keep track of your funds.
Google Translate
Easy to use and navigate, Google Translate allows users to translate over 100 languages while typing, access 59 languages off-line, and
translate bilingual conversations into over 70 languages. It’s fast, it’s free, and it’s convenient for travelers who want to get around and communicate with those around them.
TripWhistle
Safety is paramount when traveling, and TripWhistle is built around just that. Users can map their location to send to loved ones, along with GPS coordinates. TripWhistle also offers emergency numbers for firefighters, police, and medical personnel in over 200 countries (don’t forget, 911 is just for North America!).
TheFork
What’s a good trip without a good restaurant? TheFork solves that question by helping you make restaurant reservations in over 4,000 cities in 11 countries – mostly Europe, but there is also Brazil and Australia with more cities being added often. The biggest perk is that many of the restaurants come with discounts just by reserving your table through the app.
GlobeTips
Are you in a country where tipping is common, but you don’t know how much to tip? Don’t worry, GlobeTips will solve that issue. The app will advise you how much to tip in more than 200 countries, plus it also offers a tip calculator for easy calculations.
Flush Toilet Finder
You know what’s as good as finding a great restaurant? Knowing where the nearest public toilet is. With Flush Toilet Finder, you can view the closest public toilets to you, even without an internet connection. There are over 200,000 bathrooms in the database with more constantly being added. You can even check out the toilet ratings and then plot a course to the one you want.
Want to chat about all things travel and tech, or plan a trip so you can use all these great apps? I’d love to connect, you can reach me (301) 257-6266 or at ilisa@oneworldfamilytravel.com
Happy Travels!
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