Top 10 Apps and Websites to Use When Travelling
Travelling abroad can be just as easy as travelling to a nearby town. Below are 10 of the best apps and websites to use before, during, and/or after a trip. Whether going on a business journey or a fun-filled vacation, these apps help travellers make the most of their time away from home.
10. PackPoint
PackPoint takes the hassle out of preparing to leave. The iOS & Android-compatible app asks a few simple questions regarding destination, travel dates, and type of trip (business or leisure?). Then, the user selects the activities they plan on enjoying. From that information, PackPoint generates a thorough list of which items to bring. Travellers can customize the list to ensure that all of their personal essentials are included.
9. LoungeBuddy
Most travellers don’t look forward to being stuck at the airport. LoungeBuddy seeks to change this by sending travellers to the best airport hangout spots. Many airport lounges are private, require a certain membership status, or are simply hard to find. LoungeBuddy handles the logistics, even letting patrons buy access to lounges at nearly 1,000 airports across the globe.
While stuck at the airport, I like to visit the Poki playground. They have thousands of games that keep me entertained for hours. Lately, I’ve been playing my favourite Finding Dory games. There are a bunch of great new titles there, like Dory’s Memory Game, which help me have fun and stay awake while waiting for my flight!
8. Google Maps
A reliable GPS is essential in today’s world. The browser version of Google Maps is great for planning a road trip with multiple destinations. Also available on Android and iOS, Google Maps offers a comprehensive suite of information, including live traffic, business hours, and Street View images of countless destinations.
7. LiveTrekker
LiveTrekker offers a new way to capture and share memories from a trip. As the name suggests, it tracks location data and allows travellers to add photos, video, and audio. Users can choose to broadcast their media live or upload everything later (e.g. when their device is charging and connected to WiFi, to avoid draining battery life and consuming data).
6. Splittr
Tracking solo travel expenses can be difficult enough. When travelling with a group of friends, sharing bills and determining who owes what to whom is a major headache. Splittr is designed specifically to manage expenses on group outings. Available for $1.99 on iOS only, Splittr is worth the price for the time and trouble it saves.
Airbnb is the premier marketplace for vacation homes. While some travellers look to Airbnb for a great deal, others use Airbnb to find completely one-of-a-kind digs. Airbnb is a great website and app to use when wanting to stay with a local host. For those that prefer unique, worldly experiences over hotel chains, Airbnb is the place to be.
4. XE Currency
Currency exchange rates are available from many different sources. But, none provide the accuracy, detail, and simplicity of XE Currency. Available online and in app form for Android/BlackBerry/iOS/Windows Phone, XE Currency is the quickest and best way to ensure international travellers get fair value for their money.
3. Google Translate
Exchanging words in different countries can be much more daunting than exchanging cash. But, it doesn’t have to be. Google Translate works instantly with text and audio across 100+ languages. Like many other Google services, it is available in web browsers and via the official Android/iOS app. Google Translate’s Camera mode allows travellers to take a picture and translate text from signage in nearly 40 languages.
2. TripIt: Travel Organizer
TripIt is a highly efficient travel organizer. After accumulating travel information (flights, hotels, rental car) via email, TripIt consolidates everything into a “streamlined master itinerary.” The app generates a detailed schedule, complete with confirmation numbers and calendar integration. TripIt Pro includes a host of additional features, including check-in reminders and flight refund monitoring.
1. Kayak
Owned by The Priceline Group, KAYAK provides pricing on nearly every flight, hotel, and rental vehicle. Available in browser and app formats, KAYAK lets users compare prices and book their entire trip in one place. KAYAK is continually expanding, despite its already vast swath of features. One of its latest additions is Activities, which connects travellers with local attractions and specific events during their stay.