This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we will receive a small commission at no addition cost to you. Please read our disclaimer for more information.
Full confession: I love the thrill of travel, but not the rush of anxiety that comes from getting lost. I also don’t enjoy the frustrating hunger pains that always seem to hit just when I’m in an unfamiliar area without a recognizable restaurant in sight.
Fortunately, today’s smartphone apps make it easy for travelers to appear spontaneous and fearless, while still carrying unlimited knowledge in their pockets. Here are my favorite travel apps for hitting the road.
Lonely Planet: For Full Profiles of Any Area
Lonely Planet’s handy features make travel easy in any destination. Use the audio phrasebook to grab important local phrases that will help you communicate. Follow a walking tour throughout the city that helps you hit all the hot spots. I can even send printed postcards through the app to connect with friends and family back home. This is a winner all around.
TripIt: For Easy Travel Organization
Love staying organized, but hate carrying a folder of printed confirmations along in your bag? TripIt keeps it all organized on your phone for maximum convenience. Unless you lose your phone, and have to resort back to notebooks or the internet and desktop, you’ll have everything you need in the palm of your hand for hotels, flights, and dinner reservations.
XE Currency: To Streamline Shopping Sprees
No trip is complete without the requisite mementos and gifts, but things may get tricky when you are somewhere with unfamiliar currency. It also may be hard to tell if you’re just paying far too much money without having to perform some fairly complicated mathematical calculations in your head. XE Currency quickly converts currency in this app so you will know whether you are getting a great deal or about to get taken.
AroundMe: To Figure out Surroundings
With AroundMe there’s no such thing as unfamiliar surroundings. This app produces a list of all the nearest locations. Finding a bank, restaurant, hotel, gas station, or store that’s nearby is only a matter of making a few taps. The app even pulls up phone numbers so you can make reservations or learn more about the location immediately.
Gate Guru: For an Easier Travel Experience
This is a day-of travel app that covers over 200 airports across North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. It allows you to view your Tripit and KAYAK itineraries, view and/or post airport security wait times, and gives access to real-time ratings, reviews, tips and photos on airports and terminals. You can also see a structured list of airport food, shops and other services from fellow travelers.
GasBuddy: For Any Road Trip
Finding inexpensive gas prices became easier with GasBuddy. Gas station prices can vary from up to 20 cents per gallon in a given town or city. Those who use this app, report gas prices in their area for others to find the cheapest price. By using GasBuddy you can earn point/rewards and even have a chance to win $250 in gas!
The right apps transform your travel experience no matter where you’re headed. Grab one of my favorites and experience how it can revolutionize your trip.
About the author: LL Wrighter is a graduate of Journalism and Communications from the University of Florida. When she is not writing, Wrighter enjoys geocaching, playing video games, and spending time with her furry children, her two dachshunds. Connect With Wrighter on Twitter @LoneWrighter.
Images by Apple.com
