Back in the day, a well-equipped traveller would require things like maps, translation books, guidebooks and then a note book to jot down necessary information. And let’s not forget the big bag to carry all these things as well. But this is you planning a trip in 2017. Best believe that you don’t have to bother with these things anymore. Technology has helped make our lives way more compact and it applies to our travelling experience as well.
The Week brings to you some handy apps every traveler can use to make their life on the road a lot easier. In fact some of these apps can help you even before you leave your home. Whether it is snagging the best flight rates at home or discovering just the right restaurant abroad, here you shall find something for every traveler.
To book that flight
Hopper
Who doesn’t like a good bargain? Especially when we are talking about things like flight rates that can drastically fluctuate every other day, it’s smart to be alert at all times. Thus we present to you, Hopper.
This free app on iOS and Android predicts when flight fares will drop and, so far, its users claim that its accuracy has been pretty impressive (95% accuracy). Of course, frequent travellers are well familiar with websites such as Skyscanner and Cheapflights but what sets Hopper apart from them is that that it not only lets you book flights on your phone, it tells you when to do it, and how to get the best price.
For example, when you have searched for a flight, the app will let you know whether to wait or buy. It even keeps you updated with notifications. The app is said to have an archive of trillions of flight prices and is believed to be the fastest growing travel app. So give it a test run.
To find your way
Maps.Me
Digital divide
Yes, we all have Google Map (if you don’t you should especially as a traveler), however if you are keen to test other apps for your navigation purpose, we introduce to you Maps.Me.
When you are travelling through unfamiliar territory, this app can prove to be your best friend (one who is actually good with directions). It not only grants you access to unlimited maps all around the world, it can even be used when you are offline. The app solely relies on your GPS signal so you won’t be liable for roaming charges or additional data from your service provider.
As if that doesn’t make us like the app already, you will also be delighted to know that it allows you to pin-point locations that you plan on visiting and outline your tour before your journey starts. All you have to do is remember to download the app using Wi-Fi first.
To find a place to stay
Couchsurfing
You might have heard of the trend. Indeed ‘couch surfing’ has become an actual verb. You can get free accommodation from locals who have opened their homes to guests and the app allows you to do it while you are on the move.
As you can imagine, this is a handy way to travel because not only are you saving money but you get to experience life as a local rather than just a tourist. The app locates accommodation in the area of your chosen destination and lets you have that authentic travelling experience.
Hotel Tonight
However, if couch surfing isn’t your style and you would like to stick to hotels, no worries, to help you out we have Hotel Tonight.
This app makes it easy for you to book hotel at good rates. When hotels have unsold rooms, they load them on the app, which means you can check and compare the rates. The app also screens hotel featured, and we also hear that their policy is to only work with businesses that have been inspected and thus their users will enjoy. It proves to be useful especially when you have to make last minute changes. You don’t have to fret about not having a quality place to stay when you have this app in your phone.
To plan your activities
Time Out
So you have arrived at your holiday destination, but what now? Time Out app is a great directory of ideas of things to do in cities around the world. Consider it your customized tour guide.
Whether you are in Accra or Amsterdam, New York or Singapore, the app is a great way to get acquainted with the new city. It covers everything from bars, restaurants, attractions to even events. With its help, you won’t ever have to spend your traveling days in the hotel room, clueless.
If there is a festival down the road, you will know. Perhaps there is an exciting concert happening that weekend or a highly recommended local restaurant down the street, with Time Out you won’t be missing any of them. The app also allows you to book tickets. Also, did we mention, it’s free for both iOS and Android users.
To overcome language barriers
iTranslate Voice 3
Indeed thanks to some apps, the language barrier isn’t much of a barrier anymore. If you wished for a free professional translator, we recommend iTranslate Voice 3. This actually enables a voice-to-voice communication across languages. Simply speak into your phone and the app will translate, and speak, that sentence. The app covers 42 languages.
TripLingo
If you wish to go further and be more proficient with your communication, TripLingo is a good bet. The app allows you to dig deep into the nuances of local customs, etiquette, and slang. In addition to a voice translator, the app offers up a currency converter, flashcards and quizzes, so you can teach yourself in the process as well.
Papago
Papago is specifically for those travelling in Asia. It only has Korean, Japanese, Chinese, and English languages in its repertoire but has earned a reputation for being a far more reliable translator. The app developers had said that they favored quality over quantity and the users agree. Their experience with it has apparently been very positive.
To safe guard your memories
LiveTrekker
Damaging your camera’s memory card is every traveler’s worst nightmare. LiveTrekker certainly understands that so they have come up with a rather ambitious app.
This creates a digital journal of your travels so you can look back on your trips on an interactive map. The app begins by tracing your travels.It marks a red line along a map on the exact route you take. Then you can also add pictures, video, audio and text along the way, creating a multimedia travel diary that you can also share. On top of that, there are other minute details that you can add. It basically enables you to fondly look back at your travelling experience and yet again, it is free for both iOS and Android users.
