It’s that time of the year again. The leaves have already begun to fall, and the rain and cold air are slowly moving in; winter is well and truly on its way. It’s no wonder then that you’re probably already thinking of warmer climes and planning your next exciting holiday somewhere hot. But whilst you might be dreaming of sipping sangria on the Costa del Sol or drinking a hard-earned pint in Düsseldorf, there’s always something we never really leave home without; a mobile phone. Many people don’t realise that the market for travel apps has exploded in the last couple of years; from apps to help you pack your suitcase to apps to help you get back into the world of studying and work, there’s certainly one for every occasion during your travels. So here’s a quick list of Impact’s best travel apps on the market at the moment:
1. Trip Advisor
(Free – iOS/Android/Windows)
TripAdvisor’s app is certainly something you’ll want installed on your phone before you start your trip. The mobile app gives you the best opportunity to check out and review hotels, restaurants and attractions in the local area, and even browse for some of the best local delicacies and experiences. Reviews are generally arranged by language and date, and help filter out those not-so-brilliant places to end up in.
Warning – TripAdvisor has come under a lot of criticism of late due to some not-so-honest reviewers and the odd troll aiming to ruin the reputation of numerous establishments. Whilst review sites are good, always try and look on the average rating of an establishment as opposed to the negative reviews.
2. SkyScanner
(Approx £3.00 – iOS/Android)
Ever wondered where in the world your loved ones are mid-flight? Or perhaps worried that you’re running late? Then SkyScanner is certainly for you. With a beautifully designed interface, SkyScanner lets you know where your flights are in the world, when they are due to arrive/depart and even sends you notifications and updates on your flight(s) in real time. The app is also pretty handy for those jet setters amongst us who are catching multiple flights or connections in one go; just program in your flights and the app will notify you on all your flights at once.
Warning – a strong and stable Internet connection is needed, so if you do go gallivanting to the far reaches of the globe, you might not get those all important updates on your flight back home.
3. Pin Drop
(Free – iOS)
Whilst abroad, have you ever found something interesting but not had the time to go and explore? Perhaps you ate at a fantastic restaurant and wanted to recommend it to your family and friends. Well Pin Drop saves you the trouble of trying to remember where it is, by allowing you to save, organise and share your favourite places. Just tap the screen and voila, it’s saved – now you can happily explore safe in the knowledge that you know exactly where that secret hiding place is located.
4. Google Maps
(Free – iOS/Android)
What can we say about Google Maps that hasn’t already been said? You’ve probably already experienced the wonders of this beautiful piece of software on your computer, but this app combines all the desktop features of the desktop version into a handy mobile app. It’s a fantastic little resource for getting directions, finding locations and reviews/opening times for local landmarks and attractions, and for a few cities at least, public transport routes.
Warning – iOS users should note, GPS location services and navigation through Google Maps drains the battery very quickly.
5. Uber
(Free – iOS/Android/Windows Phone)
Have you ever needed a taxi but didn’t have the number for a local firm? If so, Uber is for you. Available in over 100 cities worldwide, Uber is an ingenious taxi service app which allows users to book and organise taxis right from their smartphone; one tap and your carriage awaits. It’s easy to use and very helpful when you’re out exploring destinations unknown, and with its added security features, like sending you the driver’s name and license plate number, you should definitely feel safe using Uber. You don’t even need to pay in cash, just put in your debit/credit card details and you’re sorted. Over recent months the app has caused local taxi drivers around the world to protest and complain about its unlicensed and unregulated fares, however it’s a very useful app if you’re lost in an unknown city and just want to head back to your accommodation
Warning – taxi fairs vary between cities and countries, and users in European and Asian countries should be aware that service standards can vary enormously.
6. North Face Trailhead
Free (iOS/Android)
Some holiday goers like nothing more than sitting around the pool sipping cocktails from dawn to dusk, but for others that’s a total waste of an adventure. So for those adventure seekers among us, and in particular hikers, North Face’s Trailhead app is your one-stop shop for all those outdoor activities. Trailhead’s built-in GPS service calculates where you are and recommends nearby outdoor events, including hiking trails and bike routes. It will even track your speed, your elevation and of course, your location.
7. Google Translate
(Free – iOS/Android/Blackberry/Windows Phone)
If unfortunately you don’t know a linguist or a bi-lingual local, then you’ll have had the misfortune of stumbling through the local lingo just to get a pint – “un cervezo por favore?” The Google Translate app certainly does what it says on the tin and is able to translate between 57 different languages from Afrikaans to Yiddish, Hungarian to Welsh. Just think it, type and hear it. Although Google Translate will never replace human translators, it’s certainly a useful app for small phrases and words to help you get the gist of an article or order food in a restaurant.
Warning – Google Translate is nowhere near perfect and can come out with some very dodgy and hilarious entries, you have been warned.
8. XE Currency
(Free – iOS/Andoird/Windows Phone)
Ever wanted to know what your money is worth in different currencies? Or perhaps you wanted to find out how much that little present is going to cost in GBP. There are tens of hundreds of currency converter apps on the market at the moment, but this little freebie is perfect for all those currency calculations. It’s easy to use, slick and covers all the standard currencies in the world.
9. Air BnB
(Free – Android/iOS)
One of the greatest travel expenses can be accommodation, and in certain areas, hotels and hostels are not so widely available,which is where AirBnB comes in. Some reviewers claim that this app is the Craigslist of accommodation, and it’s certainly a one-stop-shop for people who have places available to stay; from beds to private rooms and even homes. Some owners even throw in extra features such as free Wi-Fi, tour guide services and meals.
10. Packing Pro
(£1.99 – iOS)
Trying to sort out what you actually need and what you think you need to take on holiday is certainly a difficult task for some. This beautiful little packing app certainly helps to reduce some of that last minute stress for travellers. Packing Pro lets you create and save your own little packing check lists and lets you view pre-installed sample packing lists or templates for a variety of common trips. Lists from previous trips can be saved for future reference.
James Philip Hewlett
Image courtesy of Jason Howle via Flickr
