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 these (actually useful!) travel apps to help make your planning and the journey itself run smoothly.
TripIt Pro
TripIt organizes all your travel plans into one itinerary. You don’t have to keep a list manually update a spreadsheet. All your travel info is stored in your TripIt app, which is easy to use.
When you link your email to TripIt, it automatically imports travel plans from your inbox to your TripIt itinerary. It’s all done for you, no forwarding necessary. Huge time saver!
Hotels Tonight
If you’re a last-minute booker, this one’s for you. Hotels Tonight allows travelers to book same-day hotel rooms, broken down into categories like basic, luxe, charming, and high-roller. Travelers have the option of saving favorite hotels and scrolling through user-generated content.
The coolest feature of Hotels Tonight is the daily drop feature, where users can swipe for a personalized pick at a special price, available for only 15 minutes after it’s unlocked.
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 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!).
