Mobile devices have changed the way we explore the world. The right travel apps streamline even the most complicated travel arrangements, letting you focus on fun instead of puzzling over logistics every step of the way. The only problem is figuring out which apps to use. You can’t go wrong with these five gems.
1. Tripit
Like most modern travelers, you probably book most of your travel arrangements online. Whenever you book a hotel, rental car, flight or make other plans, confirmation emails pour into your inbox. Tripit seamlessly pulls together information from these emails to create a streamlined, easy-to-use itinerary. It couldn’t be easier to use, either. Just forward the emails of your choice to the vacation planning app, and it does the rest. A powerful sharing feature allows you to coordinate travel plans with friends. Tripit is free, and it is available for iOS and Android devices.
2. Splittr
Sharing expenses while traveling can be a logistical nightmare. Instead of filing away receipts and adding everything up after the fact, download this free app. There are many cost-sharing apps out there, but Splittr is geared specifically toward sharing travel expenses. As you go about your travels, the app tracks everything that is spent along the way. You can specify who paid for what to ensure that every last penny is accounted for. Conveniently, all currencies are supported, and you can even mix them together–the app will sort out converting everything for you. Available for iOS and Android, it is free.
3. Citymapper
Sure, Google Maps, Apple Maps and other mapping apps have you covered when traveling by car. Some offer limited supported for public transit too, but none of them come close to matching the precision and usefulness of Citymapper. Offering coverage for more than 30 major cities–all of which are popular travel destinations–the app provides real-time disruption and departure information while effortlessly guiding you onto and off of the right trains and buses, so you can arrive easily to your destination as if you knew the way the whole time. This free travel app is available for Android and iOS devices.
4. Google Translate
When traveling in a foreign country where you don’t know the language, Google Translate is a must. Free and available for Android and iOS, it is powerful enough to allow you to get around in foreign countries with relative ease. In addition to inputting foreign words and phrases into the app and getting lightning-fast translations, you can simply point your device at signs and the like to have them instantly translated for you right on your screen.
5. LiveTrekker
Relive every moment of your getaways with this fun, cleverly designed app. Available for iOS, it costs just $1.99 and is worth every cent. The premise behind it is simple. As you go about your travels, it automatically creates a digital journal or diary of sorts. It plots your course along an interactive map that you can refer back to and enhance with photos, videos, text, audio and more. It also tracks your altitude and speed, which is a lot of fun for times when you are on foot. Naturally, this travel app includes powerful sharing tools, so you can share your adventures with your friends on social media and elsewhere online.
Before heading out for your next big travel adventure, download and install travel apps that will help you get around easier. Start with the five above, as they are among the easiest and most effective to use. After giving these 5 great travel apps a try, you’ll wonder how you ever got along without them.
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