Published on May 29th, 2012 | by Charu Suri
7The Digital Traveler: Five Practical and Fun Travel Apps to Love and Use
Life became all sorts of fun when I switched to my iPhone, and while apps were not the center of my interests when I owned a Droid, they certainly are now that I'm traveling and pushing my Instagram buttons everywhere. Yes, of course, you knew that Instagram was one of my favorite travel apps, right? That goes without saying.
But recently, as I was traveling to the Catskills, I realized how much I enjoyed Foodspotting. I mean, really, the idea to find any particular dish while you're on the road is simply brilliant. I've had some pretty good success with the recommendations –they're never too cheesy or inflated (think of it as Instagram meets TripAdvisor meets Google Maps) and yes, I'm in digital love.
So, I got around to thinking…there must be so many other travel apps out there I don't know about (after all, that IS the new money tree), and I stumbled upon a few. Here are some of my favorites:
TripIt.com: If you've ever been flustered about your concert reservations, flight schedules and hotel bookings that you've aggregated piecemeal all over the Interweb, this app and site takes the frustration out. It organizes all your flight, hotel and rental car confirmations in one handy umbrella. There's an annual charge, at $49, so take note–but it's well worth it in my opinion.
Currency Converter (XE Currency): I know I always overspend when I go overseas, but this app is pretty simple and gives you real time currency conversions when you enter it (you can specify from which currency to which).
Free Wi-Fi Finder: At last, an app that allows you to spot the free wifi spots in the area. It's an iTunes app that works with your maps to give you locations of free wifi spots. Of course, the rub is you have to pay for data before you get free Wifi (for a few minutes, anyway). Such is life.
Sit or Squat: If you think an app that helps you find the nearest toilet is beneath you (no pun intended), think again. I think this is a winner!
What's Around You (Where.com): This app shows you what's around you–from bars, restaurants etc. Perfect for the loco!
There are so many more fun apps to love and use while you travel that it's going to be hard to list them all, especially with more choices popping up by the dozen. So I'd love to know your favorites. Which ones can't you live without?
These are incredible! Especially the bathroom ones…I always need to go when there are seemingly no bathrooms around. Technology is really crazy!
I know, how crazy can you get with the bathroom app? I would love to hear your faves too.
Technology is definitely crazy! But I adore Foodspotting –saved me several road trip headaches!
What a great reference guide to keep on hand! I have 1/2 of these but definitely going to add the balance! Thx so much for compiling this helpful resource!
Thanks Jeff! And there are so many more apps to download on a regular basis that my phone is going to be full of them! But Foodspotting and Where.com are also super cool to have anytime. Thanks for the comment!
Another option for currency is Oanda – also a simple, effective currency converter. I also like ICOON or Word Lens for translation on the go (Google translate isn't bad either).
J.
Jodi,
I use Oanda all the time while trading Fx. Great tool! Have to check out Word lens too…absolutely agree on Google translate!