When travelling, I find it very important that I’m well prepared. That's why I find certain apps essential – if I had to navigate with a paper map right now, I would literally cry. Let's not make things difficult when technology can do so much for us! In this blog, I’ll give you my list of travel apps that will make your trip a lot easier.
Download these apps for your next trip
#1. Stay up to date on your flight
Use the airport app to see exactly where to check-in and how busy it is at the airport. It is also useful to have the app of the airline you are flying with, so you’ll always have your boarding pass ready and be the first to be notified about a possible flight change.
#2. Booking flights and hotels
I don't always choose to map out my entire journey. For example, if I'm going on a roadtrip, I'll only book my hotel for the first two nights. That's why I have AirBnB, Booking.com and Agoda on my phone. In these apps you can turn on the 'free cancellation' filter, which will allow me to book several hotels and decide later which one I want to go for. In addition, I think Agoda is great, since they regularly send discount vouchers and they have very good rates in Asia. For booking flights, I use Skyscanner and Kayak.
#3. Transport
Yes, give me a taxi app! I hate haggling, or arguing whether the meter can be turned on. Use the following taxi apps: Uber (worldwide), Lyft (United States), Bolt (Europe and Africa), Grab (Asia), Careem (Middle East), and Cabify (South America). In these apps you can immediately see what the ride costs and you can also choose to tip via the app.
Do you use Sharenow in the Netherlands? You can also use this in other European cities. My boyfriend and I rented this shared car in Berlin, instead of public transport. It's not necessarily cheaper, but it does take you from door to door.
Rather use public transport? Check out Moovit. In this app you’ll get different options to get from A to B by public transport. You can also use this app offline, which is an advantage over Google Maps. The information is not real-time though.. Well, you can't have everything :).
#4. Navigate
My favorite navigation app remains Google Maps. I like that the app shows me where the nearest gas station is, or which restaurants have the best reviews. I also have Maps.me on my phone. When I went to Cuba, I knew I was going to be in an area with few WiFi hotspots. It is nice if you can already download the map at home and use it offline at your destination.
#5. Experience the city like a local
Don't feel like doing touristy things? With Withlocals you will find a resident of the city who can give you a personal tour. In addition, it is always nice to get to know other people in this way and ask questions about the country and culture.
#6. Restaurants
I use Google Maps and Aroundme so I can see what's in the area. I also check Tripadvisor and Lonely Planet for tips.
#7. Translate
There will definitely be a scenario where you want to explain something, but you don't speak the same language. Google Translate can help you out then. In Italy I got a bladder infection, and they kept offering me painkillers. Ladies, do you feel me? You don't want any confusion at times like this. Is Google Translate the perfect translator? No absolutely not. But with some hand gestures you will get there. What I like is that I can download a language and use it offline. In addition, the app can also pronounce the translated sentence for you.
Furthermore, download the app Duolingo to practice some words before your trip. It will get yourself a bit in the vacation mode.
#8. Editing your photos
Download the Lightroom app to enhance your photos. You can get even more out of the app by buying so-called 'presets' (filters) and adding them to the app. Take a look at Etsy, because you can get them there for a few euros. It is quite the hassle to put the filters in the app, but definitely worth it!
#9. Apps for the kids
Super handy and essential: Toilet Finder. You’ll see exactly where you can find the nearest toilet. Also great for the pregnant women who must pee every 10 minutes!
Download offline series in the Netflix app and Youtube clips in the Video Manager app.
To find children's activities in the Middle East, download Kidzapp. Here you will also find discount coupons for various theme parks.
#10. ‘Always useful’ apps
For the weather I use Weatherpro (because I don't believe the iPhone weather app anymore).
For currency conversion, I use XE Currency. It is very nice when you can immediately see how many euros you are spending.
Apps; a must in everyday life and when traveling. I think that's why I also work in the digital industry; the more we innovate, the easier it becomes for us. I cannot live without! How about you?