Spring break is here which means it’s time to go vacation! Whether you’re heading down south for some beach bumming, taking the kids to Disneyland, or going on a backpacking adventure through Southeast Asia, a variety of apps can help make your travels easier and more exciting. As a travel enthusiast who’s visited over 40 countries, I’ve experienced firsthand how apps can simplify life on the road. From currency exchange to preventing jetlag, below you’ll find my top 10 travel apps you can’t leave home without. All the apps are free to download, and are compatible with both Android and iOS systems.
PackPoint
Tired of forgetting to pack your toothbrush, passport, or underwear? I hear you, because it happens to me all the time too. Thankfully there’s PackPoint, a super helpful app that creates a tailored packing list depending on your trip details. Type in your vacation dates, where you’re going, and your planned activities, and the app will generate a list of all the things you need to bring. After, share your customized list with your travel companions online so they don’t forget anything either.
XE Currency
Calculating exchange rates in my mind makes my head spin. Luckily, there’s XE Currency. Giving you access to real time exchange rates of any currency in the world, this essential app takes the headache out of currency exchange and calculates local prices for you instantly.
Foodspotting
For me, the best part about travelling is getting to stuff my face with new, exciting, and delicious cuisines. However, being in a new country, I have no idea which restaurants I ought to try or what local delicacies are offered. This is when Foodspotting comes in handy. Unlike restaurant review apps, Foodspotting is a visual guide to mouthwatering food. Loaded with tasty pictures and user recommendations, this app tells you exactly where to find the best eats in any city. Feeling homesick and craving a good old fashioned burger? Foodspotting also lets you search specific dishes and shows which restaurants in town serve up juicy burgers that’ll hit the spot.
Google Translate
There is nothing worse than having to go to the washroom really badly and not knowing how to ask “where is the bathroom?” in a foreign country. Google Translate breaks through language barriers so you can communicate with locals easily. From “thank you” to “how much is it”, Google Translate has saved my behind countless times by helping me in various situations abroad. This app lets you translate between 90 languages by using your keyboard, voice, camera, or handwriting. It also works offline, so you can translate even if you don’t have access to a WiFi connection.
TripAdvisor
Arrived in a new country and not sure where to start exploring? Whether you forgot to plan ahead, or simply enjoy making spur of the moment decisions, TripAdvisor is a great resource that helps you decide what to see, where to eat, where to stay, and what to do. TripAdvisor is one of my favourite apps because all the companies and activities listed are reviewed by millions of other travellers. This makes it easy to find exciting attractions, renowned restaurants, acommodations that suit your needs, and much more.
Osmand Maps & Navigation
I’ve gotten lost in many foreign countries and it’s a very scary feeling not knowing my surroundings. Since I’ve discovered Osmand Maps & Navigation, I’ve never felt uneasy again. This reliable map and navigation app offers high-quality open street map data everywhere in the world to make sure you never take a wrong turn again. It runs on GPS, so you don’t need a WiFi connection for it to work. Map data can also be saved on your smartphone for offline use or when GPS is not available.
TripIt
Got a big trip planned and struggling to keep all your travel documents organized? I’ve experienced firsthand how flight itineraries and hotel reservations can get lost in your email. With Tripit, you’ll stay on top of your trip planning easily. This app compiles your travel confirmation emails and automatically creates a master itinerary so your plans are in one easy to access place. Once your itinerary is made, you can access them on your mobile devices anytime, even if you don’t have an internet connection.
Skyscanner
People say travel is expensive. This is a complete myth. As an avid traveller who’s always on a tight budget, I’ve learned that if you take the time to research and use the right tools, you’ll find some great deals on flights and hotels that won’t put a dent in your wallet. One of these valuable tools is Skyscanner. This flight comparison app finds you the best prices by searching millions of flights from a massive database of airlines. They’ve also added hotel and car rental search capabilities, so you can plan your entire trip in seconds.
Adobe Photoshop Express
If you’re an Instagram addict like I am, you’ll love Adobe Photoshop Express. This app lets you edit your travel photos instantly, so you can upload them to social media to keep your friends and family updated (or jealous) of your amazing adventures. With a variety of fixes and filters, this app features advanced photo editing capabilities to ensure your pictures pop every time.
Jet Lag Rooster
When I arrive in a new country, I’m bursting with excitement and can’t wait to explore my new surroundings. But before I know it, jetlag hits and I’m out cold for the rest of the day. I’ve never fallen victim to jetlag again since I started using Jet Lag Rooster. This app creates a customized plan that suggests when you should expose yourself to sunlight and when you should avoid it based on your trip details. By following this plan, your body clock gets shifted to prevent jetlag. You can start using your plan before your departure or when you get to your destination.
 Keep your travel apps running smoothly with the latest smartphones and tablets |
 A portable battery pack keeps your mobile devices charged so you can access apps 24/7 |
 Protect your portable electronics during your travels with a durable case |
Beach image courtesy of Techdrive.co
Packing image courtesy of GoAbroad.com
Foodspotting image courtesy of Hype.my
Google Translate image courtesy of Mashable.com
Osmand Maps & Navigation image courtesy of Drippler.com
Airplane image courtesty of Hdw.eweb4.com
Adobe Photoshop Express image courtesy of AndroidCentral.com
