Every newspaper, magazine and travel blog has a list of the top travel apps that every traveler should have on the iPhone, iPad or Droid. But with all the different lists, how do you really know what apps you should download? Just because an app is rated as the #1 must have travel app doesn’t mean you need it or should download it. When trying to decipher the myriad of apps out there, try to determine which will be most useful to you and your travel.
Here are some of the apps that I actually use regularly on my travels:
Skype – Skype is a great way to keep in touch with friends and family especially when you’re traveling abroad. It might even make sense for you to pay for a subscription if you need to call land lines. I use Skype all the time!
Tripit – Tripit is a great way to pull all your itineraries into one location. You can access maps and share your travel plans with friends/family. Tripit Pro – a paid version of the app – allows you to track points balances, provides alters for flight delays, cancellations, etc.. will let you know when a flight price has dropped so you can request a refund and if a flight does cancel, it will suggest alternate flight plans! Another benefit is that TripIt integrates with several booking programs – like Concour travel – so all my business itineraries are automatically sent to my TripIt once they’re booked.
SPG Mobile App – If you stay at Starwood hotels, you should download the SPG App. As a very frequent traveler, the SPG app allow me to store my room number in a vault. How many times have you been asked, “What room are you in?” and you get that deer in the headlights look because you can’t remember if you’re in room 1812 or room 1218? This will solve that problem. The app also allows you to book rooms, track your membership information, and get hotel info & directions in the local language. If you stay at Starwood hotels you should check out the app before or during your visit because I often find discounts and promotions for onsite restaurants.
Courtesy Starwood Preferred Guest Website
XE Currency Exchange – I can’t live without XE. XE provides currency conversion on the spot. You can use the app offline – with the most recent rates you downloaded during you last online session or you can refresh rates for real-time conversion. Love this app!
Waze – whenever I hit the road I always make sure I have access to Waze – a community based traffic and navigation app that really comes in handy when there’s a traffic jam!
From Waze Website
What is your favorite app?
Enter to win a $50 iTunes Gift Card by leaving a comment with your favorite travel app on this blog post. Winners will be selected at random from all comments. Entry deadline is 5pm EST on Wednesday July 5th 2014. Contest is open to US residents only and no purchase is necessary.