From weather updates and restaurant recommendations to language translation or catching a ride on-the-go, your phone can be one smart travel companion. But all travel apps aren’t created equal. Here’s our latest guide on which apps to download before your next trip.
1. Pack and go
Never forget your umbrella or an extra sweater again. The Packpoint app is a personal packing assistant that simplifies your packing process.
Input where you’re going, how long you’ll be gone, and all the activities you have planned. This remarkable app will build a customized packing list for you. It even checks your destination’s weather forecast to ensure you’ll have exactly what you need. Once you’ve created your list, share a link with friends and family so everyone can pack their bags with confidence.
2. Weather, on-the-spot
Sure, there are tons of weather apps out there. But the Dark Sky app takes it to a whole different level.
The app is so precise, down to the minute and your exact location, it’s like traveling with your own personal meteorologist. To help you make the most out of every travel day, the app pinpoints the instant when raindrops will start to fall and when the sky will clear. And, if you have an Apple or Wear OS smartwatch, you can access the data at a glance.
3. Airporting done well
Almost every trip includes some downtime at the airport. While it can’t make delays disappear, the LoungeBuddy app can help you turn airport time into a luxury experience.
Not only does the app highlight nearby airport lounges and amenities, but it also offers access to a range of airport lounges around the world, with no elite airline status, membership, or first-class ticket required. To open the doors to a luxe oasis as you await takeoff, use the app to book access – same-day or up to two months in advance – for a nominal fee starting at $25.
4. Easy rider
Here’s the thing about Uber, it’s uber convenient and safe, especially when you’re traveling.
The well-known, on-demand rideshare service gets you where you want to go without having to worry about finding a cab, communicating your destination to a driver, or having exact change on hand. Available in 700+ cities worldwide, Uber will quote you a price, send a car to pick you up within minutes of the request, and charge your credit card. All you have to do is get in and go.
5. Exchange away
Who wants to do math when they’re on vacation? With the XE Currency Exchange app, it’s easy to calculate currencies on-the-go.
Forget about memorizing exchange rates or taking a guess at how much money you need. The XE Currency Exchange app enables you to convert currency quickly, no matter where you travel. Even if you don’t have Internet access, the app still works based on the most recent stored rates.
6. Local flavor
There’s nothing better than a delicious, memorable meal to close out a dream travel day. The Zomato app helps you find perfect local restaurants as you travel.
With a motto of “never have a bad meal,” Zomato serves up nearby restaurant options by the type of cuisine you’re craving. To help you further explore new cities, the app also provides a menu of themed collections, such as Michelin Star restaurants, veggie-friendly cafes, or best street food. In-app access to menus, photos, and reviews helps you make your choice. Best of all, after you’ve worked up an appetite browsing your options, the app offers a map to take you straight there!
7. Fluent on-the-fly
Looking to converse with the locals? Enlist the Duolingo app’s fun and interactive language lessons to learn the key phrases you’ll need, no matter where you land.
The app’s bite-size lessons make them easy to complete whenever you have a few spare minutes. And, the built-in game features make learning fun. The array of language options is impressive. You’ll find almost any language you can think of – and a few you probably wouldn’t, like Klingon – available on the app.
8. Capture the moment
As you travel, you’re likely to reach for your phone to document your journey through photos, videos, or social media. Wouldn’t it be great to organize your memories as you go? The Momento app can help.
Designed as an online journal, Momento makes it simple to collect memories and capture notes, stories, and feelings in real-time. At the end of your trip, you’ll have a travel journal full of the moments you want to remember. Plus, the Momento app also makes it easy to share your travel experiences with family and friends or more broadly via social media. One thing to note, the Momento app is currently only available for Apple devices.
These apps are Cruise Dreams’ favorites because they’re all focused on enhancing your travel experience. We’re always on the lookout for the latest and greatest. What are your must-have travel apps? Add a comment to share your discoveries.
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