Travel apps
Going on a vacation is always fun, but planning for it can be a hectic exercise. You have to book tickets, find comfortable accommodations, and curate itineraries; all while keeping everybody's preferences in mind. And not to forget, plans can keep changing till the last minute. The good part is that all these things can now be done from your phone through different apps that cater to all your needs. But with thousands of apps available, how do you choose the ones that will make your trip stress-free? Let's find out.
Here are seven travel apps you can explore to help you save time, effort, and money before your next vacation:
1. Google Maps
This app is a saviour for travellers. From GPS navigation to traffic updates to nearby restaurants, coffee shops, tourist attractions and public transport options, Google Maps can be your perfect guide in new places. In locations with poor internet connectivity, you can use the offline maps feature
2. TripIt
So, you have all the booking confirmation emails in your inbox with respect to your flights, stay and activities. But imagine reaching the airport or hotel and frantically searching for these emails because they are buried in your inbox. So, how do you get your itinerary organised? Download TripIt, which will do the work for you. All you need to do is forward the booking emails to TripIt and the app will automatically create an organised itinerary for you. It also syncs with your calendar so that you can access the flight timings, hotel check-ins and other details in one place.
3. Skyscanner
If you are looking for the best deals for your flight bookings, Skyscanner is the go-to app. This app lets you compare flight prices from multiple airlines and travel agencies to find the best deals. The "Everywhere" search feature can help you grab the cheapest flights to anywhere. It app also offers price alerts, so you don't miss out on great deals. In addition to flight bookings, Skyscanner also helps with hotel and car rental bookings.
4. Hopper
Knowing the best time to book flights and hotels at the best deals is not easy. Let Hopper do it for you. Yes, this app uses AI to predict when the prices of flights and hotels will be lowest and also offers price alerts on good deals.
5. XE Currency
XE Currency provides real-time currency conversions. Easy to use, the app also keeps track of your spending. This can be really helpful in foreign locations, so you don't have to look around for currency exchange rates and conversions. The app also works offline.
6. Google Translate
You are all set to fly to German, but on landing there, you find the local language incomprehensible. So, how do you communicate with the locals for directions or with the cab drivers? Well, there's Google Translate for you. The app can translate text, voice and images in real time, making you feel at home in a foreign land. With the instant camera translation tool, you can point your phone at signs, documents or menus in restaurants and the translation will pop up on the screen.
7. PackPoint
Love travelling but can't decide what to pack? This happens with most of us and we end up packing till the suitcase won't zip or travel so light that we end up buying essentials. And if you are travelling abroad, it will cost you a fortune. Say hello to PackPoint. It will help create a customised packing list based on your destination, stay duration, the activities you plan to undertake there, weather conditions, etc. It ensures you have packed all the essentials.
Travel insurance offers you financial security in a foreign land. It covers unforeseen circumstances like medical emergencies, missed flights, trip cancellation/interruption, baggage loss, loss of passport, etc. With international travel insurance, you will be reimbursed for the losses incurred owing to an unfortunate event.
Depending on the frequency of travel, you can choose single-trip insurance or multi-trip insurance. Single-trip insurance provides coverage for a single trip; it starts from the day you board the flight and ends on your return home or when the policy tenure ends, whichever is earlier. Multi-trip or annual travel insurance, on the other hand, offers coverage for one year. During this period, you can travel as many times under the same plan. Multi-trip insurance is beneficial for frequent travellers.
Travel apps are essential for a seamless and memorable vacation. These digital tools will organise your itinerary, book flights and hotels at the best deals, and help you pack properly. In addition to these tools, ensure you have international travel insurance to safeguard yourself financially against unwanted events.
