Summer vacations are in full gear. Here is a list of apps that are extremely helpful FREE apps to use while traveling.
1. AroundMe (Free): This app allows you to find different listings that are in your location based on categories like banks, supermarkets, hospitals, hotels, movie theatres, restaurants, bars, pharmacies etc. Not only will it list them in order of least distance, but it will also GPS them directly through your Maps app, so you can get there step by step with a mapped route. There is also an option to call the location, add the information to your contact list, or email or text the information to a friend. You can also search for a specific location yourself, and it will tell you the nearest one to your current surroundings.
2. GasBuddy (Free): This app is essential when traveling by car. It will tell you the nearest gas stations according to your location and provides a map with directions to the gas station chosen. Better yet, it even tells you their current gas prices allowing you to sort your results by price or distance. You can give back by reporting a gas price if it has updated since the last price report. By reporting gas prices, you earn points towards prize give-away entries. Each week a $250 gas gift card is given away!
3. TripTracker (Free): This app is a pocket personal assistant that will help you keep track of your trip. It provides live worldwide flight tracking. It keeps track of gate numbers, delays, cancellations, baggage claim, hotel confirmations, check in and check out dates, phone numbers, maps to your locations, car rental confirmations, pick up and drop off dates/times, contact information, itineraries, and weather reports in departing and destination locations. The app also gives push alerts that buzz your phone at any given time if there are any itinerary updates of any sort.
4. Currency (Free): This app provides current up-to-date exchange rates for over 100 currencies and countries. Once you add a currency, you can enter the amount and convert it with the touch of the screen. It’s simple to use, and essential when traveling abroad!
5. Happy Hours (Free): This app shows all food and drink specials going on near your location. It provides details of each bar or restaurant like the menu, photos, amenities, location, comments, rankings, and of course a list of specials specific to that bar or restaurant. Happy Hours now has available specials from over 100 US cities and continues to grow!
6. Google Translate (Free): This app has a database of over 50 different languages. Once you choose the language you wish to translate, you can type or speak into your phone’s microphone and it will translate the word or sentence for you. You also have the option of starring anything that has been translated so that it stores in your favorites to use again if you don’t have access to the Internet.
7. Postagram (Free): This app allows you to choose a photo from your Instagram, Facebook, or phone’s photo gallery, write a customized message, and Postagram will mail out a glossy postcard printed at 300-dpi for you themselves straight from your phone. The photo even pops out for your family and friends to enjoy!
8. How to Videos from Howcast.com (Free):
Look like a local! Don’t look like an obvious tourist. Howcast offers user-generated video tutorials covering just about anything. Watch videos on how to get through airport security, how to entertain children while traveling, preparing for a roadtrip or tips on getting a taxi in New York City. The short clips load quickly and look great on the larger-format iPad.
9. Urbanspoon (Free):
Find restaurants at the touch of a button. Urbanspoon can help you find the particular type of cuisine you are in the mood for, or use their slot-machine style search feature and let the app pick randomly. Lots of ratings and reviews available.
10. Open Table (Free)
Make restaurant reservations from your phone! For fine dining, make sure to book in advance with OpenTable. Search thousands of restaurants worldwide, and sort by cuisine, price range, and neighborhood. Confirm reservation in just a few clicks.
