It would be ideal if one could simply show up at a location for vacation and know exactly how to enjoy their vacation upon arrival. However, for most individuals, making use of a guide or researching a bit on the location before going is a task that they must embark on before a location is agreed on. Travel books and agents used to be the source of knowledge in the past, however in this technological age, there are a myriad of travel guide applications available for individuals who want to have travel guides available on their mobile phones. Let’s look at 10 travel guide apps you’ll need for your summer getaway.
1. Tripomatic (In-App Purchase)
Tripomatic allows you to make a workable itinerary on your iPhone that can be edited online in a snap. With the ability to create day-to-day plans, you are able to choose sights to check out based on reviews and photos already on the application. This will allow you to choose if the locations on your list will truly interest those who are coming along on the trip with you. The maps, which are largely personalized by you, can even be accessed offline, this ensures that you’ll never be out of the loop of the day’s plans. Each city’s guide is purchased through an in-app purchase for $3.99 each or $13.99 per continent.
2. Viator (Free)
Viator connects you with sights, tours, and activities that you can do in the city you are visiting. You are able to make on-the-whim decisions with last minute booking options through Viator. This is a great way to ensure that a damper isn’t put on your vacation when plans change. Your ticket and all of its information is viewable and scannable through Viator in-app. Not only does Viator connect you with activities, it connects you with deals to ensure you still have enough money for continued fun. With Viator videos, you are put in the action seat of the fun activities, allowing you to see exactly what you have in store.
3. Fast Talk (In-App)
The best thing that a tourist has in its favour is being able to understand or have some way of speaking the local tongue. This can not only get you out of awkward situations, but impress the residents who may be more incline to help you out or give you a special recommendation or two.
Fast Talk, developed by Lonely Planet, hopes to step a bit outside of the travel guides they are known for and guide you with five of the most common languages encountered by tourists in Europe. Top phrases in French, Italian, Spanish, and German are offered for free. For ultimate speaking opportunities, there is a in-app purchase option to open more phrases and even more specific Spanish dialects.
4. Wikitude (Free)
Using augmented reality, Wikitude wishes to open the world to you. Through a photo taken, you are able to get the history behind a specific site that you are visiting or check out the nearest restaurant locations close to where you are standing. This is similar to the augmented reality feature of the next app we will cover, Yelp, but Wikitude offers more by explaining in deeper significance popular tourist sites you will encounter. If you wish to be your family’s tour guide, this is the free application you need to add to your iPhone before your trip.
5. Yelp (Free)
Yelp is known highly for its restaurant reviews. While you will find yourself using Yelp for that purpose a majority of your time abroad, it can come in handy in more ways than that. Yelp isn’t just a city guide, it makes you not just feel comfortable with your surroundings, but turns you into a short-time resident.
Yelp, through the use of reviews and star ratings, allow you to go to restaurants that are popular among locals but might not have been in your range of view as a tourist. I used Yelp when in Miami to find this amazing Mexican food restaurant far from what’s considered a touristy place, and it was amazing! Yelp can also get you in touch with bars, doctors, places of worship, travel agents, and more.
6. GateGuru (Free)
GateGuru is the application you need to ensure that your airport experience is one that is of less stress and good planning. The application not only allows you to keep up with the information of where your gate is and when you need to arrive there, it allows you to see a map of nearby amenities including bathrooms and places to eat. This prevents you from having to wander around the airport, too far from your gate. With social networking intertwined, you can keep your family and followers on top of your travel plans, with easy Twitter, Foursquare, and Facebook checkin options. Once you arrive, you can even be connected to rental car service through GateGuru.
7. JetLag Genie ($2.99)
The roughest thing about travel is the corruption of your sleeping schedule. Not only are you most likely traveling to a new time zone, but you probably aren’t getting enough sleep the night before. If you are like me, you are most likely finishing your packing the night before and once you hit the sheets, you are probably too excited to get some shut-eye. Once on the plane, comfort and noise may prevent you from having a good night’s rest. On arrival, the new time and the line-up of activities and unpacking makes sleep impossible. JetLag Genie gives you a prescription of how to combat JetLag through adequate sleep schedule changes, melatonin, etc in advance.
8. mPassport ($0.99/per city)
Once in a foreign country, the combination of new foods, questionable water, and strenuous adventures can present you with the possibility of illness or injury. The application, mPassport, allows you to stay connected constantly to embassies, pharmacies, and medical establishments that are welcoming to an English-speaking clientele. Through HTH Worldwide, this application also is in connection with the company’s travel insurance program, allowing you to also access it through the app. You can, in addition, get medical term translations and request medical appointments in app.
9. EveryTrail (In-App)
EveryTrail truly works itself into any way you are getting around town. Through a personalized map, you are able to see what is around you by foot, bike, car, ski, sail and more. Let your friends and family see what you have in store through great social media options. If you are in a rut on not knowing where to start, the nearly half a million other travel stories on EveryTrail can add a bit of inspiration. There’s offline access available (pro), and the ability to also add photos and videos (pro) to save the memories. Guides do come at a cost between $0.99 and $9.99. Pro access is $3.99.
10. The Converted ($2.99)
The United States is a little different compared to other countries when it comes to measurements. Aside from the obvious instance of the currency exchange rate, the metric system can leave many first time travellers in a bit of a confusion. It is a hard lost in translation moment to ignore too. With distance, temperature, weight, and money all on another scale, your trip will be governed by a lot of guesswork.
However, The Converted by Ideon changes that. The application allows you to get over 200 offline unit translations, all presented without further configuration using location services. It’s recommended, however, to let the app go online once a day at least for updated currency exchange rates. For novice and regular travellers alike, the $2.99 is well worth the price.
Let us know in the comments below how you will use these applications to enhance your summer travel plans.
Featured photo credit: Top Travel Lists via toptravellists.net
