The Best Mobile Apps for Travel
According to Frank Borman, “exploration is really the essence of the human spirit.”
By travelling to different places, you’d get a hold of new cultures and experiences you wouldn’t have gotten at home. In today’s world, travelling has become easier and enjoyable all thanks to a vast array of mobile apps.
There’s no need to carry bulky maps and guides while embarking on your trip. Everything’s now within your grasp. Even if you are someone who likes to place some wagers while on your trip, it’s easy to find apps that can come in handy for this. For context, if you’re on a trip to the Philippines, since online betting is legal in the nation, you will easily find sportsbook apps that can cater for your needs.
However, as betting expert Evelyn Balyton mentioned, the difference in location might mean you have to consider a platform that matches your preferred payment method. For tourists who use credit cards, experts always advise that they go through review platforms to see a list of the best Casino and Bookmakers accepting Credit Card in the Philippines.
6 Apps Every Tourist Should Consider Adding to Their List
Overall, as a pilgrim, you’ll find applications that’ll help you book flights and accommodations, navigate unknown terrain, uncover tourist hotspots, draft itineraries, and stick to your budget. So, what are the top options? This section will run you through six vital apps you must have on your mobile device when travelling.
1. Google Maps
Google Maps is one application you must have on your smartphone while travelling. It gives you directions when you’re driving or walking to a particular destination. Google Maps also offers real-time traffic updates, shielding you from delays.
It gets better, though. Google Maps gives users the luxury of downloading maps for offline use. This feature comes in handy for those travelling to areas with poor internet connectivity.
Using Google Maps, travellers can uncover nearby restaurants, beaches, and other side attractions. What’s better? These spots have user reviews you can check to see if a location is worth visiting without being physically present.
2. Airbnb
With Airbnb, you can book accommodations with ease. It doesn’t just restrict users to hotels. You’d get access to apartments and houses through its platform. Airbnb has a great filter that allows you to get an accommodation that suits your needs in terms of budget, amenities, and neighborhood.
Airbnb also offers “Experiences,” where local hosts organize classes and tours. This lets you explore a tourist destination in a personal and relaxed way. So, if you’re a traveller seeking an accommodation where comfort and a dose of adventure are the norm, make Airbnb your go-to app.
FUN FACT: Back in 2008, the co-founders of Airbnb started renting out air mattresses to cover rent. The “Air” in Airbnb is testament to the company’s humble beginnings.
3. TripAdvisor
As its naming suggests, TripAdvisor is an app that gives you recommendations on places you can visit during your trip. This selection includes hotels, restaurants, and attractions around the world. TripAdvisor ranks these destinations based on ratings from visitors. That way, you can visit spots that actually live up to the hype.
On the TripAdvisor app, you can purchase tickets and book tours. There’s also a forum where travellers can ask questions and share tips. Whether you’re planning a trip to find traditional Indian sweets for celebrations or exploring on the move, TripAdvisor is the pocket guide you need.
4. Google Translate
If you don’t understand and speak the language of a country you’re travelling to, ensure Google Translate is in your app list. At the time of writing, Google Translate supports 110 languages.
What stands out about Google Translate are the translation routes available. You can type words, speak into the microphone, or point your smartphone’s camera towards signs for instant translations.
Google Translate also has “offline mode” that lets you download different language packs before you travel. Once downloaded, you’d be able to get translations without needing an internet connection.
5. XE Currency
It was Leslie Tayne who said “budgeting has only one rule: don’t go over budget.”
Most travellers struggle to manage their budget due to currency differences. To eliminate this issue, we recommend using XE Currency, a mobile application that showcases the latest exchange rates of currencies worldwide.
That said, XE Currency also has a calculator you can use to convert prices while you’re shopping, paying for bus rides, and eating out in another country. With this app on your smartphone, you can travel without worrying about your expenditure exceeding your budget, ever!
6. Skyscanner
Many travellers worry about flight ticket prices soaring. However, with apps like Skyscanner, you can get the best flying deals at moments you least expected. Skyscanner delivers context on low ticket prices by scouring different airlines and travel websites. We recommend setting price alerts to get instant notifications when the costs of a ticket drops.
Furthermore, fluid travellers can use the application’s “Everywhere” feature for insights into the cheapest destinations from their current location. This will come in handy for those who want to take trips at a moment’s notice.
Skyscanner doesn’t stop at flight tickets. The app also keeps users updated about cheap hotels and car rentals. With Skyscanner, you can make your travelling adventures work, even when you’re on a budget.
Conclusion
You can enjoy your travelling adventure when you have the right apps on your mobile device. The six applications mentioned in this guide will come in handy for everything from navigation and translations to bookings and budgeting during your next trip. Godspeed!
The article was provided by Evelyn Balyton.
