The smartphone is one of the best tools that you could bring when you travel. It not only allows you to keep in touch through calls and SMS, but it also allows you to go online to get information about the places you’ll be going to. It also helps keep yourself entertained at times.
Here are ten apps that I’ve found useful during my trips.
1. Google Maps
Maps haven’t changed in function or form since the olden days. It helps us know where we are and how we can find our way to another place. Google Maps is a digital version of this, and arguably the best map app in any operating system. Your location is immediately tagged by your phone’s GPS, and you get a bird’s eye view of the places near you. If you need to find a certain place, all you have to do is search for it and the map will pinpoint it. You may even get directions on how to get there, depending on your location. You can also save places on the map so you can refer to them later on.
2. Skype
With Skype, you can make high quality video calls to your Skype contacts. It also allows you to share photos and files over the network, and you can even use your device’s dual camera to show what’s going on around you. Through Skype you can also send instant messages, either to an individual or to a group. For a small fee, you can call mobile phones and landlines, and send SMS as well. Skype works over wireless internet connections, and data connections (charges apply).
3. Viber
Much like Skype, Viber allows you to make calls and send SMS to other Viber users. However, it makes use of your mobile phone’s contact list, rather than email. Viber can also replace your phone’s regular SMS client, thereby keeping all your messages in one location. This app works over wireless Internet and data connections (charges apply).
4. Evernote
I love chronicling my trips, and I usually lug a notebook around when I travel. However, Evernote works just as great. You can create notebooks for specific topics, and each one can have several notes. I made a notebook for Hanoi trip, and there are notes that list my projected expenses, places to go and things to do, as well as a write-up about each day’s adventures. You can also use this app to take photos and it will be stored in the notebook too.
5. Dropbox
This handy app requires you to sign up for the service, but it’s one you’ll love. You can use it as an external cloud storage for any kind of files, and you can synchronize it with your computer so that any file uploaded through your phone will appear there and vice versa. My camera photos are immediately uploaded when I’m online. The downside of it is that a free account only has 3 GB free space, but you can always increase that buy purchasing more.
6. Foursquare
Not just for letting others know where you are and what you are doing. It is also a great way to find places of interest where you are. Click on the “Explore” tab, and it will automatically find places near you based on your phone’s GPS coordinates.
7. Foodspotting
This app allows you to share nay dish that you eat. At the same time, it also makes use of your GPS coordinates and suggests places and food items nearby that you can try.
8. Kindle
While it strictly isn’t a travel related app, the Kindle app allows you to read books on your mobile or tablet. This is a great way to keep you entertained while you are waiting for your flight to be called, or if you are back at the hotel and relaxing. It also doesn’t need to be connected to the Internet, unless you’re going to buy books.
9. Accuweather
With Accuweather, you can get a forecast of the weather for the days that you will be traveling. It’s quite accurate, and it can give you a forecast for several days at a time. This can help you with planning out your activities, and even with planning what things to bring when you go.
10. Google Goggles
This nifty app allows you to make Google searches not just with text but also using visual cues. Need to know about that statue in front of you? Take a photo and Google Goggles will find it for you. Do you need to translate a foreign text? Take a photo and you can easily have it translated. It also allows you to take pictures of someone’s calling card and store those details to your contacts. While the service isn’t perfect, it is quite helpful. That is, so long as you’re connected to the Internet through wireless or data service.
Photo by Robert Scoble
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Article by Chris
Chris had a passion to contribute to society especially to fellow travelers like himself. He also had a passion for Southeast Asia and frequently visited. While brainstorming ideas, he decided that a travel blog dedicated to his favorite countries, Thailand and Singapore, could be more beneficial than any guidebook. Only one year later did the blog’s success bring in more writers, more countries, and more readers.
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