Apps for a better holiday
Back in the old days, tourists used to buy piles of books about their destination, grab every brochure they came upon, call everyone who has been there, scan libraries for extra information.
Now, all that information is at a hand's reach, in your pocket, collected in one device: the smartphone.
Travel apps have become essential to researching and planning a trip, whether it is a business journey or a holiday trip.
Here are the new apps that know what a traveler needs and deliver.
1.HerdTracker
If you find yourself in Africa and want to go sighseeing and animal life observing, then this app from the safari tour company Discover Africa is a must-have.
Real-time data on animal locations and movements are provided by pilots, safari guides and national parks’ staff, around the Serengeti and Masai Mara in Kenya and Tazania. The information is shown an a map.
Other features include monthly predictions and tips for the areas where to go each month.
2. Wikitude
The app is one of the best Augmented Reality browsers. As you scan the area you're at by using the camera on your smartphone, information appears on the screen, overlapping the relevant locations.
In addition, information from TripAdvisor and Yelp regarding restaurants and hotels, photos, tweets and Wikipedia information about the location you're at are also made available.
Another perk is that you can scan a money bill and the app converts it into multiple currencies.
3. City Maps 2Go Offline Maps
You can forget overpriced roaming fees after you start using this app. It gives you access to pre-downloaded city maps which require no Wi-Fi or any internet connection to be accessed. Also, the app pins bars, restaurants and shops location.
4. Packing Pro
The app comes to fix a problem we've all gone through. If it happens often that during a flight you remember a crucial item to your trip that is waiting for you at home, then this packing app helps you avoid that. Make customizable lists according to the type of trip you plan, from a business one to an adventure backpack journey. The lists can be shared via Internet.
5. Minube
The app is an image and text guide, written by users. It gives you tips and tricks about your destination, the places you want to visit and what you can do there. You can also interract with other users.
6. Springpad
The app takes the conventional notebook and brings it to the 21st century. Alongside the good-looking design, the app adds extra information to the entries you put in. Add something like a hotel, a restaurant or a landmark and the app automatically adds and saves contact information, reviews, maps, photos and other data.
Springpad makes it easy for you to create a to-do list and can be also accessed offline.
7. Orient
The app shows you a list of locations based on their location in relation to you. You can also input your own destinations and the app will only show those. It's design is compass-like, making it easier for you to place yourself on the map.
Orient also provides distance and time neccessary to get to certain places from where you stand.
8. Expensify
An intelligent app destined to help you keep track of all your purchases and transactions. You can sync your credit cards and bank accounts with the app and also scan receits with your mobile camera. At the end of your trip, the app sends you a PDF report.
