Travelling, much like other areas of our lives, has become embedded within our technology; it is almost imperative that whilst on holiday we post out latest pictures to Twitter and update our Facebook with the amazing things we have witnessed. Even eco travellers have turned to their smart phones for the latest news on eco-friendly travel and why not? With a wealth of information at our fingertips, it is easier than ever to get the absolute most out of our holidays.
Over the last few years, there has been an influx in the number of apps emerging that will help us with our travels, there is definitely something for everyone, from apps for booking hotels to finding walking tours and even language apps. To find the best accommodation, we simply need to turn to our mobile devices. The need to hunt down internet cafes is becoming less and less necessary. So here’s to digital travelling – and here are the best apps for travel this year:
Lonely Planet Travel Guide
What travel article couldn’t mention Lonely Planet guides? If you haven’t downloaded their app, then I can almost guarantee that you will have flicked through their books at one point of another. The Lonely Planet apps, much like the books, come as separate downloads depending on where you are travelling to. You will then download the guide that will be specific to your destination and be able to access all the information you could possible need for your holiday; from attractions all the way through to local customs. They have also recently released a Lonely Planet App that will collate all the singular ones you have downloaded and display them all together, rather than cluttering up your phone – Perfect!
XE Currency Converter
This is a must for me, I own this app and have used it many times. It is really useful before your travel, during and even after you return. You can check how much your cash will be converted to the foreign currency prior to your visit and it’s especially useful if you are planning on visiting multiple locations, where you will need up to date information at your fingertips.
Even better, if you have currency left over when you return home, you can see how much it will be when you exchange it!
UNESCO World Heritage Location Guide
If, like many of us, you love to pack your holidays or even day trips full of interesting historical sites, then you have to get your hands on this little beauty. It is a literal bucket list of some of the world’s most beautiful sites and meaningful buildings. The app holds over 900 sites, some are well known but there are a lot of smaller hidden gems that you may not have known before. The best bit for me though, is that it allows you to browse different sites that you may want to visit and then save the for later visits – perfect for when travelling locally or when you are backpacking through multiple countries.
It does cost $4.99, making it one of the more pricey apps to download, but you will make your money back by the sheer depth of information and ideas.
These three apps are just a taste of the variety available, so look at ones that will specifically help with your trip, from translation apps through to flight checkers, they are all available for downloading! Also remember, that the apps will rely on a WIFI signal that may not always be available to you whilst travelling.
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