These days, a smartphone is so much more than just a phone. In fact, the phone functionality may be the feature you use with the least frequency! These tiny little handheld computers are game-changers, especially for travelers. With a reported two million apps (and counting!) available for download in the Apple app store alone, there’s a lot to choose from. But it can be hard to cut through all the clutter, so we’ve done the research for you! Here are 7 travel apps I never leave home without:
TripIt
If you’re a frequent traveler, the TripIt app will help to keep your travel plans organized in one easy-to-find place. Once you’ve become a registered user, you can email all your travel confirmation emails (airline reservations, hotel confirmations, car rentals, restaurant reservations) to plans@tripit.com and everything will be neatly organized into a clear and concise itinerary on a clean and well-designed dashboard. Plus, with the TripIt Pro version ($49/year), you’ll get additional features like real-time travel notifications about flight delays and gate changes and a seat tracker so you don’t end up in the dreaded middle seat.
AirHelp
Flights often get delayed or cancelled and that can put a wrinkle in the best laid travel plans. But all is not lost. While you might have missed a connecting flight, you may be able to seek compensation. AirHelp is dedicated to helping travelers determine whether they’re entitled to money back based on the specific reason their flight was disrupted. It can be a time-consuming process but with AirHelp, you needn’t bother with the legwork yourself. They’ll do it for you and take 25% of whatever money you get back. And if you don’t get paid, they don’t get paid so they’re working hard to help win legitimate claims.
SignEasy
If you’re traveling, signing and sending documents back to someone can be a real hassle. You have to find a printer, a scanner and sometimes even a fax machine! With the SignEasy app, you can open editable documents right on your phone and sign using a digital signature. The document can then be saved and emailed directly from your phone. So quick and easy!
GeniusScan
The GeniusScan app turns your smartphone into a portable scanner so that you can scan and send any documents with ease, no matter where in the world you are. Like SignEasy, this is a must-have app for business travelers in particular.
XE
The XE app is a currency converter and it couldn’t be simpler to use. Simply input the amount and the type of currency you want converted and you’ll see its conversion rates for many different currencies (dollars, pounds, yen, krone, etc.) This can be super helpful when you’re shopping in a foreign country and aren’t sure what that item is really going to cost you. This app will not only help you make informed purchases but can help you stick to a budget so you don’t come home to astronomical credit card bills.
Dufl
Using the Dufl app is like turning your smartphone into your own personal valet. Packing and schlepping bags can be one of the biggest hassles of travel, so why not turn that job over to someone else? Dufl is a premium travel service that will ship, clean and store your clothing for you so you don’t need to worry about it. Using the app, you’ll ‘pack’ your bags by selecting what clothing items you want and Dufl will pack and ship them wherever you’re going. After your trip, they’ll pick up your clothing, clean everything and store until your next trip. You know what that means? Luggage-free traveling for you!
TravelSmart
The TravelSmart mobile app from Allianz Travel will give you access to all of your insurance policy information on your smartphone, so you won’t find yourself scrambling to determine what your policy covers and what it doesn’t. The app also provides overseas emergency telephone numbers for the fire department, police and ambulance, a medication dictionary, an international hospital search and will translate first-aid terms, too.
What are your favourite travel apps? Leave a comment below!
