Written by Cheri Eplin
Tuesday, 02 March 2010 16:23
When you travel to your next “bucket-list” locale, you’ll want to blend in with the scene and not whip out a three-inch guidebook that is as blatant as wearing white tennis shoes on the streets of London. It shouts to passer-byers, “I’m not from here!”
So… instead, pull out your iPhone, join the world with pecking your fingers away and sneak into the ten apps to help you on your journey.
Once you download these puppies, it’ll be hard to imagine life (especially travel) without these ten innovative iPhone apps as our trusty and constant companion.
- Packing - Create a list of the items you want to take on your trip and check them off as you pack. Rolling those pants and shirts just got more fun! $1.99
- Next Flight - Select the airline you’re traveling on and bingo, there’s the info at your fingertips. With more than 4,000 airports and 1,000 airlines, you’re sure to find the info you’re looking for. $2.99
- HearPlanet - HearPlanet is akin to having a personal travel guide in your pocket. Pull that sucker out and she tells you what to see near where you are. The app also reads Wikipedia descriptions out loud! $5.99
- IamHere - It’s a personal GPS just for your friends! IAmHere sends an email with a link to Google Maps to let friends and family know exactly where you are, if, in fact, you want them to have that info! 99 cents!
- Currency - Need to know the latest currency conversion? This is for you! Free
- Wi-Fi Finder - Don’t get surprised by overwhelming international roaming rates upon your return from a great vacation. Wi-Fi Finder tracks more than 200,000 hotspots in 135 countries. With this app, you’ll be able to determine where the free vs. paid wi-fi areas are! Free
- UrbanSpoon - Urbanspoon is a favorite and it works in cities such as London, Sydney, Tokyo, and Paris. Shake your phone literally – or press the red button that says, “shake” and watch (and hear) the columns spin like a Vegas slot machine! Wala! It will find the type of restaurant you’re looking for – in the price range you set – in the neighborhood you’re visiting! Free
- Lonely Planet Phrasebook - At $10, it's the most costly for a one-language application, but it’s one of the only apps that will repeat the phrase aloud so you don’t bungle on pronunciation. $9.99
- Babelingo - If you want a cheaper app, Babelingo contains 300 useful phrases and words in 11 languages. $3.99
- Skype - When traveling international, using a Wi-Fi network helps you make free, or cheaper calls. Free
What are your favorite travel apps?
Cheri Eplin 