As you read this, my annual travel chronicles have started (actually started last weekend as I was out of town but within the UK). Travelling is the single best activity that exposes you to new cultures, broaden your mind, move out of your comfort zone, allow you to meet new people, and experience the wonders of the world.
Those that know me that I am a Wanderlust – a lover of travelling and I got my almost 10-year-old son into the mix. He is addicted to travelling and has quite a collection of tales and artifacts which he shows at school educating his classmates on the wonders of the countries he has already visited.
Travelling has many connotations:
- It helps You Learn who You are.
- It creates meaningful relationships.
- It opens Your eyes.
- It develops skills You didn’t know You had.
- It gives You a new perspective.
- It challenges You.
- It is education (my favourite)
So I have compiled a list of the essential Travel Apps to help you on the 2018 wanderlust escapes (you have planned), so enjoy the read. For all the world-travellers and wanderlust consorts who are tired of getting stuck in a WiFi dead zone or forgetting to pack the right all in one travel adapter. This is for you! With the help via essence.com, here are some of the best and most useful travel apps for your next vacation. If they aren’t already on your phone, you’re missing out.
1. Hopper
The purpose of Hopper is to tell you the cheapest days to fly to wherever you want to go and when to buy your ticket. It will watch ticket prices for you and notify you when the price drops, saving you up to 40% on your flight. You can even purchase your tickets from the app. Not even your travel agent can predict that: analyse up to 15 billion flight prices every day and predict, with 95% accuracy, the cheapest airfare price in the future. Or can they?
2. TripIt
This is my Go-to Travel App. Get all your confirmation emails forwarded to TripIt or add and edit your plans manually and this travel organizer will all the details of your trip in one place. The app will then create a master itinerary for your trip, telling you where and when to go. You can use the app offline to access your reservation number, flight number, hotel booking, car reservation when there is no Internet access for miles. It also keeps a record of your past trips.
3. Packpoint
If you are prone to overpacking like I am but you still always forget the essentials, then you need Packpoint. It will generate a packing checklist for you based on your destination, the weather while there, the different activities you have planned and even how long you plan to stay.
Hotel Tonight will find you remarkable hotels at last-minute discounted rates. You can now afford to play it by ear you reach your destination because when hotels have unsold rooms, they are loaded on this app and you can book them at the lowest rate for tonight, tomorrow or whenever.
Another one of my favourite Travel Apps. Just imagine travelling to France and your French is limited to “je ne sais quoi”? Don’t sweat. Google translate, which supports over 100 languages, can convert words, phrases and even short sentences from one to another. It even has my native Nigerian language ‘Ibo’ listed. The app also has a visual translation feature, which allows you to take a picture instead of typing in text and whatever is in the picture will be instantly translated for you.
6. WiFi Map
This app will find all the free WiFi hotspots in your location and provide you with the passwords. The list is crowdsourced and currently has over 100 million hotspots worldwide. You can also download free offline maps and passwords before you reach some cities. the passwords.
7. XE Currency
What is the current UK/Euro exchange rate? This foreign exchange app converts live currency around the world at your fingertips. Punch in the local amount while you are haggling for that scarf at the market and the app will accurately tell you how much that amounts to in GBP Pounds. Has saved me loads of times on my shopping sprees.
8. Kayak
You’ve seen their commercial on TV. Kayak is one of the most popular travel search engines. It will help you quickly the best travel options and find the cheapest prices for flights, hotels and short-term rentals, car rental, even vacation packages. You can sign up for price alerts via email or on the app. A must-have app.
9. WhatsApp
This app, which is popular worldwide, allows you to send text messages, make phone and video calls for free using your phone’s Internet connection. This way you will avoid SMS fees, international charges and also deplete your plan’s voice minutes. You will want to continue using it when you return from your vacation to keep up with all the friends you made abroad. A life-saver!
10. Google Maps
Get clear directions, mass transit directions, download city maps offline, and more. That is what makes Google a must-have app for your travels. You will never miss your bus or train stop again because the app buzzes it is time to get off. It will also notify you when you need to leave for the airport so you don’t miss your flight to your next destination.
If you know of any other essential Travel Apps, list them in the comment below. Remember Sharing is Caring. If you have started or yet to commence your 2018 Travel Chronicles, here’s to a most enjoyable time away.
Happy Travelling ✈️⛴🚊🗺.
Do like, comment and follow my BLOG for more jaw-dropping posts coming your way.
Yours in love – The Renaissance Lady ©
As a Mompreneur & Lifestyle Blogger, I am constantly on the goal of being ready for the NEW re-birthing and renewing of Oneself as I believe we all have a purpose to fulfil on this earth and part of my mission is for us all to live a Purpose-Driven Life.
