January 17, 2012 Switzerland | Zermatt | Tips
Business travellers and tourists alike are finding life is easier with the latest information at their fingertips. Travel applications (apps) for Android Smartphones, iPhones and iPads smooth the way whether you are facing delayed flights or hotel hiccups.
International tourist boards are now getting in on the act, Be sure to look for apps to your travel destinations such as the award-winning Visit Napa Valley app, created by the Napa Valley Destination Council and filled with up-to-date tourist information to enhance your visit.
Here is a selection of the best travel apps currently available:
This cool translator has a database of 50 languages and can translate between languages using words or via the microphone. You can speak the phrase and have the translation given verbally, an invaluable option for pronunciation. Although you need an Internet connection for live translating, you can then store favourite phrases for viewing offline when required.
Cost: Free
Compatibility: Android, iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad all with iOS 3.0 and later
This global app is a world encyclopaedia is a must for any international traveller. It offers plenty of information and tips and will answer all your questions on worldwide destinations.
Cost: $0.99
Compatibility: iPhone
Glorious views often call for panoramic photographs and this neat Photosynth Interactive Panorama Capture and Sharing app allows you to create breathtaking 360° panoramic vistas. Once you’ve finished admiring the view you can send the image to family and friends instantly.
Cost: Free
Compatibility: iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPod Touch, iPad 2 Wi-Fi all with iOS 4.0 and later
Sometimes the simplest ideas are the best. Enter your airline and flight number into this no-frills travel app and it will monitor all updates, flight delays, gate changes or cancellations for you.
Cost: Free
Compatibility: Android, iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad all with iOS 4.0 and later
For serious hikers this neat app from North Face outdoor supply specialists is a must-have. It picks up your location and then calculates all the hiking trails and bike routes in the area. The GPS capabilities allow it to show current outdoor events, nearby North Face stores as well as calculating speed, route, distance and elevation.
Cost: Free
Compatibility: iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad all with iOS 4.0 and later
At Last! A GPS for walkers that will guide you along a clear map showing street names, audio guides and points of interest. It also records details of average speed, elevation and duration of your walk and includes a compass. Travellers can track journeys and excursions all over the world from their armchair and use the app to plan trips to places worth seeing from the database of over 400,000 suggested excursions.
Cost: Free
Compatibility: Android, iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad all with iOS 3.1 and later
Hungry? Just shake your device and watch local restaurants with short reviews slide onto the screen like a slot machine. Urbanspoon shows popular local restaurants throughout the U.K., Canada, U.S. and Australia.
OpenTable offers a similar service showing domestic and international restaurants with availability to search make reservations instantly.
Cost: Free
Compatibility: Android, iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad all with iOS 3.0 and later
One of the most popular online databases to search for cheap flights, hotels and car rentals, this is not surprisingly Apple’s most popular travel app. Track flights, calculate currency conversions, check tours, research things to do and create your own personal packing list.
Cost: Free
Compatibility: Android, iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad all with iOS 4.0 and later
If you want to send a postcard to family and friends telling them what a great place you’re staying at, an app can do that too. Take a photo and the postagram app will create a glossy postcard, add your message and post it to their address.
Cost: Free
Compatibility: iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad all with iOS 3.1.2 and later
One word of warning before you download every free travel app offered. Many travel apps require a data connection to work and can be a huge drain on your mobile phone bill. Before buying an app, check the small print for phrases such as “off-line” or “no Internet connection required”. Alternatively, use free Wi-Fi signals that are widely available in Starbucks and MacDonald’s throughout Europe.
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