There are so many travel apps to choose from and no one wants to clog up their smartphone or tablet with too many icons of unused apps. I have chosen the top FREE apps to make your travel easier whether its planning a layover, getting help with public transportation or getting the most out of a road trip. I have sorted through the fluff to bring you my top 5! In this issue, we featuring the ones to help you navigate the airports.Explore
With over 30 days of summer left to make more summer memories, spending as much time as possible at a good beach is a great time to spend those last precious days. Recently I was at different beaches three days in a row, but I really wish I had used the Swim Guide app before I swam at one of them because everyone in the family developed swimmer’s itch right after our dip.
The Swim Guide does everything except what to pack for your picnic lunch at the beach.Explore
Uber now offers an on-time scheduled pickup guarantee that allows you to book a ride up to 30 days in advance. To book in advance, reserve a 10-minute window within which you want your pick-up. You can schedule the arrival time anywhere between 30 minutes and 30 days ahead.Explore
Most travelers complain about congested airports and delayed flights, but my biggest travel frustration is packing. I have the tendency to overpack with unnecessary items and forget the important things. I’ve learned the hard way that having to buy new walking boots every time I travel really adds up. A frequent-flying friend of mine suggested I make a list on my phone to remind me. But, I’ve since found something better – an app called PackPoint.Explore
While it’s certainly not the best-looking app ever made, XE currency is one of the more robust currency converters available. It’s available for download on iPhone, iPad, Android, BlackBerry, Windows, and Firefox OS devices. The app allows you to keep track of live rates of every currency, and even works offline. You will have to download the conversion rate of every country you’ll be visiting before you leave, but once that’s done, you’re all set.
The concept of sharing is the new norm. Whether it’s a plane, boat, or accommodation…and now cars! With Turo, you can choose from hundreds of unique cars for every occasion and every budget. In many cases, you can save up to 35% vs. traditional rental agencies. Get the APP and reserve a car from home or on the go, whenever and wherever you want it. To date, 4,500 cities and 300 airports offer Turo around the world.Explore
Canadian-based corporate travel management company MeritBiz has launched a new business travel app for iPhone and Android devices, designed to deliver “best in class itinerary management and duty of care solutions.”
The app, self-titled MeritBiz, has a suite of features centred around four key principles – traveller support, itinerary management, communication and duty of care. With the app, clients are able to access detailed city maps with restaurants and points of interest without the requirement of mobile data. They’ll also be able to manage their expenses, store their travel documents and embed other pertinent travel information from other apps like Uber and OpenTable.Explore
I had no idea that this service was available to me until the team from Global Affairs showed up at a recent TMAC conference and demonstrated to us.
Access Key Information even While You are Travelling
Not all trips are about disconnecting. Adventurers and every day travellers depend on smartphones to find the closest or best restaurant, bathroom, gas station, or shop. But you don’t need to load your phone with lots of gimmicky apps. To be a digitally dexterous savvy traveler, stick to the tried and true favourites. Wherever I travel in the world, I try to learn a few key phrases around activities I know I will be doing. Regular manners are also nice to include such as please, thank you, what is your name, my name is, and so on. Explore