Written by: Adam Ferraresi
Whether you’re searching for a last minute flight or hastily coordinating the logistics to get to your friend’s house, finding the right rental car, hotel and even restaurant can be harder than you think. What’s more, if you’re working on a strict budget, getting a great deal is nothing short of a miracle.
Fortunately, we have a veritable cornucopia of travel apps (both smartphone and online) that can ease those tension-induced headaches.
Mobile travel has been a hot topic in recent years, and not surprisingly. According to statistics gathered by the online tourism expert, Frederic Gonzalo, mobile bookings gave grown by 1700% in the last five years.
With that growth, travel apps have become increasingly vital to a successful getaway.
So without further ado, here are…
7 Essential Travel Apps for Every Traveler
1. TripAdvisor
Overview: TripAdvisor is more than a travel app, it’s actually a crowd-sourced travel guide that fits right in your pocket (well, your smartphone actually).
The app gathers reviews from its massive user base and provides details on everything from flight details to basic hotel information.
It also provides information on cruise packages, photos of numerous hotels around the world and a virtual tour of nearby destinations.
Compatibility: iOS, Mac, Android, Windows Phone
2. Groupon Getaways
Overview: This app is just the newest feature in the arsenal of Groupon, and is a result of a partnered venture with Expedia.
Groupon Getaways curates different hotel deals from around the world and sells them at deep discounts. Like company’s other offerings, Getaways is redeemable at basically any time up to the expiration date. Some packages offered even include airfare in the price.
Compatibility: iOS, Android
3. XE Currency
Overview: Since the launch of XE Currency, the app has been downloaded more than 20 million times. It has become the go-to currency conversion application, both on mobile and online.
It also has many business-oriented features, like historic currency chart, but most travelers are just happy with the fact that it is able to convert practically every currency in the world.
Compatibility: iOS and Android, Browser App
4. TripDeck
Overview: Mobiata, the company behind the popular FlightBoard app created TripDeck to act as your travel datebook. It helps your organize your flights and hotel bookings, in addition to restaurant dates and business meetings.
The full version of TripDeck takes some cues from FlightBoard, and offers you a flight tracker that sends you texts in case of any delays. It even displays information like baggage claim and gate arrival.
Compatibility: iOS-exclusive
5. Alfred
Overview: Most of us have trouble finding good restaurants in our own states, let alone another country. But after a minute-long survey, Alfred uses AI to recommend nearby eating places that fit your particular criteria.
And the more Alfred learns, the more tailored its taste becomes. If the suggestions aren’t good enough for you, the app also offers a huge database of user reviews and food photos.
Compatibility: iOS, Android, BlackBerry
6. Priceline
Overview: Priceline is mostly known for its online deals, but its new smartphone app is there to help relieve the stress of last-minute booking.
It has mobile-only discount deals that are usually accepted up to 11 PM and it also searches for close places for minimal hassle. What’s more, Priceline allows you to book rental cars as late as half-an-hour before the pickup.
Compatibility: iOS, Android
7. LiveTrekker
Overview: LiveTrekker tracks your every move as you travel and allows you to look back on your trips using an interactive map. It also enables you to add pictures and videos along the way. Creating a multimedia diary that you can share with your family.
However, we have to point out that the app will not work in certain countries (Vietnam, China, Portugal, etc.), so you might have to use a reliable VPN to connect to the Internet and document your trip.
Compatibility: iOS and Android, Browser App
You don’t need to fill up your smartphone with gimmicky apps in order to successfully organize a trip. With these seven tools, every future trip will feel like a breeze. All of these travel apps are very handy for travel.
And once you start using them, you’ll be wondering how you ever managed to go on vacation without them.
Adam Ferraresi is a 23-year-old Dallas-bound web developer who has been working with technology since he was in high school. He turned his passion for technology into a full-time occupation and business. He is also a digital publisher at wefollowtech.com. When not immersed in his work, Adam spends his time going to concerts and playing basketball!
