Gone are the days when tourists would fumble with a map in one hand and a burrito in the other whilst trying to flag a cab with a stray leg. At the press of a button you can order a taxi, book a table at a restaurant, even translate a sign. Make your holiday a breeze with our top 10 favourite apps for Android and iOS.
OpenTable
Available in more than 40,000 restaurants worldwide, OpenTable cuts out the hassle of reserving a table by phone, particularly if you’re unfamiliar with the local language. You can filter by restaurants, cuisine type, destination and price range. This app is particularly useful abroad thanks to its additional information on opening times and reviews.
Packpoint Travel Packing List
Before travelling, you may like to make a list of everything you will need for your holiday. With Packpoint, the list is made for you based on the weather at your destination, the length of your travel and any activities you may take part in while you’re there. The checklist is split into different categories and a mixture of tile panels and lists make it easy to coordinate your luggage.
Citymapper
This comprehensive journey planner is one of the best tools to use if you’re aiming to navigate your way around a new city. The app is particularly useful if you’re planning to utilise public transport. Citymapper covers cycle routes, subway and train times offline for a number of cities around the world and even has Uber integration. If you’re anxious about alighting at the right station, Citymapper can also alert you to let you know when to get off. Handy!
Uber
Uber has transformed the way in which we access transport. At the tap of a button you can connect to your own personal driver, who indicates the time it will take to reach your destination. You can browse vehicle and fare quotes and pay hassle free using a payment method of your choice.
Trabee Pocket: Travel Expense
A holiday can be expensive, particularly if you’re travelling as a family – or have expensive tastes. With Trabee Pocket: Travel Expense you can keep a record of your spending that will make you think twice about buying another unnecessary souvenir. You can categorise your spending by type and currency, so you know exactly what you’re spending your money on.
Duolingo
An app that you can use before you even leave the country, Duolingo is not only free, its simple design makes it easy for you to pick up the basics of any language. You can even learn Klingon if you’re planning an interstellar trip.
The app boosts your skills by teaching you commonly used words and phrases by encouraging you to read, listen, speak and translate. The app can also be used offline, so you can even conduct last minute brush ups before you land at your destination.
Google Translate
The most well-known of all translation software, Google Translate does the basics very well. The app will translate anything you type, speak, draw or even photograph for over half of its 100-plus languages. It’s a practical app that you can use when trying to figure out signs or information boards.
TripAdvisor
Easily one of the most popular travel apps is TripAdvisor, a tool that stands you in good stead if you’re looking for user generated reviews on attractions, restaurants, hotels and various other locations.
Accuweather
Accuweather is never going to win an award for the ‘sexiest app,’ but its one of the more practical on this list. The weather service is at the forefront of international weather reporting and offers day-to-day, or long term forecasts. The app will ensure you don’t get caught out by a shift in the weather and ruin your nice shoes.
Android Pay / iOS Pay
Quick, easy, painless payment. All you have to do is add a credit or debit card to the either app and use it as a contactless payment devise. Simple.
