There are those who say that travel is an art, and in today’s hectic and modern world that may very well be the case. People often traverse the globe for work and/or pleasure, and they do so while trying to stay connected with business as well as the home. This isn’t always easy, which means intrepid travelers the world over are looking for any and every edge to help streamline the process and maximize efficiency. And, as with most things mobile, help comes in app form.
Mobile apps are big business, with a number of popular categories geared towards helping people in their everyday lives. Travel is just one of these categories, and it is a booming one. Indeed, there are a number of useful travel apps on the market that smartphone users can take advantage of. Here are just a few.
Kayak – free, iOS/Android/Windows
There are few things worse in the world of travel than canceled flights. Kayak is an app that aims to help travelers fight delays and cancelations by providing them with flight trackers and itinerary management. This option also lets the user compare deals on things like hotels and car rental as well as access airline details and airport info.
TripIt – free, iOS/Android/BlackBerry/Windows
The great thing about the Internet age is also the worst thing about the Internet age: mass amounts of information. Travelers in the modern era often find themselves inundated with emails from airlines, hotels, rental-car companies and so on. TripIt streamlines the travel process by scanning the users inbox for any travel-related data (flight confirmations, reservations, hotel bookings, etc.) and organizes them in a neat pile that can be auto-imported to a Google or Outlook calendar.
Trip Advisor City Guides – free, iOS/Android
Data roaming charges can be murder. Those travelers who are interested in a good offline solution to their guidebook needs would do well to download this free app. These free city guides cover over 50 metropolitan areas across the globe and come with a number of features. The app offers select itineraries, self-guided tours, restaurant recommendations and even a trip journal.
SeatGuru – free, iOS/Android
This option not only allows users to find low fares on flights but helps them choose the best seat on the plane as well. The app contains over 700 seat maps from 100 airlines and provides thousands of customer reviews as well. Not only that, but SeatGuru also analyzes the seat pitch and width in airplanes in order to provide those taller travelers the data they need to select the perfect spot.
GateGuru – free, iOS/Android/Windows
Those who spend a lot of time in the air also likely spend a lot of time mulling about in airport food courts. These sections of airports are often labyrinths of humdrum eateries that can end up wearing a person down rather than picking them up. GateGuru compiles thousands of user reviews in order to provide tips on the best airport eateries around. Want to find a light salad instead of pizza and fried chicken? This app will point the user in the right direction.
With even just a couple of these apps locked and loaded, smartphone-toting travelers everywhere can count on smooth smooth journeys and pleasant holidays.
Scott Johnson is a travel writer and blogger who aspires to travel the world. He writes on behalf of companies who provide travel services such as Protect Your Bubbler travel and rental car insurance brand.
