Planning a trip can be quite a stressful feat, that's why travel agencies thrive because they take the stress off of having to plan your own trip. However, because we now live in a tech-driven world, there is no need to go to a travel agency to have a vacation trip planned for you. With the help of apps, you can plan your trip hassle free on your mobile phone or tablet and you can make it according to what you actually want to do in a particular city.
1. Hopper - Once you've decided on where you want to go, you must download Hopper. It allows users to see the cheapest fly dates on a month-view calendar and the great thing about it is that it will let you know when to buy your tickets via push notifications. With this app, you'll never miss out on a really cheap flight deal. Hopper was in the list of the App Store's Best of 2015 list and is currently a 2016 Google Play Award winner.
2. Uber - One of the things that you may find difficult when visiting a foreign country is getting a ride. Uber solves this problem and lets you book a ride in 77 countries and 527 cities. After checking out vehicle rates and fare quotes you can quickly request a car and driver with just a few taps on your phone, it also allows you to pay using your credit card. So if you can't find a ride, let the ride come to you.
3. Google Maps - If you can read an actual map, good for you! But if you're one of those people who don't even know where North and South is, then Google Maps is for you. It's easy to use and reliable and it allows you to see places you can visit on the map and also shows local public transportation options when it's available in the country you're visiting. It also allows users to download maps of cities so you can access it even without an internet connection.
4. Packpoint - : avoid excess baggage costs
5. XE Currency - Sure, this app is not exactly one of the most aesthetically pleasing to the eyes, but you definitely should have it installed when you're visiting a foreign country so you always know how the exchange rate looks because it provides live exchange rates for currency as well as precious metals. You can also download this phone on your Apple Watch or Android Wear as mentioned by Digital Trends.
6. TripAdvisor - Tripadvisor is one of the best apps today as it allows you to browse through reviews as well as see photos and videos of a certain place you want to see in a specific country. Its Near Me function will help you to find restaurants, bars, museums, cafes and everything else worth seeing around the area you are in. Make sure to add your own reviews of the places you've visited to help future travelers as well.
7. Duolingo - A language barrier is one of the most frustrating things you can ever experience while in a foreign country and if you don't have enough time to learn the local language of the country you are visiting, then Duolingo will be useful for you. It has beginner courses to help you learn the basics and allows you to chats with bots in select languages.
8. What's App - What's App is still the most used instant messaging app in most countries, it's a great app to use to keep in touch with your friends at home and a great way to communicate with locals you meet in a foreign country because chances are they use this service too. An internet connection is required to be able to use this app, which is great for when you're traveling and you don't want to rack up your roaming charges.
9. Hotspot Shield Free Privacy and Security VPN Proxy - Some countries block websites like Facebook and Google, but don't worry, this is why Hotspot Shield Free Privacy and Security VPN Proxy deserves a spot on your mobile phone or tablet. It allows you to secure blocked sites and doesn't require you to log in and your information is kept completely private.
10. Cafe Wifi - How many times have you found yourself in a cafe without WiFi connection while in a foreign country? If you answer too many times, then Cafe WiFi is a must download app. It allows you to find places that has free WiFi! According to Forbes, the app just recently launched and it is better in cities than in small countries but that the founders are hoping to expand soon.
Know a good app that deserves to be on the list?
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
