Going Mobile with Travel Apps
Vacation season has arrived, so whether you are planning to roam around the world or opt for the road less traveled, there are mobile travel apps to suit your journey. Whether you are flying or driving, Senior Planet rounded up a few travel apps to save you time and money for your next trip. Charge up your smartphones!
Wheels Up!
Flight planning is simpler with these apps.
Rome2Rio: Search for a convenient way to get from point A to point B from any spot on the map. Rome2Rio provides users with a recommended option, the cheapest option, flights, and driving, including fuel costs.
FlightsFrom: Technically, this is a website, not an app, but it’s an excellent travel source. FlightsFrom is a comprehensive guide to all routes and scheduled flights from every airport. It’s a fantastic tool for exploring destinations with nonstop flight service from a specific airport, city, or airline.
Aggregator Apps: There are dozens of travel aggregator websites and apps, such as Kayak, Expedia, and Priceline. However, in this video, consumer advocate Clark Howard advised his audience to use aggregators for hotel and flight price comparisons but only to book from reputable, trustworthy sites.
For the Global Traveler
If international travel is on your destination menu, here are four must-have apps to help with customs, currency, and communication.
Mobile Passport App: MPA is a free application that allows users to access specially designated lines and quickly clear customs, saving time and patience. MPA is not a digital app for your passport.
XE Currency: It has a free calculator that tracks currency rates in real time.
Google Translate: In addition to featuring 133 languages, users can download a foreign language, allowing translations without an internet connection.
WhatsApp: A texting app that lets users send messages for free, crossing international borders.
Road Trip Anyone?
Is driving your preferred mode of transportation this summer? Check out these apps to make the ride more enjoyable.
Flush: Its database contains over 200,000 restrooms, allowing users to find the closest public restroom. One online reviewer said, “It does what you need when you need it.”
WiFi Map: Crowdsourced information for the nearest hotspot. Remember to use a VPN.
GasBuddy: Search for the cheapest gas prices and save money along your route.
Roadside America: This app guides users to offbeat attractions such as the world’s largest ball of twine. It’s a great way to make a road trip more entertaining.
Google Maps: Google makes it nearly impossible for people to get lost, even if they have no sense of direction. The good news is that users can download maps in advance, allowing for maps without cell service.
Where to Stay
Hotels.com: Looking for a place to stay? Search deals for hotels, bed and breakfasts, and more. Make sure the room is refundable.
HotelTonight: If you plan ahead with a refundable room, check this app closer to your departure date. HotelTonight specializes in selling same-day hotel reservations, usually with healthy discounts.
Roomer: Sometimes, people prepay for a hotel and then have to cancel. Roomer is a marketplace for prepaid hotel rooms. Buyers can purchase hotel reservations at a reduced price from sellers who cannot use them.
Smooth Sailing
Ahoy matey! If Mother Ocean calls you, a cruise may be the perfect way to answer, especially with these free apps.
Cruises are magnets for attracting large groups of people for family reunions, weddings, church groups, and more. When traveling with others, Splitwise helps split expenses and manage shared costs. It enables users to create shared expenses, record payments, and keep everyone in the loop.
WiFi packages and cellular roaming fees are expensive in the middle of the ocean. My Data Manager tracks usage and provides alerts to keep users on budget.
FYI – Most wireless carriers have apps that offer another convenient way to monitor data usage from your smartphone. The My Verizon, MyAT&T, the T-Mobile apps allow users to track their usage habits. Android and iPhone let users check their data usage, too.
If you are an AARP member, download the AARP Now app and explore exclusive cruise deals AARP offers its members, including up to $200 onboard credit.
App tips
Always exercise caution about privacy and the security of your info and only use reputable and trustworthy apps
Don’t open or click unsolicited texts or emails promising unbelievable deals or that you’ve won a ‘free’ trip.
Avoid any unsolicited communications with a QR code, which can be used to load spyware and malware on your phone.
Want some music? Music streaming apps have travel playlists created for airplane, car, train, and even hotel stays.
Bon voyage!
YOUR TURN
What travel apps have you tried and liked? What didn’t work out for you? Share your experience in the comments!
Deborah Reale is a digital marketing and communications consultant specializing in social media, analytics, content writing, and editing. Ms. Reale has written for Business Development Magazine, Construction Industry Today, and quoted in Investor’s Business Daily and the book Social Media in Action. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business management and a graduate degree in business administration.
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Comments
If traveling by car in the US, I suggest using Waze as a great app. It uses other drivers using Waze to let drivers know of crashes, road closures and alternative routes to get around traffic jams.
If traveling overseas, I find Unit Converter to be helpful. Converting from $ to other currency while shopping or at a restaurant can be extremely useful to know that you are not overpaying.
Car Finder is also a great app if you are not familiar with the area and find your car.