I have a bad case of FOMO and it gets even worse when I’m travelling. It’s far too easy to miss out on some of the unique opportunities each destination has to offer ─ especially if you’re tied up in the logistics of your trip. Recently, I discovered a myriad of mobile apps that took the admin out of travelling and left me with more free time to relax. And isn’t that what travelling is all about?
I simply had to share these 10 terrific (and free!) travel apps with you:
I used to start my journey wondering: ‘What did I forget this time?’ That is, until I discovered PackPoint. PackPoint is a free packing planner and organiser. Simply enter your destination and the activities you have planned and the app will produce a wonderfully detailed list to check off as you start packing for your trip.
PackPoint is available on iOS and Android.
Waze is one of the best ways to get around! This community-based traffic and navigation app relies on real-time traffic and road information supplied by the driving community and it’s great! Users actively report accidents, roadblocks and other hazards. Waze allows you to access locals’ road knowledge, so it’s ideal when travelling in an area you’re not familiar with.
Waze is available on iOS and Android.
Next time you travel, make Uber your designated driver. This app offers a reliable taxi service in hundreds of cities across the globe. The whole process is cashless, so you don’t have to worry about keeping cash on hand when you’d rather spend it on another round of tequila. Another plus is that you don’t have to make a reservation or wait in line for your taxi─ just open your uber app, request a ride and voilà!
Uber is available on iOS and Android.
WiFi Finder does exactly what the name suggests. But the app not only finds WiFi hotspots in your area, it also lets you know whether the WiFi is free or paid. You can search for over 550 000 free and paid WiFi locations in 144 countries worldwide, including South Africa. You can even use this app to scan for WiFi networks when your device is offline or out of data. You’ll never be stranded without internet again!
WiFi Finder is available on Android and there is a similar app on iOS, called WiFi Map.
Even though WiFi Finder will keep you connected most of the time, travelling does tend to deplete your data at an alarming rate. The selfies and panoramas you upload to Facebook when on holiday do tend to add up … That’s why we recommend downloading Onavo Extend. This app is magic. We don’t know how it works, all we know is that it does! With Onavo Extend you can get up to five times more usage out of your data plan without changing the way you use your phone.
Onavo Extend is available on iOS and Android
AlpineQuest GPS Hiking (free or paid, depending on the version you choose) makes any outdoor activity a breeze. AlpineQuest allows you to access a range of topographic maps that will be accessible even when you’re offline and busy bush-wacking out of cell-range. With this app you can explore the road less travelled without getting lost.
AlpineQuest GPS Hiking is available on Android and there is a similar app on iOS called MotionX GPS HD.
Zomato is a great tool for finding a place to eat after a day of exploring the local attractions. This app allows you to browse restaurant menus, pictures and user reviews to help you find the perfect spot to get some grub. Furthermore, Zomato even has a map feature to lead you there once you’ve decided which restaurant to try.
Zomato is available on iOS and Android.
Touchnote is appsolutely perfect for people who love postcards! This app allows you to create a personalised postcard and have it printed and posted for a small fee ─ all on your phone! Next time you’re travelling, you won’t have to send your loved ones a generic card and spend hours searching for a post box.
Touchnote is available on iOS and Android.
This app allows you to document your travel experience and create a beautiful, streamlined story to share with friends and family back home. Bonjournal is like a photo album and diary in one. It’s great if you feel that a picture, even if it’s worth a thousand words, should be accompanied by a story.
Bonjournal is only available on iOS, but Journey is a great Android app that delivers a similar experience.
Flipagram is one of the coolest ways to share the photos and videos you took on your journey. With Flipagram you can create slideshows and videos with tons of free licensed music. Share your compilation with friends on social media or catch up over some coffee and show it to them in person!
Flipagram is available on iOS and Android.
Main image: Anne Worner, Flickr.
