The most popular and essential mobile apps for travelling
St. Augustine once said, “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.” Travel paves the way for new experiences, cultures, and traditions you wouldn’t have gotten at home. If you’re stuck in one place your whole life, you’ll invariably limit your adaptability and worldview.
While exploring different countries might seem fun, things can get overwhelming real quick. You’d need to navigate language barriers and find hotspots you’ve never been to before. Thankfully, the right applications could turn these difficulties to smooth-sailing adventures.
This guide highlights popular and essential mobile apps bound to make your travels safer, enjoyable, and easier. Let’s get going!
Seven mobile apps to have on your smartphone while travelling
So, you’re all set for your new adventure, right? Congrats! However, before you hop on the plane or train that’ll take you to that tourist hotspot, ensure your smartphone has the following applications:
#1 Google Maps
When it comes to directing your path across the world, nothing comes close to Google Maps. This application delivers turn-by-turn walking and driving routes to help you find destinations you intend visiting.
That said, Google Maps can work offline; it does this in collaboration with your device’s in-built GPS system. As such, you can rest assured that getting lost won’t make its way into your travelling itinerary.
Availability: Android and iOS devices
#2 Google Translate
This is another Google-powered application you’d need to have on your mobile phone while travelling. It’ll come in handy, especially in scenarios where the location you’re visiting doesn’t speak languages you can interpret.
Google Translate can translate menus and translate street signs and markers. This app also comes in clutch for real-world conversations. You can record yourself saying something and have it interpreted into the other party’s preferred language. This feature works both ways.
Availability: Android and iOS devices
#3 Airbnb
When you travel, you’d want to ensure that you and your family (if you aren’t travelling solo) have a spot to sleep. Airbnb simplifies this process, connecting you to apartment-like accommodations within your current location. These apartments have crucial home fixtures and a kitchen, making them perfect for longer stays.
Availability: Android and iOS devices
DID YOU KNOW: More than half of all Airbnb hosts are women. These great entrepreneurs have made over $600 million by transforming their homes into living spaces that appeal to visitors.
#4 Booking.com
Not all travellers like apartment accommodations. If you’re among this set and would rather hang at a hotel, consider looking towards the Booking.com application. With it, you can insert your budget and preferences to receive fitting hotel suggestions.
Availability: Android and iOS devices
#5 Trip Advisor
Trip Advisor is one of the most-used mobile apps used by travellers worldwide. It allows you to get real user reviews about hotels, restaurants, theme parks, and lots more. That way, you can tell what destinations will live up to expectations and those that’ll disappoint without visiting their actual landmarks.
Availability: Android and iOS devices
#6 Virtual Private Network (VPN)
A virtual private network (VPN) is a useful app for travellers. With VPNs, you can encrypt all data bits sent and received between your smartphone and internet service provider (ISP).
According to experienced travellers, VPNs also have the added advantage of cloaking your location to access content available in select regions. While thousands of VPN services exist, consider using alternatives like Express VPN or Nord VPN. Besides offering cross-platform compatibility (smartphone and PC), they’ve got stellar reviews.
Availability: Android and iOS devices
#7 Uber
In some countries, flagging down taxis is torture. And when you manage to get one, the driver places an exorbitant price on the ride. To avoid these issues entirely, make use of ride-hailing services like Uber.
This makes sense, especially if you’re in a major city. With Uber, you can rest assured of paying what’s stated on the app; additionally, the ride will come to you, making it a convenient option.
Availability: Android and iOS devices
DID YOU KNOW: Uber operates across 600+ cities across 65 countries worldwide. With the service’s popularity soaring by the day, there’s a chance it’ll expand its reach in the near future.
What to do if you get bored while travelling
Travelling is a fun activity. But this excitement doesn’t last all day long. You’ll encounter some boring spells in-between. Thankfully, you can make these moments worthwhile by doing the following:
#1 Take a Nap
While this might sound cliche, napping is a great activity to do during your boring moments. If you’ve been up and about all day and you get to your hotel room or apartment feeling bored, hop on the bed and close your eyes. You’d wake up feeling refreshed and become clear about what you can do next.
#2 Watch Movies
Just one blockbuster movie could lighten up your mood when you’re blocked. Using applications like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video, you can stay in sync with your favorite TV shows and watch new movies with stellar ratings.
#3 Take a Course
James Altucher said that, “Every day, you reinvent yourself. You’re always in motion. But you decide every day: forward or backward.” You can keep learning and reinventing yourself while on your trip.
While there are several virtual learning platforms, we recommend the Talented Ladies Club. Here, you’ll get a hold of courses that teach you everything from using AI to create sales campaigns to finding a profitable business idea. Although the platform’s naming speaks towards women, men can also benefit from featured courses.
#4 Place a Sports Bet
Are you an avid fan of sports who also love to place some wagers and make money from your passion? If yes, you can place bets on select events. Before you begin though, make sure to check the local laws regarding sports betting.
Another thing you want to cross off your checklist is choosing a reliable bookmaker. Luckily, many guides and reviews like MightyTips are available to help in that regard. There are also respected tipsters like Kate Richardson who you can follow for expert tips and analysis to ensure you make correct selections that can ensure you win and receive a payout.
NOTE: Betting, when unchecked, can become addictive. To avoid this scenario from happening, it’ll be best to implement these top suggestions for responsible gambling and managing your bankroll at sportsbooks.
Parting shot
Travelling is fun. However, if you’d like your trip to be smooth-sailing and safe across the board, it’ll be best to use the seven applications in this guide. These apps are compatible with Android and iOS devices, promoting access regardless of OS. And in those rare moments when you get bored, consider the activities highlighted in this guide. Good luck and Bon Voyage.
The article was provided by Kate Richardson
