Must have Android travel apps
2012 is passing at the speed of light and August is upon us already, meaning that we are right in the middle of summer holiday season. Whether you’re holidaying in the UK or abroad, don’t forget that your smartphone or tablet can be a very useful resource while travelling and exploring new places. Here are ten handy Android apps for travelling.
Lose the paper itinerary and keep track of all of your holiday plans in one app. Forward your email flight, restaurant, hotel and any other reservations and booking confirmations to TripIt and the essential information will be stored ready for you access with just a few taps. What’s more, you will be able to view all of your documents without internet access. Other great features include sharing with friends and family, daily weather forecasts and information and directions to local restaurants, businesses and attractions. Premium version also includes live flight alerts and more.
Free basic version, full version costs £2.54
Hipmunk allows you to book flights and hotels on the go but displays its search results in a wholly different way. Rather than sorting purely by price, Hipmunk takes into consideration factors such as total travelling time, total number of stops and others which contribute to what they call “agony”. Maps show exactly where you will be staying and allow you to choose an area to stay in based on what you want from your trip. Heatmaps show the best areas for things such as food, nightlife and landmarks. Bookings can be synced between mobile and desktop.
Free
This app does pretty much what it says on the tin! Translate text into any of the 64 available languages, either by typing text or speaking into your phone. There are also a few extra features such as spelling the word for languages such as Chinese and Arabic where a different alphabet is used and saving translations for quick future access.
Free
While Google Translate (and other translation apps) work fantastically when you want to input some text for translation, what about those times where you come up against a sign or menu you want to read? Google Goggles lets you translate text by simply taking a photo of it using your phone’s camera. That’s not all it can do; take a photo of a landmark, product, store front, piece of art etc. for detailed information about the object. The app is a mine of useful information!
Free
Not just for holidays, Poynt can come in very handy when you’re stuck for something to do at home too. Search for local businesses, restaurants, offers and events wherever you are and use the reviews from real people to make your decision. Once you’ve chosen where to go, many places will even let you make your booking via the app.
Free
This one is definitely a must when travelling abroad. Most of us will have unwittingly spent more than we would like on holiday because we haven’t worked out the exchange rate correctly. Luckily, this handy app means it need never happen again! Convert between currencies instantly.
Free
CoPilot Live Mobile Navigation
If you’re planning a driving holiday and do not already own a standalone sat nav unit, it is well worth investing in this app. Turn by turn navigation, interactive route editing and a choice of three routes before you set off are just a few of the excellent features. This particular version includes UK & Ireland maps, which will be downloaded to your Android device for offline access, meaning that you will not incur any data roaming charges. Other European maps are also available for download.
£18.99 for UK & Ireland version, £29.99 for European version
This is an amazing resource for those who love to have their favourite music with them at all times. Subscribing to Spotify Premium lets you listen to unlimited streamed music, create playlists, share with friends and even listen offline. It’s definitely worth building a few playlists and making them available offline before you travel. If you don’t mind using data while you’re away, or have access to Wi-Fi, it’s also a great way to discover new music and create the soundtrack to your trip!
Free app and limited listening, monthly subscription for Premium
If you want to add a touch of something different to your holiday snaps, Instagram is the app for you. Use the range of filters, borders and effects to edit your photos, then share with your friends and family once you’re done.
Free
Don’t make expensive international calls while you’re away; use Skype for free video calls and messaging. As long as you have a working Wi-Fi or 3G connection, Skype-to-Skype calls and instant messaging are free and you can avail of greatly reduced calls to both mobile and landline numbers. Cheap text, video and photo messaging is also included.
Free
cushion the impact provides award winning personal and virtual assistance and customised lifestyle management for hard working and hard living individuals and small business owners. We know there aren’t enough hours in the day, so let us help you live an organised, efficient, & fulfilling life. Take a deep breath & call us today. Your personal service awaits!
