Here are my must-have travel apps the next time you jet set overseas! These were total lifesavers and all of them can be downloaded for FREE and most have an offline feature (which is good, because WIFI is an eternal struggle)!
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GOOGLE TRANSLATE – I’m sure this one is on everyone’s list if you are traveling where a different language is spoken. Don’t forget to download your favorite language so you can access offline when you are short on WIFI. Some of the features are:
• Translate between 103 languages by typing
• Tap to Translate: Copy text in any app and your translation pops up
• Offline: Translate 52 languages when you have no Internet
• Instant camera translation: Use your camera to translate text instantly in 30 languages
• Conversation Mode: Two-way instant speech translation in 32 language
Download here – Android or iPhone
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CURRENCY XCHANGE – I’m pretty handy when it comes to counting money but this was really convenient. All the world’s currencies at your fingertips! This free edition of the XE Currency Converter App not only provides live exchange rates and charts, you can also set an XE Rate Alert to monitor your favorite currencies for immediate notification.
Download here – Android or iPhone
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GOOGLE MAPS – Yes, you can use offline. In an international world where WIFI can be hard to come by, this is a MUST for anyone who wants to walk and map out their day. Features include:
• Real-time updates
• Beat traffic with real-time navigation, ETAs and traffic conditions
• Catch your bus, train, or ride-share with real-time transit info
• Save time with automatic re-routing based on live traffic, road closures and traffic incidents
• Navigation with lane guidance so you don’t miss a turn or exit and find pit stops along your route like gas stations and coffee spots
Download here – Android or iPhone
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TRIP ADVISOR – I love Trip Advisor even if I’m not traveling. Compare, review and browse restaurants, hotels, tour companies, events… it’s so easy to navigate and use.
• Browse millions of reviews, opinions, videos and candid photos by travelers
• Find the best hotel for you, including Travelers’ Choice award winners
• Explore restaurants by food type, price range, and rating
• Discover cool things to do in any destination
• Compare airfares and find great deals
• Use “Near Me Now” to discover options near you
• Get answers to your specific travel questions in the forums
Download here – Android or iPhone
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YELP – Yelp has over 100 million restaurant and business reviews worldwide, as well as tons of additional features to help you find the services that you’re looking for.
Whether you’re looking for a pizzeria near you or the best handyman in town, Yelp is your guide to finding the perfect places to eat, shop, drink, relax and play. Find reviews, locations and other important information for any business you’re looking for.
Download here – Android or iPhone
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WHAT’S APP – We were recently traveling abroad with a large party with different cell phones and plans and it was the ONLY way for all of us to communicate with one another. I’ve also read some people using Facebook Messenger as well but that only works if everyone has Facebook. SNAPCHAT also worked pretty well for us.
WhatsApp Messenger is a FREE messaging app available for Android and iPhone. WhatsApp uses your phone’s Internet connection (4G/3G/2G/EDGE or Wi-Fi, as available) to let you message and call friends and family. Switch from SMS to WhatsApp to send and receive messages, calls, photos, videos, documents, and Voice Messages.
Download here – Android or iPhone
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WI-FI FINDER – Never worry again about not finding a Wi-Fi internet connection. Wi-Fi Finder is simply the best app for finding free or paid public Wi-Fi hotspots online or offline—perfect for Skype users too!
• Scan for Wi-Fi hotspots around you
• Search for public Wi-Fi anywhere in the world
• View Wi-Fi hotspot detail, call location, get directions or share the hotspot
• Filter results by location (cafe, hotel, etc.) or provider type
• Works both online and offline
• Now available for both phones and tablets. We were told by businesses in Europe that they had WIFI only to find out it was as slow as your grandmother’s dial up so choose wisely and try and locate spots that have a strong signal.Download here – Android or iPhone
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UBER– You need it, even if you think you won’t use it or your country doesn’t have Uber, they are updating and adding cities daily so go ahead. We were pleasantly surprised when we arrived in Italy to find out our city did indeed have UBER! Yay us!
Requesting your Uber is easy—here’s how it works:
• Just open the app and tell us where you’re going.
• The app uses your location so your driver knows where to pick you up.
• You’ll see your driver’s picture, vehicle details, and can track their arrival on the map.
• Payment can be made by credit card, cash in select cities, Android Pay, PayPal, and more.
Use the Promo code HITTHEROAD and get $15 off your first ride! Download here – Android or iPhone
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YOUR AIRLINE CARRIER – If you are traveling anywhere, download the airline’s app. It makes it so much easier to keep up with delays, cancellations and rebooking if needed. We needed it on our return flight and it was handy to have. I’m also that traveler that likes all of my flight information in 5 spots, so this was a great little add on!
Until Next time!
