Mobile phones have infinite potential to enhance and enrich our lives. However, you’re not using your iPhone to its full potential if you’re not taking advantage of the many amazing apps aimed at making life easier, more efficient, and all-around better. This is especially true when it comes to traveling. Whether you are a beginner, experienced, or expert traveler, read on for a roundup of five of the best travel apps to download before your next trip.
1. Hotel Tonight
By now most of us are familiar with hotel booking apps like Hotels.com and Priceline, but Hotel Tonight is geared specifically at finding unbeatable deals for last-minute travelers. Hotel Tonight lets you choose from categories such as “basic,” charming,” “solid,” “hip,” “luxe,” and “highroller” so if you’ve got some flexibility, you’re guaranteed to find precisely the vibe you’re looking for at an incredible price.
We especially like Hotel Tonight’s Daily Drop feature, which lets you swipe once a day to find a personalized deal at a special price. It’s only valid for 15 minutes after being unlocked, though, so be prepared to move quickly.
Fans of Hotel Tonight will also want to make sure to sign up for HT Perks, the app’s extensive, nine-level rewards program.
2. TripIt
Keeping track of all of your itineraries is anything but fun, and isn’t that the whole point of travel? TripIt takes the stress out of the equation by consolidating all of your travel details in one handy location. No matter where you book, just forward your confirmation emails to TripIt, and in a matter of seconds you’ll have a comprehensive master itinerary for your trip.
TripIt also makes it a snap to easily share your travel plans with others – just one of the many reasons why it’s one of the best travel planning apps around. Raves one user of this organizational godsend, “I’m on the road 100 days a year and TripIt is my go-to-app. It’s such a powerful tool in the hands of a traveler. There’s simply nothing like it on the planet.”
3. PackPoint
For many travelers, “pack” is a four-letter word. This ingenious app is designed to minimize stress and maximize convenience in the days leading up to your trip. Just put in your destination, the length of your trip, planned activities, and other relevant details, and PackPoint will create a customized packing list. It couldn’t be easier to use and integrates with other popular apps, including TripIt and Evernote.
PackPoint is so outstanding, that it recently claimed Fodor’s Best Travel App award. “Because it can predict what you’ll need based not only on your destination but the weather report; whether you’re headed for business, pleasure, or adventure; popular local activities; and other smart information, it can save your packing bacon before you leave the house,” enthuses Fodor’s.
4. LoungeBuddy
Let’s face it: Airports aren’t exactly the most inviting places to spend your time. Airport lounges, on the other hand, can be downright swank. Enter LoungeBuddy. Just create a trip and LoungeBuddy will tell you which lounges you have access to in your arrival and departure destinations. If you don’t have access, LoungeBuddy will help you make the purchase – in mere seconds.
Not sure whether a particular lounge is worth it? Not only are airport lounges placed into four distinct categories depending on how modest or extravagant they are, but you’ll also find detailed information on featured amenities as well as personal reviews shared by other lounge-goers.
5. TheFork
Frequent foodie travelers within the United States are likely familiar with OpenTable. However, what if you’re headed abroad and looking for the best local restaurants, bars, and eateries? Look no further than TheFork, one of the best travel apps for Europe and beyond.
Like OpenTable but available in more than 4,000 cities in 11 countries, TheFork lets you browse more than 30,000 restaurants by category, check reviews, and make reservations. Plus, many restaurants on the app offer discounts to diners who reserve through the app. There’s also a reward system, YUMS, which grants generous points culminating in generous meal discounts.
Traveling is one of life’s greatest pleasures, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make your next trip even better. These five apps all have the potential to help you be more organized, comfortable, and satisfied – wherever in the world your wanderlust takes you.
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