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Apps to Help You Travel Like a Pro
Traveling can be painless when you’re fully prepared for your next trip. Although no one likes to think of all the bad things that can happen, there’s plenty of difficulties you might run into during your vacation. Luckily, in the world of modern technology there's so many ways to easily avoid annoying problems such as finding a last-minute hotel room, booking a flight, or renewing your passport without leaving your home. Here’s some of our favorite apps to make your next adventure the best one yet!
Google Translate
Always a go-to for travelers, Google Translate just keeps getting better. They recently incorporated 'word lens' technology to allow you to translate signs and written words in real-time. Just hold your phone's camera up to the sign, and watch it work its magic! Though it works best with street signs and other clear lettering, it does an admirable job of working with written words and phrases too. No longer will street signs lord over you on your travels.
Download for iPhone
Download for Android
ItsEasy
A very quick and easy way to renew your passport - just like taking a selfie. This app will email all the forms you need and turn your phone into a passport camera. Mail the completed documents to ItsEasy using the trackable USPS priority overnight airbill provided by the app and you’ll receive your new passport in two - three weeks. You can pay all the necessary fees on the app and all you need to worry about is planning your next trip.
Only works in the US
Download for iPhone
Download for Android
Travel + Leisure Travel Guide
Need help planning your next adventure? Curated by locals, this app makes traveling taste like cake. It offers customized or planned itineraries, maps out your daily activities/routes (for the sake of organization), personal weather guide, and provide insider scoops on the best hotels, restaurants, bars, and shops. Easy to access city guides and itineraries are also available for offline use - no Wi-Fi or data plan needed! Leave it to the pros and let T+L handle your travel plans.
Download for iPhone
Download for Android
Guides by Lonely Planet
Lonely Planet’s new app Guides will give you all sorts of resources to prep your next adventure. Getting to the heart of a city has never been easier. Find the perfect activity with precise filtering and discover the best vibe that's right for you with neighborhood guides.
Packed with must see sights, navigate with offline maps, budget guides based on your daily spend, and a currency converter you can explore several cities with the help of one app. No WiFi? No problem. Everything, including maps and phrasebooks works offline so you can avoid roaming charges abroad. Guides is a trustworthy travel app that will help you make the most of your experience.
Download for iPhone
Download for Android
Hopper
Hopper is an award-winning travel app that includes no spam, no ads, and no popups. If this hasn’t caught your attention already - Hopper is a fast app that predicts the cheapest prices for flights with 95% accuracy. All you have to do is tell the app which city you want to to visit and it provides a calendar with price breakdowns for round trip flights that also offer different dates. Besides booking a trip you can choose to watch the trip, which sends an alert when the price drops and lets you know the date you need to book before the price increases. Compare prices and amenities from over 250 airlines around the world. Hopper told Tech Insider it saves a typical user about $50 (and in some cases as much as $1,300) per flight by using the price prediction feature. It's a great way to find the cheapest flight and also convenient because it allows you to book flights without leaving the app. Buying cheap flights has never been easier - in 60 seconds or less with just a few taps and a swipe. Download Hopper and let’s start planning your trip!
Download for iPhone
Download for Android
Roadtrippers
The only app you need for the “Great American Roadtrip” that lets you create custom itineraries while showing you hidden treasures. Road tripping is one of the best adventures in American culture. If you’re planning an epic cross-country road trip or a weekend getaway, with Roadtrippers you're always a couple minutes away from something even more awesome. With this app you can discover millions of places, like local diners, quirky roadside attractions, scenic drives, national parks, and affordable hotels. Friends can add suggestions to your itinerary and travel with their favorite navigation app. Note: this app is currently USA-focused only.
Download for iPhone
Download for Android
Wifi Map
Let’s be real: everyone loves free WiFi. Download the largest Wi-Fi community in the world and get free internet instantly. WiFi Map includes access to hotspots, passwords and insider tips from Wifi Map users. Besides access to free internet, it also features millions of WiFi hotspots worldwide, smart search, map navigation, and ability to share hotspot locations with your friends.
Download for iPhone
Airbnb
Bar none the best app to book the best vacation homes. Not only does Airbnb offer lodging and a new way of earning income, the app now features all kinds of wild adventures or specialized “Experience” to guests. You can discover the secrets to truffling, learn how to surf, find hidden hiking trails, and immerse yourself in real-deal Italian homes by taking a cooking class. All in all Airbnb has figured out how to accommodate the best hospitality/activities for adventure seekers.
Download for iPhone
Download for Android