Smartphone Apps for travelers

Forget planning your trip. You can make it up as you go along! A smart phone is critical if you are a traveler who likes to "wing it".Go to the app store and install all of these apps (most are free) and drag them into a folder for quick access. ### Booking [Kayak](https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/kayak/id305204535?mt=8) - flights, hotels, cars - global but first pick for the US. [Booking.com](https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/booking.com-hotel-reservations/id367003839?mt=8) - hotels - first choice for Europe [Agoda](https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/agoda.com-smarter-hotel-booking/id440676901?mt=8) - hotels - first choice for Asia [OpenTable](https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/opentable/id296581815?mt=8) - restaurants in the US [AirB&B](https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/airbnb/id401626263?mt=8) - rent apartments / rooms from the locals anywhere #### Recommendations [Yelp](https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/yelp/id284910350?mt=8) - Restaurants, Hotels - global but most effective in the US [TripAdvisor ](https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/tripadvisor-hotels-flights/id284876795?mt=8)- best all around recommendations and reviews for lodging [WikiHood ](https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/wikihood/id317776221?mt=8)- takes your current position and shows you all of the WikiPedia articles about stuff around you. Recently started crashing when you go to the actual article but still fascinating. #### Guidebooks [Tripso](https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/triposo/id467053028?mt=8) - free and works offline - download the city or country for a lot of WikiTravel information. Note you will see hundreds of Tripso apps that are specific to a place but all you need is this one. [mTrip Guides ](https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mtrip-travel-guide/id604184269?mt=8)- pay $5 for each location - offline - a little more polished but has gaps too. Others - many disappointing apps and guides available as eBooks. Not sure if and when major guides like Lonely Planet will get their act together. #### Getting around [Google maps ](https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/google-maps/id585027354?mt=8)- Works well but requires an internet connection. Also great for public transportation. [OffMaps2](https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/offmaps-2-offline-maps/id403232367?mt=8) - Download maps and Wikipedia to allow usage when no internet connection is available. A few maps for free, then buy more. [Waze](https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/waze-social-gps-maps-traffic/id323229106?mt=8) - now owned by Google, excellent GPS for driving but also requires an internet connection.

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#### Communication [Skype ](https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/skype-for-iphone/id304878510?mt=8)- Pay $10 and you can call real phones anywhere in the world when internet is available goPostal - Upload your picture and text and GoPostal sends a real postcards via snail mail. $1.29 per card. [Google Translate](https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/google-translate/id414706506?mt=8) - requires an internet connection but will convert any text to any language. [iConvert ](https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/iconvert/id287490053?mt=8)- convert currency, liters, or just about anything else. [Free WiFi Finder](https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/free-wi-fi-finder/id307217005?mt=8) Directory of free Wifi hotspots that works offline if you choose the download option. #### Itinerary and important info [TripIt](https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/tripit-travel-organizer-free/id311035142?mt=8) - forward the email of your flight, hotels, etc. and they the show up as organized plans in the app. Will warn you about changes to flights and gates. [Google Drive ](https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/google-drive/id507874739?mt=8)(or DropBox, EverNote, etc.) - Put copies of important documents (like a passport) and they are available offline. If you keep a diary, put it in a document and edit from anywhere. *All links are for IOS but most apps are also available for Android.* Related [How to get cellular internet outside your country.](http://blog.seandippold.com/2010/03/gsm-phone-for-worldwide-travel.html)