The tech world isn’t lacking when it comes to apps for travel. From the initial planning stages to hailing a taxi to get you home from the airport, there is most assuredly an app–or two–for that. With all of those choices out there, where do you begin without feeling completely overwhelmed? Below are five of the top apps for travel, easy enough for even the most technologically challenged to navigate.
Travel Organization: TripIt
Never again will you be stuck at airport security digging through your bag for papers or frantically unzipping suitcase compartments in front of an impatient front-desk clerk. TripIt is a free travel itinerary app that allows you to simply forward all of your confirmation emails to the apps email address and–voila!–you now have a master itinerary at your fingertips. The best part is that you can access your information from anywhere, even when you’re offline. The all-in-one app even integrates with smart watches. Download at TripIt.com.
Vacation Planning: TripAdvisor
If you’ve ever taken a trip, or even just thought about taking a trip, odds are you eventually found yourself on the TripAdvisor website. Now you can access the “ultimate guidebook” right from your mobile device, making it a must-have for vacation planning. This one-stop-shop allows you to do everything from browse millions of reviews, make dinner reservations for an eatery that strikes your fancy (filtering by food type, price point, or other parameters), and then even call an Uber to pick you up. You can book flights and hotels and browse through its comprehensive city guides before you leave, and then once you’ve arrived at your destination, you can use the the handy Near Me Now to discover points of interest in close proximity. Download at TripAdvisor.
Hotel Discounts: HotelCoupons.com App
If you’re reading this, you’ve likely already discovered just how great of a resource HotelCoupons.com is for planning a vacation without breaking the bank. And now, with the site’s newly revised mobile app, they’re making it even easier to get the lowest rate on your last-minute lodgings. You can search for deals using your current location and other filters, or pick the perfect match by browsing hotel photos and videos (you can even see a street-view of the property!). The app also allows you to access walk-in coupon rates at up to 25 percent off and save coupons for later use–ensuring you’re getting the best price possible. Download the HotelCoupons app.
Cheap Flights: Hopper
One of the most nerve-wracking things about buying plane tickets is deciding when to pull the trigger and purchase them. But fear not, for Hopper has come to the rescue! First, use the app to search for the dates you’d like to travel on the color-coded calendar. It’ll tell you if you should wait or book. With just one tap, you can add the flight to your watchlist, but if you’re recommended to buy, you can seamlessly purchase and book. By using tons of data, the app has a 95% accuracy rate, which means you can rest assured that you’ve gotten the cheapest flight possible. Download at Hopper.com.
Layover Help: SmartLayover
Sometimes there just aren’t any direct flights. Sometimes the weather betrays you. Sometimes you oversleep. Whatever the reason, SmartLayover is there to help you make the most of those interim hours stuck in the airport (or help you get deals on hotels and alternate flights if you’re going to be awhile). Search for discounts at food establishments and retail shops, check security wait times, and familiarize yourself with terminal maps. If you have enough downtime, you can book a sightseeing tour available in the vicinity or find a nearby activity in over more than 100 major cities, so you’re not spending your extra hours twiddling your thumbs on the airport floor. Download at SmartLayover.com.
