With the l
ong weekend soon, we thought it would be a good time to highlight some great travel apps that can be useful for both business and leisure. Well, some can be used for business at least.
TripIt
About the app: Ideal for business travellers, this clever app collates data from flight, hotel and rental car confirmation numbers you send it to create an itinerary.
Best function: TripIt (which works with more than 250 travel sites and agencies) also provides weather forecasts and maps relating to the destinations on your itinerary, which you can access offline.
Compatible with: iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Android, Blackberry, Windows Phone 7.
World Customs & Cultures
About the app: Not sure whether to shake hands, bow or fist-bump? World Customs gives you the lowdown on greetings, taboos, local laws and more in 165 countries.
Best function: The ‘random’ tab displays a peculiar custom for every country — perfect for occupying yourself during long plane trips.
Compatible with: iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch.
Gorilla cam
About the app: Brought to you by the folks who developed the Gorillapod flexible tripod, this app helps you to maximise photo ops with your smartphone camera. Features include self-timer, time-lapse, anti-shake and more.
Best function: Perfectionists will love lining up the perfect shot with the bubble level tab. The app also offers tips on how to take the perfect picture with your smartphone.
Compatible with: iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Android.
Booking.com Hotels
About the app: A brilliant app to easily compare different accommodation options. Allows for bookings without fees.
Best function: Special deals mean cheaper room rates than through the actual hotel/motel.
Runner up function is the bookings list which means if you are staying in multiple places you have a nice list of all of them regardless of which hotel etc.
Compatible with: iPhone, iPad, Android, Blackberry, Windows Phone 7.
XE Currency
About the app: Thwart greedy moneychangers with this handy app that allows you to import your favourite currencies for comparison.
Best function: Once you have imported the currencies, you can convert offline at the most recent rate you used.
Compatible with: iPhone, iPad, Android, Blackberry, Windows Phone 7.
Off Exploring
About the app: If you’re not a Facebook fan (or just not keen on letting grandma in on your social networking banter), this app lets you type up a blog, add a location and photographs and post it on the website for your friends and family to follow.
Best function: You can update your blog anytime and sync it when you find a WiFi hotspot. And if your camera died at the Taj Mahal, you can choose from a range of stock photos to add to your blog.
Compatible with: iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch.
Tripadvisor
About the app: Browse for hotels, restaurants, attractions and more around the globe, and read reviews from millions who have been there before you.
Best function: The Near Me Now tool provides options near your current location or an address you enter, and the Virtual Tour tab generates a street-level view.
Compatible with: iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Adroid, Nokia, Palm, Windows Mobile.
WiFi Finder
About the app: Avoid exorbitant hotel internet fees with this app that tracks more than 545,000 WiFi hotspots in 144 countries.
Best function: When you find the location you want to use, the app provides directions and a phone number — handy if you want to reserve a table at a popular WiFi café.
Compatible with: iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch. Android
“your airline here” flight app
About the app: most airlines have apps for travellers to use these days to check in, track flights, compare prices etc.
Best function: depending on the airline or frequent flyer program, some apps are more useful of interesting than others.
Compatible with: iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch. Android (depending on Airline/rewards program)
And one worth paying for …
Find A Park Holiday Parks Australasia
About the app: Winner of the travel category at the 2011 Australian Mobile Awards, Find A Park locates the closest caravan or holiday park for those on the move around Australia.
Best function: Taking the hassle out of your camping holiday, the app also displays park facilities such as WiFi and kitchens, nearby attractions and more.
Compatible with: iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch. $1.99.
Some information from ninemsn.com, the Apple App store and Google Play.
