by Danielle Andrews, President and Co-founder of The Wedding Planners institute of Canada Inc.
Let’s face it, technology has changed the way we live, work, and travel. While there’s an app for just about anything, for every useful app there are a dozen or more not-so-useful ones.
As Destination Wedding Professionals apps can be wonderful resources and tools to help us in our travels. If you were to click on my Travel Folder on my phone, you would find 3 pages of apps. I have tried to curate these apps to only include what I will actually find helpful.
Before you embark on your next trip, consider downloading these (actually useful!) travel apps to help make your planning and the journey itself run smoothly.
Airline Apps
I download the app for every airline I fly with before getting on the plane, and you should too. It will usually give you access to the onboard entertainment system (once on board) and you will receive any updates with changes to your flight. Often, you will get text updates even before the service desk and airport computers show the changes.
Another perk is that you can check in online through the app and your paperless boarding pass is right on your phone. Another perk is some airline apps let you bid on seat and class upgrades. I once got an upgrade from Economy to First Class in Colombia for $26.
Packpoint
Travelers who hate packing, rejoice! Packpoint takes the guesswork out of packing and shows you what to bring based on the length of your journey, the weather in your destination, and the activities planned.
Packpoint even accounts for washing and wearing your clothes multiple times throughout your trip. All you have to do to get started is download the app and enter your travel details – easy packing is just a few clicks away!
Lounge Buddy
Regardless of which airline or class you’re flying, Lounge Buddy offers access to premium airport lounges around the world. When you enter your trip details, the app advises which lounges you have access to based on the airports you pass through. The app will also tell you how to purchase access to a lounge if you don’t have it already. If you have a long stop-over, its more than worth paying the entry fee for somewhere comfortable to sit and have access to the included food and drinks, I’ve done this for a 13-hour lay-over in Mexico City. Check your credit card, airline lounge access may be one of the perks they offer their cardholders too.
Timeshifter
Traveling through different time zones? Timeshifter will help you avoid jet lag long before you take off, as well as offering in-flight and post-flight suggestions. The app itself relies on neuroscience and circadian rhythm research and creates a personalized plan for you based on your age, gender, sleep patterns, and specifics surrounding your travel plans.
Calm
One of the most popular meditation and sleep apps on the market, Calm offers an array of themed meditations, sleep stories, and music. Meditation topics run the gamut and include self-awareness, calming anxiety, breathing, lowering stress levels, and happiness.
White Noise
Similar to Calm, White Noise is a sleep app. (on Apple, on Google Play) If you are like me and sleep with a fan on every night, this will help you feel at home wherever you may be. I use this every night while traveling. Tip: I have found that the “Brown Noise” sounds most like a fan.
XE Currency Converter
The XE Currency Converter app will keep you from getting swindled on those exchange rates the next time you’re abroad! Providing live up-to-the-minute rates that you can store and view off-line, you’ll be glad you had this techy travel companion to keep track of your funds.
Google Translate
Easy to use and navigate, Google Translate allows users to translate over 100 languages while typing, access 59 languages off-line, and translate bilingual conversations into over 70 languages. (on Apple, on Google Play) It’s fast, it’s free, and it’s convenient for travelers who want to get around and communicate with those around them.
TripWhistle
Safety is paramount when traveling, and TripWhistle is built around just that. Users can map their location to send to loved ones, along with GPS coordinates. TripWhistle also offers emergency numbers for firefighters, police, and medical personnel in over 200 countries (don’t forget, 911 is just for North America!).
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