The popularity of both Android and iOS mobile devices has led to the development of apps for just about everything including an assortment of tools designed to make your next business trip or vacation more enjoyable. With so many app choices available it may seem overwhelming for many people. Which apps work? Which ones don’t? And, of course, are these travel apps worth paying for? Check out this list of five must-have premium travel apps all designed to make your next trip much more enjoyable.
- FlightTrack
Anyone who has spent time staring at display screens in an airport terminal knows how frustrating it can be trying to find a specific flight number and other pertinent information. FlightTrack is an extremely popular mobile app that offers users real time flight status updates for flights around the world. Gate changes, delays, cancellations and live weather radar updates make this app one of the most powerful tools available for any air traveler.
For those who travel often, FlightTrack Pro is slightly more expensive but offers additional features over the base app including the ability to get real time itinerary updates without retyping flight information every time.
- LocalEats
Have you ever been to a large city full of good restaurants you have never heard of? LocalEats is a way to connect travelers with local restaurants in over 50 major U.S. cities. Although the quantity of listings offered by LocalEats is relatively small, the app boasts some of the best dining choices of any food-related app. You won’t find any chain restaurants in this app, just high-quality dining options typically only enjoyed by the locals of the city you’re visiting.
- Google Translate
Traveling in a foreign country where English is not the primary language can be scary. Reading street signs, asking for directions, and even ordering a meal can be extremely difficult. Fortunately, Google Translate offers easy, intuitive translation for 41 languages using Google's algorithm to ensure accuracy at the touch of a button. Word Lens mode can even instantly translate text in images that you take. Download it through the App Store or Google Play.
- eCurrency Currency Converter
Just as it can be difficult to navigate without command of the native language in a foreign city it is also extremely frustrating when travelers are forced to use unfamiliar currency for everyday purchases. eCurrency provides travelers with up-to-date exchange rate information for over 190 countries. Exchange rates are pulled daily from the European Central Bank and other sources to ensure accurate information no matter where you travel, but it's only available on the iPhone.
- TripIt
For the best all-encompassing travel app look no further than TripIt. This powerful app allows you to keep all your important travel plans in one place, conveniently synced with your smartphone and available online via any web browser. With the ability to automatically sort through emails and recognize reservations from over 3,000 booking sites it’s no wonder Fortune Magazine named TripIt one of the “Best Five Apps for Business” in 2011.
Traveling (whether for business or a much-needed vacation) becomes much easier and more enjoyable once these powerful mobile travel tools are working to make your next trip the best one ever.
