Exploring with apps
Whether it's the fascination that has grown for India through Slumdog Millionaire, or how beautiful Bali looks in Eat Pray Love, or how New Zealand's appears as Middle Earth in Lord of the Rings, travel has never been more glamorised by the film industry as it is today.
Every year more and more people are inspired to travel and tour the world, which has the travel industry growing by leaps and bounds despite the economic downturn. Here are the top ten apps that can revolutionize, organise and simplify your journey.
1. MobilyTrip
This free app works on iOS as well as Android devices, and lets you create journal entries of your journey. It also allows you to download excellent city guides with plenty of information on points of interest.
2. Google Flights
Google Flights is a free flight-search site that enables you to find round-trip, one-way, and multi-city flights. Once you want to make a purchase, it will redirect you to another site.
3. Hipmunk
Hipmunk, which works on Android, iOS and Web, is probably the best app for a budget traveller, as it shows affordable flights and non-traditional lodging options such as cheap rental rooms and apartments from AirBnb and Homeaway.
4. Packing Pro
Another iPhone app that comes at a price of 1.99 dollars, it surely will come cheaper than checking in extra luggage at the airport. Give Packing Pro details about the length of your journey, where you are headed and the number of people accompanying you, and it will give you a list of essentials to pack.
5. TravelSafe Pro
You can never be too safe while travelling - but TravelSafe Pro gives you a shot at it as it provides an international database of emergency numbers for police, embassies, fire engines, etcetera that can be of use in case of any emergencies while travelling.
6. PinPin ATM finder
If you land yourself in a shady part of town with no money for a cab ride home, this free iPhone app could come handy as it has ATM listings of 220 countries. If you've got funds in your account, this app will point you towards a working ATM.
7. TripIt - Travel planner
Have too many details about flights and hotel confirmations? TripIt lets you convert them all into an itinerary that you can view on your phone.
8. Wi-Fi Finder
Who doesn't need Wi-Fi while travelling? This free app tells you where you can find free or paid Wi-Fi from "500,000 locations listed worldwide".
9. JetLag Genie
Jetlag and travel are like Matt Damon and Ben Affleck - BFFs forever. Once you've specified your flight time, sleep patterns and location visited, it will tell you the best course of action to follow.
10. Google Goggles
If you're busy exploring and come across a building or any object, really, that catches your eye but can't find information about it, take a picture of it. This free app's recognition algorithm will offer articles explaining exactly what it is.