Smartphones, which have become a common, useful item in most parts of the world, are capable of greatly assisting traveler throughout the trip besides being used for communication purposes. Not only are they useful for planning the trip in advance, they can also be used to check up-to-date information while you are on the go, to receive real-time updates, and to solve various problems that might come up. Some apps cost money, either in themselves or by providing for-pay services, while many are for free – although few are free software. Most apps use the data connection, watch out unless you have a cheap plan.
Some of the most useful type of apps for travelers include:
Communication apps
Instant messaging and VoIP apps – for keeping in touch with friends and family back home if you can’t make ordinary calls or texts from the country you’re visiting, and for calling and messaging people without paying exorbitant fees. Prominent apps in this category nowadays include WhatsApp, WeChat and Line.
Real-time text translator apps – applications that are capable of automatically translating whole segments of text from one language into another. Some of the applications in this category can even translate texts in foreign languages on signs or other objects in the real world when the user points the smartphone towards those objects. The translation engines have improved dramatically, and now often give more or less correct translations (and more seldom gibberish), but some care is due, as they still may have gotten it all wrong. One of the most prominent apps in this category is Google Translate, which allows offline translation after downloading the desired language data.
Real-time speech to speech translation apps – applications that allow two people, who speak different languages, to communicate with each other through the application which recognizes the spoken words, and produces an audio output of the translated words so that both people can converse and understand each other. The apps in this category also aren’t capable yet of producing completely accurate translations.
Transportation apps
Before using these apps check you contract regarding international data roaming charges, these apps tend to transfer data continuously.
Public transport apps – many national and regional rail and bus companies have their own useful apps that allow their customers to search for ideal routes to find information about timetables more easily and perhaps buy tickets. There are also apps that consolidate the public transit information of several cities into one app.
Bike sharing locator apps – show where bicycles are available and where there are free slots to return the bike.
Speed trap warning apps – these applications are capable of warning drivers when they are about to approach speed traps and/or of locations where traffic police might be waiting for people speeding. The apps with the latter feature usually relay on data provided by the app users. One of the most popular apps in this category is Waze. Blitzer.de (works in English and German) has fixed cameras in Europe and reliable for mobile cameras in Germany, as well as warnings of stationary traffic.
Vehicle locator apps – these applications are especially useful to keep a memo of the exact location in which you parked your vehicle so that you’ll be able to easily locate it later on (it can be especially useful if you have parked the vehicle in a very large parking lot or on the street of an unfamiliar bustling city). Some map apps include this feature as a plugin.
Fuel price apps – these applications allow drivers to access current fuel prices in any desired area (given that the app has the needed data). Many of these allow users to report any price changes (for safety and legal reasons, don’t do this while driving).
Navigation apps
Map apps – Smartphones nowadays come with built-in GPS navigation and map applications, which can access detailed online maps of the entire world. One can also download additional map applications which are often free; some allow you to download detailed maps, making them useful also without internet access. The map applications can help you locate the hotels, businesses and attractions. Many map applications also provide traffic reports and are able to direct you through alternative routes in case of road traffic congestion. Some applications in this category can give warnings when speeding.
Location Specific Apps – Locations such as museums, zoos, public transit authorities, airports, university campuses, and other large institutions may offer their own app. Features differ per app, but common functions include schedules with realtime updates on ongoing events, indoor maps, real time bus or shuttle information, and or dining information.
Compass apps – Many smartphones nowadays are capable of working as compasses using two or three built-in sensors. This solutions is not as robust as a traditional compass, but can be handy in some situations.
The Wikivoyage app – Allows access to all Wikivoyage articles without an Internet connection.
Miscellaneous
Camera and photo editing apps – Almost all smartphones nowadays include a built-in camera. This means there is no need to carry a separate camera, unless you need features not provided by the integrated one. Simple photo editing can be done with smartphone apps, allowing nearly immediate upload also when some fixes are needed. Still the power and better screen of an ordinary computer is an advantage if doing anything more complicated.
Weather forecast apps – With smartphones one can get up-to-date weather information in the area you are currently at. Many weather applications are also able to provide fairly accurate weather forecasts for a specific hour in a specific day and use the GPS receiver of your mobile device to provide you with information relevant to your location at any time. There are also SMS services for the same purpose.
Disaster alert apps – Countries exposed to natural disasters sometimes have an official app, for instance the Japanese governments offers an app that rings an alert as soon as an incoming earthquake is detected. Some phone models also have a small FM radio embedded inside. With the right app, this allows you to listen to music or news even if the cellular network goes down. These are different from the more common Internet radio apps, which rely on a constant cellular connection.
Booking apps – Many applications allow the users to search for airline tickets, hotels, car rentals, cruises, etc. The search results can usually be sorted by price. (See Aggregators.) Airline and hotel chain specific apps can be useful for specific bookings, update of flight status
Flashlight apps – many smartphones include this as a built-in feature which turns on the backlight of the phone screen on full power, making the phone useful as a flash-light when needed. Third party apps can add features such as a strobing light for increased visibility in an emergency.
Apps for locating particular services in an unfamiliar city, such as WiFi hotspots, gyms, or vegetarian restaurants.
Rating and social badge collecting are apps for reviewing products and combined with recording your activities to collect points/badges. For example w:Untappd for beer enthusiasts.
Banking apps – These let you monitor your balance, check for inflated fees, and transfer money if needed. Especially if the app is not provided by the bank, be aware that it can do anything you yourself could do with your banking codes. Using a banking app on your own phone is usually more secure than logging in from an Internet café, though if it keeps you logged in, your banking information may be vulnerable if your phone is stolen. Please note that banks might ban entire countries from connecting to their website, and it’s a good idea to let them know about your travel plans in advance. If accessing your bank account while abroad is not an option, some apps simply act as a digital checkbook, allowing you to track expenses.
Stay safe
Many apps need, require or ask for access to location, personal data or other privileges that should not be given to programs you do not trust. Usually the problem is that the company associated with the app collects personal information, but the app could also compromise your overall security.