The only thing you can buy that will make you richer is travelling so if you are lucky enough to have a getaway soon we shortlisted the best travel apps on the market and the new trends worth keeping on mind. With so many apps on the market, the choice was everything but simple, however, we wanted to test them ourselves to focus on those that are really useful, before filling the smartphone with more apps to be deleted soon. So without further ado, these are the apps we recommend:
READY: Before you go
Minube
This startup was originally launched in Spain and has become popular worldwide after being featured regularly on Google Play. It is a social network with pics and short descriptions of every single spot in the world worth seeing, contributed by the travellers themselves. Its design is very simple and makes it easy and quick to get an overview on your destiny and also to share your experiences afterwards. The best part: you can also save the cards to check them offline! If you do have data, Minube will track your route to display the recommended spots around you. Free download for iOS and Android.
Airline Baggage
We took the plunge and tried this new travel app with great potential! It calculates if your luggage fits with the restrictions imposed by your flight company. Should I pay an extra for my handbag or is it included? Can I take my ski equipment for free having an economy class flight ticket? All your doubts will be solved in a minute overviewing the restrictions of the most common flight companies on Airline Bagagge. We love the UX! Get yours for free on iOS and Android.
Skyscanner
Europe is a great continent to fly for cheap and peep into different countries due to small distances, and Skyscanner is one of the best price comparators to do so, although it works worldwide. This app will find you the cheapest flights at any time. Introduce your route and it will spit out the best offers from flight and travel companies. Select one and it will redirect you to the official page to purchase your flights with no intermediary costs. This travel app has more than 10 millions of users and there are updates every few minutes to ensure the best deals. Free for iOS and Android.
STEADY: On your way
Btrfly
How cool is it to be all excited about getting into the plane and meeting someone who shares the same illusion? What if you can actually easily make a new travelmate or find a new friend? Btrfly connects people in the waiting rooms of the airports to break the monotony and enjoy a nice coffee and chat before the departure. What we love is that is super easy: you just drop a few lines about yourself, introduce your flight and airport and the app will connect you to other passengers waiting nearby. Free for iOS.
Flyover Country
Whoever said that the trip starts at the moment you leave home was absolutely right! Now you can enjoy every step in your trip with this Flyover Country. You will discover what is under your feet, whether is a mountain range, a city or even well known monuments that you are flying over. What is truly spectacular is that it combines hundreds of databases, including Wikipedia, to show you the history of the spots on your route. All you need to do is save your route before you get on board and the app automatically downloads the information to display it on flight-mode. Free for iOS and Android.
GO: On your destiny
Moovit
Moovit is a must-have app that combines all the transport options to help you move around in a new city. Did you know that if you walk five minutes to that tram stop instead of going to the underground it will save you half an hour of your precious time abroad? Or that if you take two metro stations on that line and then take that bus you will be there in 15 minutes? The maps and timetables are very precise to help you arrive easy and fast. Also, it brings you updated information about strikes, closed roads and traffic jams. Feels like a native with Moovit. Free for iOS and Android.
Wave Application
Wave Application is a geolocation app that was created to share live location between friends. While travelling with more people, you rarely all want to do the same thing: while others love sightseeing, others want to go shopping or to the beach. With Wave you don’t have to worry about it in a strange city; just open a group Wave and you know where your travel buddies are. When you get hungry (or thirsty!), just chat with them in the app and set a meeting point in the real time map! Simple and easy! Free for iOS and Android.
XE Currency
Keep in mind how much you are spending, even if your pocket is full of money that seems unreal and strange. XE Currency will display you the current exchange rate of any currency in the world in just a few seconds. It also works without internet, keeping the latest value displayed while connected to Internet. Very useful and simple, a handy tool to carry on abroad. Free on iOS and Android.
TripAdvisor
If you were already wondering, we actually have some applications to ensure you a delicious local menu in every place you visit. If traveling is eating Tripadvisor is the most complete social network in the world to find the ideal restaurant, call and book directly and place it on the map. It also reviews hotels, apartments and monuments. Every time you are hungry, trust the opinions of thousands of people who have been there before you and who have enjoyed the day with a good meal. Free for iOS and Android.
Airbnb
Airbnb was once a website to find cheap accommodation by looking for particular houses that were rented on holidays. Today it’s a worldwide network where you can find a palace or an igloo to rent for your holidays, as well as a cosy apartment on the city centre of Paris. Anywhere you go, Airbnb connects you with hosts around the world to show you the best choices to sleep and feel like at home. Its reviews of thousands of previous guests will actually avoid you to have any trouble. It is free for iOS and Android
If you feel like going to a hotel, the biggest market to look for it, is Booking, another must-have app for travelling around the world. It is free for iOS and Android.
Now you’re all set…have a blast discovering new spots and new people!
Pablo Clemente Pérez 