Nov 3, 2012

Travel Better with These Mobile Apps

Getting from one place to another, especially if it involves air travel, is growing more inconvenient by the day. From 3.3 oz toiletries to paying exorbitant prices for bags traveling is no longer considered the relaxing, enjoyable event it once was. There is, however, one shining beacon of hope - your mobile device. By keeping you connected, these gadgets can do wonders to help you easily navigate new territory and even increase your chances to experience some serious enjoyment. Here are some apps that can really make a difference: Tripit (Free - iOS, Android, Blackberry & Windows 7 Phone) - Get all your travel information in one place. Simply connect TripIt to your Gmail account or forward confirmation emails to plans@tripit.com to build a seamless, easily accessible itinerary for your trip. It organizes your plans by day, providing all reservations, confirmation numbers, and other critical information. It even offers the weather. Wi-Fi Finder (Free - iOS & Android) Worried you won’t find a Wi-Fi Internet connection? Then Wi-Fi Finder is the app for you! With nearly 500,000 free and paid Wi-Fi hotspots in over 144 countries, you will be well equipped to find connectivity when you need it. GateGuru (Free - iOS & Android) Don’t let unfamiliar airports or long layovers get the best of you. GateGuru delivers the information necessary to navigate any airport and locate the best food, shopping, and service options - without wasting time. GasBuddy (Free - iOS, Android & Blackberry) So, Roadtripper - want to make sure you’re getting the best deal for gas? GasBuddy immediately locates stations near you and shares their current gas prices. Quickly sort through nearby stations based on your grade of gas, distance, or price. GasBuddy’s community of users works surprisingly efficiently to update gas prices - and even tells you how current each price is. Urbanspoon (Free - iOS, Android & Blackberry) helps find places to eat close to home, or out on the road. Browse restaurants, ratings, and reviews from newspapers, bloggers, and fellow diners. Find the hottest restaurants, check table availability, and make reservations with just a few clicks. If you are having a hard time making a decision, this mobile app will act as a restaurant slot machine. Just hit the Shake button (or shake your phone) and the wheels will spin until they settle on a good nearby restaurant. If you like, you can specify the neighborhood, cuisine, and/or price range to narrow the results. Yelp (Free - iOS & Android) Want a pedicure or haircut while out of town? Yelp is the best way to find great local businesses. Search for what you need and then get ratings and reviews to help you make a choice. Goby (Free - iOS & Android) Need to get out of your hotel room? Whether you're traveling across the US or staying close to home this weekend, Goby's got a suggestion with over 350 categories of things to do in every town! You can search or let Goby make suggestions for you via the Fun Feed. References: http://www.cntraveler.com/technology/2012/09/best-travel-apps-android-iphone-ipad-perrin-report