TRAVEL TIPS
HELPFUL TRAVEL APPS
Digital travel resources can be easily stored on your mobile devices. Here are a few very helpful travel apps that I keep in a folder labeled Travel on my iPhone. Links below are to the Apple store. Most of these apps are also available for Android phones.
Mobile Passport makes it easier to get through U.S. Customs and Border Protection processing points at most major US airports and cruise ports.
XE Currency is a currency converter. It allows you to put in a base currency and see what the exchange rate equivalent is in other currencies. For example: USD $1 = 0.9012 EUR. It also allows you to send money and see charts of that currency’s fluctuations over time.
Citymapper provides transportation options in various cities in the U.S. and Canada. You can see routes by bus, bike, metro, rail, light rail, and e-scooters where available. It also provides real-time updates and alternative routes if there is a problem. It even shows your progress on metro (what stop is coming up and which ones are ahead).
Google Translate allows you to communicate in other languages. You can enter text in one language and choose another target language for translation. A new feature allows you to open it up within another app (example: text) so you can copy the message directly into Google Translate.
Duolingo is a language learning app which allows you to learn vocabulary and phrases in mini-lessons for 30 different languages. A basic lesson is free on the app. Additional advanced lessons are available for a fee.
Lonely Planet Guides provides curated city guides for cities in Africa, Asia, Australia & Pacific, Central America, Europe, Middle East, North America and South America. It offers offline maps, audio tours and advice to make your visit easier.
Rick Steves Audio Europe is another great companion guide providing audio self-guided walking tours and radio interviews focusing on top sights, travel tips, and cultural information.
