Great travel apps make traveling easier. And some actually make traveling less stressful and more fun. We travel a fair bit, and after trying out a number of travel apps, have come up with a short-list of our own favorites. Below, we highlight the eight that top our list. Fair warning: one of them is our own!
WiFi Finder
With data roaming charges still way too high, knowing where to find a decent WiFi hotspot is essential. This app will find hotspots around the world. You can filter results by location or provider type. Best of all, the offline mode means you can download maps before you go.
Available on iPhone (free) and Android (free)
WirelessTraveler App
Stay in touch with the rest of the world while traveling or at home with our WiFi calling app. You can call cell phones or landlines for pennies from over 200 countries. If you call someone who has the app installed, then app to app calling is free. You’ll receive a U.S. number that others can use to call you.
Available on iPhone (free) and Android (free)
TravelSafe
This app has a database of emergency service numbers for just about every country you’d ever care to visit, plus plenty for those that you wouldn’t. There’s also embassy details should your passport go missing and the option to pin certain services to your home screen as widgets, for one-touch access to police, ambulances and fire engines.
Available on Android (free)
Perfect World Clock
The Perfect World Clock is perfect for the frequent traveler or when working with people in different time zones. It provides easy access to the date and time in hundreds of cities around the world and it has a nifty option of adding several clocks as home-screen widgets.
Available on Android (free)
FlightTrack
You can follow the path of thousands of international flights, including your own, on slick, zoomable maps, with detailed information on departure gates, delays and cancellations. If you’re not the one traveling, use it to track the flight status of your family and friends.
Available on iPhone and Android
JetLag Genie
It’s generally agreed that gradually altering your sleeping habits before a trip is beneficial, and this clever app will help you do just that. Input your travel dates, destination and usual sleeping times and it’ll come back with personalized alarm clocks.
Available on iPhone
Waze
GPS navigation meets social networking, with surprisingly effective results. Waze is a community-based traffic and navigation app. Tap in your destination (there’s also speech recognition) and real-time traffic reports, shared by Waze drivers, show you the quickest route for the current road conditions.
Available on iPhone (free) and Android (free)
Pin Drop
When exploring a new city, this app allows you to drop GPS pins onto a map when you stumble across something interesting, or browse user-made lists recommending the best sights, dining, and events.
Available on iPhone (free) and Android (beta, free)
And if you need a Pocket WiFi Hotspot to start using these apps as soon as you land, or when you are out and about with family and friends, consider buying or renting the ultra light, high speed Wireless Traveler WiFi device for your next trip abroad…
“I just wanted to let you know how pleased I am with my WiFi pocket modem. I utilized it on two trips in 2015, which included Israel and Spain. It worked well on both occasions. I needed a device that was more secure than public or hotel WiFi options and works on the go. There were times in both Israel and Spain where I was on a bus traveling through the countries and while other folks were sleeping, I was able to pull out my laptop and/or mobile device and get some quick work done. Bravo!!” – Jerry Kazzaz, Custom Travel Ltd.
