If you're a traveler looking for technology to streamline planning your next vacation, get around or even communicate with the locals on your next trip, you won't lack for options. With so many apps on the market, we've done a little of the leg work to find your must-have travel apps.
Take the guesswork out of planning your next vacation and download these travel apps.
Let technology help make your travel planning a breeze
Waze, a community-based traffic and navigation app is a must if you are traveling via car. If you've ever commuted through Los Angeles or battled city traffic on road trips, you'll know why an app like Waze is a must for travel (and daily) life. Simply type in your destination and Waze tells you instantly about traffic, construction, police, crashes and more. Users help each other by reporting traffic jams and hazards along the way.
If traffic incidents occur while en route that will delay you, Waze will change it to save you time. The app can also help find the cheapest place to fill up your tank, as well as the best parking for major attractions.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Duolingo is "far and away the best language-learning app." Duolingo gamifies the language-learning experience, by leveling up and competing with friends. This app makes commuting and flights more productive and enjoyable as each lesson includes a variety of speaking, listening and translation challenges. Duolingo motivates you to stay on track by recording how many days in a row you practice.
Travel Pro-tip: Duolingo is fantastic to use on long flights, especially to practice a new language before you arrive.
If you have overseas travel in your future, consider using this highly rated currency app. XE Currency provides live exchange rates and charts, and you can also set an alert to monitor your favorite currencies for immediate notification. The app refreshes live rates, every minute, for every world currency and precious metal.
Thoughtful packing can sometimes take several days. If you rush and pack too quickly, you may end up purchasing a missing item or two at your destination. Packr app is a packing list builder for serious travelers. Topping the list of best apps to use when traveling, Packr will tell you what you need to pack based on length of stay, weather and activities planned during your trip.
Simply type in your destination(s), departure date, and the number of nights you'll be staying. If you're returning to a favorite location, you can duplicate lists to reuse in the future. Finally, Packr allows you to share your electronic or printed checklist with travel companions.
If flipping through emails, websites, apps to track multiple reservations bothers you, try Google Trips. Google Trips automatically gathers all of your travel reservations from Gmail and organizes them into individual trips. Each trip contains customizable day plans, things to do, transportation, restaurants, maps, itinerary creation, currency and tipping information. The app includes beautiful photographs and maps, as well as information about when the destination is most crowded.
Venmo, named "the crown jewel of all finance apps" by Forbes, is a simple way to send and request money between friends. Venmo removes the awkward emails, texts and in-person talks of who owes what. To make money transferring more fun, you can use emojis and 'like' or comment on your favorite money splitting moments. "Just Venmo me" has become a part of everyday vocabulary.
When you register for this user-friendly app, link your debit card or bank account to send or receive money.
Take the perks of traveling with your Hilton Honors points to the next level, with access to manage your points and benefits right from your phone. Undoubtedly, one of the best parts of the Hilton Honors app is the safety it provides. You can check-in, check-out and use your phone to access key protected areas like your room, gym and pool virtually, creating a completely contactless experience.
Ready 4-Money Saving Travel Apps to Download Today for more travel tech tips.