Technology is a great thing, and lately, I have been looking into how to use technology to make my trips more exciting and organized. After testing and playing around with some apps, I gathered a few that were definitely crucial to making the traveling process easier and more comfortable. From apps to help you pack to tracking your flight to this app that finds your nearest pizza place (you're welcome), travel apps are amazing and a must-have for comfortable travel. Here I collected my absolute favorites that are not always well-known or widely used, but are definite helps for improving the traveling process.
1. Viber
I have used Viber for a couple of years now, and it's a great app to use to contact home without paying inernational phone fees. Using Viber, you can text or call anyone with the app while you have an internet connection. This was so amazing for contacting home after flights and telling family about your experiences. Download Viber here for Android and here for iOS.
2. Couchsurfing
Experienced travelers often vouch for the cheapest option when traveling the world, and Couchsurfing is definitely one of those options! In exchange for hosting travelers at your home, you can stay with locals as you travel. This offers a unique, local perspective of your destination. (Yes, it's safe, and no, you don't always sleep on the couch.) Download here for Android and here for iOS.
3. Currency Converter
When traveling internationally, it can be difficult to really understand what you are spending. This app, available to Apple products, is a simple, user-friendly tool for converting currency.
4. Pack Point
This is the greatest app for packing. Like, ever. I discovered it recently and I'm pretty confident I won't forget my toothbrush on a trip ever again. Specializing your packing list to your location, predicted weather, length of stay, activities, gender, and more, Pack Point allows you to create a packing list specific to your trip and your needs. It's available for iPhone and Android, and I highly recommend it for overpackers. . . and forgetful ones (like me).
5. Hopper
Hopper predicts the most affordable flights -- from times to fly to estimating the best times to buy, Hopper definitely saves money. I found cheap flights from Chicago to London and to and from several other destinations for incredibly affordable prices. It also sends updates on when flight prices lower and whether it is the best price. I mean, really, who wouldn't want to save money on airline tickets?
6. Roadtrippers
The coolest app for domestic travel, Roadtrippers allows you to completely plan your road trip, mapping your route and accounting for specific stops. It also finds activities, food, accomodations, and more in your general area, and evaluates the mileage and average gas prices involved in your trip. Available for iPhone here and Android here.
7. Vayable
Available for iOS, Vayable is a great way to find activities that embrace the locals' view of your destination, offering several activites that are often ignored during usual tourist activities. Just search any destination, and Vayable offers several options for exploring your destination's unique characteristics, from bike tours to wine tastings and more.