10 must-have travel apps

Travelling is entertainment for all but al the same time many eminent tips have to be remembered while travelling. Protect yourself from the unexpected on your trip with travel insurance. Prior planning would allow you to be free of apprehensions. A complete guide and relevant tips on the prerequisites of travel are highly essential for the safety.Smartphones have become an indispensable companion for travellers in recent years and users are now their mobile device to plan every step of their journey. From organising your itinerary, calculating tips, or finding the nearest place to relieve yourself, we’ve compiled the 10 most useful apps to help facilitate every aspect of your next trip.rn1) STAY ORGANISED - TripItrnThis app organises all of your trip details into one master itinerary, even if you made your travel arrangements over multiple websites. Everything from your plane tickets and hotel reservation, to car rentals and maps can be filed away under a single app, which you can also use to book restaurant reservations, theatre tickets and other activities from within the itinerary.rnCompatible with: Android, Blackberry, iPhone, WindowsrnPrice: Freern2) CHEAPER CALLS - SkypernAnyone who’s ever had a close friend or loved one live overseas will vouch for the savings Skype brings with each phone call. As long as you have Wi-Fi, you can call any phone for just a few cents, while Skype-to-Skype calls are absolutely free. A chat feature also allows you to send free instant messages for greater savings and convenience.rnCompatible with: Android, iPhone, Windowsrn3) PACKING PAL - PackTMrnThis app will come in handy on long trips where you have several bags and need to create lists of the items in each bag. PackTM also offers suggestions on how much to pack, based on the duration of your trip, while the Packing Catalog creates a master categorised inventory of everything in your bags.rnCompatible with: iPhonernPrice: US$1.99rn1. LOST IN TRANSIT - GateGururnStuck in an unfamiliar airport with a long layover can really put a damper on your day. This app helps you locate the best food, shopping and service options nearest to your gate. Some shops and restaurants even offer check-in specials or discounts with this app.rnCompatible with: Android, iPhonernPrice: Free rn1. WIRELESS INTERNET - Wi-Fi FinderrnWith data roaming charges ridiculously high, knowing where to find a decent wi-fi hotspot is essential if you’re to stay in touch with what’s happening at home. Simply fire up this app and follow the directions to your nearest source of wireless internet. Best of all, the offline mode means you can download maps before you go, thereby avoiding a massive bill.rnCompatible with: Android, iPhone rnPrice: Free rn2. 6) FOOD TRAIL - FoodspottingrnFinding good eats while travelling isn't always easy. Foodspotting shows you how to eat like a local by pointing you in the direction of the nearest, latest and best foods close to your current location. In the mood for rnsomething particular? Search for it and browse through appetising photos, while the app helps you determine what to order once you’re at the restaurant.rnCompatible with: Android, iPhone, WindowsrnPrice: Freern7) SPLIT THE TAB - TipulatorrnTipping cultures vary from country to country, so it’s nice to have this nifty tip calculator to help the mathematically-challenged split bills and tips while avoiding social embarrassment.rnCompatible with: iPhonernPrice: US$0.99rn8) SIGHTSEEING BUDDY - Google GogglesrnStumbled upon an interesting-looking landmark that you want to know more about? Fire up this app and point your phone’s camera lens at the building in question, and as long as what you’re pointing at is famous enough, it’ll return relevant Wikipedia articles filling you in with everything you need to know.rnCompatible with: Android, iPhonernPrice: Free

9) BURSTING FOR A WEE - SitOrSquatrnThere’s nothing worse than being unable to find a bathroom when you’re bursting for a wee. This app tells you where to find the closest place to relieve yourself and whether that place is worth sitting, squatting, or standing at.rnCompatible with: Android, iPhonernPrice: Freern10) PREVENT JETLAG - Jetlag GeniernThis clever app helps you gradually alter your sleeping habits before a trip to prevent (or reduce) jetlag. Input your travel dates, destination and usual sleeping times and it’ll come back with personalised alarm clocks to soften the blow when you wake up thinking that it’s still yesterday. rnCompatible with: iPhonernPrice: US$2.99