On vacation with an app (or more)

From audio guides to pictogram menus, these days, you can often count on travel applications for your tablet computer or smart phone when hitting the road in strange towns. Check out these new gizmos before leaving home.

 

HearPlanet (Lite): Audio Guide to the World

Stop staring to read the screen of your Iphone or Ipad while exploring a new place. Keep your eyes on the sights and listen to the virtual guide telling you about landmarks, historic sites and more. HearPlanet finds the lesser-known spots and tells you what to see and where to go. 

Cost: Free

Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, iPad and Android. Requires iOS 3.2 or later and network or cellular data connection.

 

Image It- breaking the language barrier

Entangled in a communication web just because you can’t speak the language? Break the barrier with Image It. This app offers a communication system based on pictograms. With 450 pictograms in a number of set categories such as food, accommodation, transport and emergencies, users can combine 1 to 3 pictograms from the list to convey the message.

Cost: US$0.99

Requirements: Compatible with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPod touch (3rd generation), iPod touch (4th generation) and iPad. Requires iOS 5.0 or later. No Internet required. 

 

KAYAK Mobile 

Searching for flights, hotels, and car rentals are a headache and time-consuming. Kayak will help you compare deals to suit your budget in seconds. You can book your hotel right from the app. My Trips gives you your full itinerary at your fingertips. 

Cost: Free

Requirements: Compatible with Phone, iPad, Android, Windows Mobile 7 and Nokia devices. Requires network or cellular data connection.

 

XE Currency

Converting currency is not fun especially when you are on the go.  XE Currency is a useful tool for converting money, giving users a better idea how much cash, in their own currency, they should expect before they swipe their credit cards. The app needs Internet connection, if you want to know the exact exchange rate but you can also use it offline.

Cost: Free

Requirements: Compatible with Phone, iPad, Android, Windows Mobile 7 and BlackBerry. Requires Internet connection for the latest rates.

 

Flip Clock HD

Waking up on time for your appointment is a lbit tricky when you are on the road. Bring some retro flip clock to your bedside with Flip Clock HD, an innovative and unique application modelled on the real flip clock. The app has an alarm manager, hourly chime, date, city and also current weather conditions and five-day forecasts. It can auto-extract the name of the city once it is connected to the Internet. 

Cost: Free or US$0.99

Requirements: Compatible with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPod touch (3rd generation), iPod touch (4th generation) and iPad. Requires iOS 4.3 or later. Network or cellular data connection is required when you want to update your current location.

 

WeatherBug

Packing too few warm clothes can ruin your fun. Weather app will help you check conditions in the place you are going to so you can prepare suitable clothing and accessories. WeatherBug is easy to use and easy to understand with brief and detailed weather information. You can pinpoint the place you are about to visit to see the current weather and also seven-day forecasts. 

Cost: Free

Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad and Android devices. Requires network or cellular data connection.

 

Just Landed

Always forget the date and time to pick up friends or your loved ones at the airport? Let Just Landed app reminds you when it’s time to go to the airport. The app will track inbound flights once you enter the flight number. It also takes into consideration real-time flight data, your location, and current traffic – then it will send you an alert when it's time to leave the house. It will also notify you about any flight status changes, 

Cost: Free

Requirements: Compatible with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, and iPhone 4S.Requires iOS 5.0 or later. Requires network or cellular data connection.

 

TripIt - Travel Organizer 

Swimming in the pile of confirmation emails in your inbox or searching frantically for your printed booking details is not a great way to start your trip. TripIt is an easier way to organise and share a travel itinerary. When you receive a confirmation email from anywhere you book , simply forward it to [email protected]. They’ll be put into an organised itinerary, all in one place.

Cost: Free

Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, Windows Phone 7, BlackBerry and Android devices. Requires network or cellular data connection.

 

iTranslate Voice 

Imagine yourself talking into your phone in one language and immediately hearing yourself in another language. That dream comes to life with iTranslate Voice. Simply tap the English microphone on the screen and say the words you want to translate, your phone will speak back to you in one of 31 languages. Speaking clearly is the key to a better translation. Though it is not a perfect translation, it is a cool app to keep handy. 

Cost: US$0.99

Requirements: Compatible with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPod touch (3rd generation), iPod touch (4th generation) and iPad. Requires iOS 4.3 or later. Requires network or cellular data connection. 

 

Local Eats

Eating like a local is always an eye-opening experience for travellers. LocalEats app will help you find independently owned restaurants and local places. You can use your GPS “what’s near me” feature to locate nearby eateries. For Ipad, the database now covers 50 cities outside of the US. 

Cost: US$0.99/ Free for Ipad

Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 3.1.3 or later. Requires network or cellular data connection.