The summer vacations are fast approaching, and your kids must be anxiously waiting to kick up some sand on a beach far away. After all, who wouldn’t like a break from the humdrum monotony of the daily grind? However, there is one major problem, i.e., bulging bags full of luggage, which can leave you with sore wrists. If you’re seeking some help for figuring your way around it, we have the solution you need for a happy vacation, full of fun and excitement.
Why travel bag size matters
Bulky luggage can cost you time, money and convenience. Airlines have strict size and weight restrictions and oversized baggage fees can quickly add up. Not to mention, lugging heavy bags around unfamiliar streets or public transport can be exhausting.
That is where smart travel apps come in. They help you:
- Replace physical items (like guidebooks, maps or planners)
- Stay connected and informed
- Travel with confidence while saving space
With just your phone and a reliable internet connection, or even offline access, you can pack smarter and move lighter.
Travel Apps are as helpful as everything in your suitcase, just that they take up less space
Travel apps are the nifty marvels of technology that are extremely handy if you’re travelling anywhere around the globe. Here are a few of the best travel apps that should be there in your cell phone before you leave your home to explore the world. They can not only save you a lot of time and effort, but also make your baggage and worries lighter.
1. Google Translate
With the Google Translate app, you can skip buying the language books of foreign countries you’re travelling to. It will prove to be a relief in all those moments when you want to ask a stranger for directions to a restaurant or while trying to communicate with the cab driver or local vendors.
It has 103 languages, 59 of which you can access even while offline. Not only does it have a ‘conversation mode’ that helps in instant two-way speech translation, but also the handwriting and camera modes. Hence, it’s one of the most useful apps that can help you to interact with the locals during your trip and say more than just ‘Konnichiwa’ in Japan or ‘Hola’ in Spain.
2. Wi-Fi Map
When you’re travelling abroad, there are a plethora of expenses that are unaccounted for, and phone bills are one of them. A major chunk of your phone bills while abroad may consist of internet data usage and it’s obvious, with all the social media updates and Google maps usage. However, with the ‘Wi-Fi Map’ app, you can reduce your phone bills without curbing your internet usage.
This app lets you scan your surroundings and informs you about the nearest wireless connection. It also includes any passwords that you may need, and covers over 10,00,00,000 hotspots across the globe.
3. Triposo
No one can make your experience in a new city like it’s your home than this travel app called ‘Triposo’. It gathers crowd-sourced information from various websites and converts it into a concise travel guide that you can use even when you’re offline.
From hotels and restaurants to sightseeing and activities, Triposo can offer you some of the best recommendations. Apart from providing important information about the popular tourist spots, it will also help you discover the hidden gems of the place.
4. XE Currency
Indulging in mental mathematics to calculate everything, right from coffee to shopping, is the last thing you would want to do on your trip. Neither should you trust the third party completely, only to be cheated by them. A travel app called ‘XE Currency’ can help you deal with such situations efficiently.
With this app, you can monitor up to 10 currencies of your choice and get instant rate alerts. Its easy-to-use calculator functionality and customisation features will enable you to conduct transactions in foreign territories as confidently as you do it in your own country. Tripit
The ‘Tripit’ app will help you manage your travel itinerary by alerting you with real-time flight status, signing for the extra baggage, when to check in your hotel, and even telling you the time to leave for the airport. All you need to do is upload the booking confirmations of your flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and other reservations in the app, and it’ll create a master itinerary for you.
You can access this important information even when you’re offline and view your entire itinerary on an interactive map. Additionally, you can also search for nearby ATMs, restaurants, and alternative transportation options during the vacation.
Additional tips for smart packing
Along with using travel apps, here are a few tips to make packing lighter and smarter:
- Roll clothes instead of folding to save space
- Pack multipurpose clothing items
- Use packing cubes for better organisation
- Carry travel-sized toiletries
- Always pack a digital copy of your travel insurance documents
- Leave space for souvenirs or unexpected buys
And remember, a well-packed phone with the right apps is worth more than extra outfits.
Conclusion
The above list of travel apps can make you well-equipped for your next travel adventure. While it’s important to have these apps ready on your smartphone to ensure comfort and convenience during the vacation, it’s prudent to pack a travel insurance plan to tackle any unforeseen situations during the trip. From medical emergencies to loss of baggage and passports, it takes care of all the travel contingencies that may ruin your entire vacation otherwise.
FAQs
1. Do I need both travel apps and physical documents?
Travel apps can replace many documents, but it is wise to carry backup copies of essentials like passports andtravel insurance.
2. Are these apps free?
Most of these apps offer free versions, but some have premium features or in-app purchases for added functionality.
3. Is it safe to use public Wi-Fi with these apps?
Use apps like Wi-Fi Map cautiously. Consider a VPN to protect your data while abroad.
4. How do I choose the right travel insurance plan?
Compare plans based on destination, duration and type of coverage. Many international travel insurance policies also offer app-based claim tracking.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the topic featured in the article. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.