So we all now live in a scarily connected age of technology
and the way we travel has certainly changed over the years, and therefore I
thought I might share with all you lovely people my favourite and most used
travel apps. (And before you ask, no, this post is not sponsored, just my
honest thoughts and feelings). While there are definitely more (SkyScanner,
HostelWorld, Uber etc. these are my favourites)
1.
Airbnb
Now as you are all very aware I
am a massive fan of Airbnb as I probably don’t stop talking about it and recommending
it enough in all of my travel posts (more on this to follow). However, the
Airbnb app has been a lifesaver for me as it has helped me get out of many a
sticky situation with no accommodation. The interface is really easy to use,
the messaging system is great, the only downside I have found is that obviously
you need WiFi or a data connection to be able to use it which is fine when you
are at home or in the city, not so great when you are stuck in a field in
Calais in the middle of January with nowhere to sleep for the night… (See my Calais post for reference). Also, if you
use my link on the Links and Discounts page here you’ll get money off your
first stay!
2.
Touch Note
This app is definitely less
commonly heard of, I have had it on my phone for a couple of years now after I
saw it recommended on Channel 4’s Travel Man, although the other week I did see
it advertised on TV, so hopefully it is going to pick up soon.
The basic premise of this app is
that it turns your holiday photos into a postcard, allows you to write a
message and will send it to your recipient all from the app. While the app
itself is free, you do have to buy credits to be able to send each card.
However, I think it is great, especially in world where we are always on our
phones and are often in places where it is hard to find a stamp, this app
solves the problem. Also, the cards are really professional and make great
holiday souvenirs. I always send them to my grandma and friend Sophie who love
getting postcards!
3.
Gratitude Tipping
This app is relatively new to me as
I was contacted on Twitter about this, but after playing around with it I would
definitely rate it. Gratitude Tipping works both online and offline (bonus when
you are in those hard-to-reach-WiFi places) and will tell you from your
location, bill amount, service and people shared, how much the average tip
should be for your bill. It has a wide range of countries and is essential for
a Brit like me who almost never tips in the UK (we just don’t really do it
here). Saves the embarrassment of under-tipping someone and saves you money
from over-tipping too!
4.
TripSoSo
While TripSoSo may not be the
most streamlined or stylish app, it is quite good in providing you a jumping
off point for finding things to do in your travel destination. Allowing you to
use it online and download location guides for offline use, this app also has
in-app purchases allowing you to book tours and excursions through them. While
it certainly doesn’t have everything you can do, it is a good place to start
and often has some less-thought of ideas that aren’t always in the Lonely Planets
(A post on this will also follow soon!).
5.
CityMapper
My final top-rated app is CityMapper. If you haven’t heard of CityMapper,
what rock have you been hiding under the last few years? CityMapper is fairly
self explanatory, only working in major cities (although they are always
adding more locations), it provides you a map of the city and shows the
quickest ways of getting from A to B. It also provides price, how many calories
you will burn, and live updates on public transport arrivals. In some locations
is has also launched its own bus service. If you haven’t got it already, download
it now!
Have a good week my loves!
Lots
of Love, Kate xxx