There is no point in having a smartphone full of gimmicky apps. Here is a selection of the best tools to keep the digital-savvy traveller connected and informed.
The first one of the list is the
Citymapper
. One you travelling, you need help to around in the city which might be unknown for you You need an online map that shows how to get around. Accessible, playful, all-inclusive, this app features more detailed information than Google maps, ranging from real-time departures and disruption alerts, to Uber integration and cycle routes. The app can be found around 30 cities worldwide, and it details all the city-break destinations.
The next application is
Duolingo
, a free and ingenious language learning app. Even though this app is no substitute for a proper language tuition, it is very useful to get the basics or practice for a trip abroad.
When you are travelling abroad, you need a way to check online your home country's currency up against the currency of the country you are visiting.
XE Currency
is the go-site for currency conversions on the web, and therefore its popularity has amassed over 20 million downloads since launch. It has many of business-oriented features, including rates for precious metals and historic currency charts. However, for the traveller it is not useful for the obvious fact that it's able to convert every world currency. The app also functions offline, as it saves the last updated rate; this singularity becomes very useful if you are in a place with limited connectivity or trying to save on data.
Tripit
works like a pocket travel agent by pulling together travel information from your confirmation emails for flights, hotels, rental cars, events bookings and converts it into a single itinerary. All you have to do is forward your emails to the app. The app also allows you to share your plans if you are travelling with a group, so it is highly useful when travelling with other people.
You may be able to find a number of apps to help you split bills, but
Splittr
was conceived for travelling, supplying an accessible platform to share costs between friends. You can enter costs as you go and the app will do the rest. The app even includes every currency and you can mix currencies without having to do the conversion yourself.
App in the Air
is a smart, simple, flight tracking app that has the best coverage of airlines and airports. Here you can find updated information about flight status, even offline. The app also helps you manage your time at the airport, breaking down each flight into four stages; check in, boarding, takeoff and landing time. It also integrates with Tripit allowing you to import all your flights.
If you are travelling across nations,
Google Translate
can become very useful for practical reasons. You can even hold your phone up to a text - it could be on a sign or a menu - and the app will translate it for you in real time.
LiveTrekker
is an interesting app that creates a digital journal of your travels so you can look back on your trips on an interactive map. The app traces your steps as you go, marking a red line along a map on the exact route you take. Another feature of the app is that it also monitors your speed and altitude, a very useful for adventure travellers, though it's just as fun to look back at your route around city. The fun part is that the app allows you to add pictures, video, audio and text as you go along, so it creates a multimedia travel diary you can share.