In less than one week I will embark on a 13-hour flight to the UAE. If you couldn’t tell before, I am super excited! I’ve been doing lots of research for my trip and decided to look into some apps to download. First, I must say, PLEASE BE SURE TO CALL YOUR WIRELESS PROVIDER TO FIND OUT THE FEES ASSOCIATED WITH INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL. Yes I had to put that in caps. There is nothing worse then coming back to home and getting a phone bill for hundreds of dollars because you did not find out about those fees. I don’t plan on making any calls during my trip so my app game must be on point so that I can stay in contact with my family in case of emergency. I will be disabling my data and using strickly wi-fi because it is free and I won’t be charged for anything.
So after doing a little research and playing around with the apps (some of them I use already) here are are 5 apps that you should download before your next trip. All apps are compatible with iPhones and Androids.
1. Foodspotting
Yes I had to put a food app as number 1 because I. LOVE. TO. EAT. I can’t help it, but I love food. This app is great because it gives you pictures of food that people took nearby and the place to get it. I downloaded this app the other day and did not realize how many great restaurants are only a few miles from me!
2. TripIt
This app is a travel organizer. I’ve already plugged in my flight and lodging plans. It keeps your trip itinerary in one location. You can do an auto-import from Gmail, Google Apps, or Yahoo Mail. It scans your email for all of your trip itineraries and adds the information for you. You can add information about car rentals, and other modes of transportation, restaurants, tours, concerts, meetings, and other activities. I’m a list/detail-oriented and I always have my information in multiple places, so this app is a life saver.
3. What’s App Messenger
I use this app all day everyday. It is a free messaging app that can be used anywhere as long as you are connected to wi-fi. One of my line sisters (Hey Robyn) is from St. Lucia and frequently goes back home to visit and that is how we communicate because it is free. It is like sending imessages or text messages. I use it for individual chats and group chats with my family and friends.
4. Globe Converter
This app is a quick tool to convert your money. I’m sure it will be ok to use USD, but some people may try to cheat you. Use the converter to make sure you are paying the right price for items at markets, fairs, and also for taxis.
5. Trover
Similar to FoodSpotting, Trover is like the Instagram of travel. People post photos of places they have visited all over the world. All you need to do is type in your destination to see the places that people have visited and you can add that to your itinerary. I’ve already checked out the UAE on trover and a few of the places that are on their are already on my list.
Honorable Mention: Uber-
You never know when you will need a taxi service. Uber serves over 55 countries. Check to see if your next destination is on the list.
