Looking for some useful apps for your next big journey? Here are some suggestions:
Time Out
This trendy app gives you access to everything that’s happening in your destination so you can make sure you’re always in the right place at the right time. Book a table at a restaurant, find out which bands are playing at a local bar, and make sure you never miss out on a special event.
HearPlanet
The HearPlanet audio app feeds you facts from Wikipedia so you’ll have your very own digital guidebook, giving you all the information you need, wherever you are. It’s a great alternative to carrying multiple guidebooks, and you can rest assured that all the info will be up-to-date.
Uber
This handy app is a must-have when you’re heading off to a big city and need to travel alone late at night. Uber has GPS coverage for your assurance, and allows you to pay for your journey in advance, which means you won’t be caught out by an unexpectedly high fare at the end of the road.
Wi-Fi Finder
Keep your phone roaming charges to a minimum by using the Wi-Fi Finder, which will let you know where the nearest Wi-Fi zone is in practically no time. You can download maps before you travel, so you won’t even need to use the internet when you’re using this app!
AlpineQuest GPS Hiking
If you’re preparing for a long trek across the breath-taking Andes or the Alps, then don’t forget to download the AlpineQuest GPS Hiking app. With this, you’ll have detailed, contoured maps saved on your SD card so you’ll know exactly when to expect a steep climb or descent.
CityMapper
Get all the latest updates on weather and traffic so you can plan ahead and avoid suffering any delays to your journey. This app is perfect when you’re in a hurry to get to the airport or a hotel, or when you just want to minimise your journey time on a hot sunny day.
VizEat
Dine like never before! With VizEat you can navigate your way to delicious meals prepared by talented home cooks. You can enjoy quality, inspirational food that will be normally be significantly more affordable than that of a restaurant. This clever app gives you access to thousands of VizEat cooks, shows you their precise location, and allows you to pay upfront so you won’t have to worry about any additional costs. Choose a cuisine or a cooking style that’s to your liking, book a date, and enjoy an unforgettable dining experience with your host and other fellow foodies.
Before you set off, make sure you’re adequately covered by travel insurance so you’ll be protected in the worst-case scenario. Today, it is possible to get travel cover for anything from healthcare and accommodation to personal devices such as smart phones and cameras.
Surprisingly, according to Post Office research, more than 20 percent of people who travel to destinations such as India and Kenya do not have any travel cover at all, which means they could be liable for extortionate medical fees should they fall seriously ill. However, fortunately, every week, more than 4,000 travellers who do become seriously ill are paid a collective sum of around £4 million – but only because they had the right insurance.
Laura Reeve is the Marketing Executive at Avanti Travelcare, who specialise in travel insurance for those with pre-existing medical conditions, and are one of very few that have no upper age limit on their policies.