Before smartphones we travelled on our wits, a rudimentary grasp of the local language and perhaps a well-thumbed guidebook. I’d say ‘those were the days’ but, in truth, being in the age of apps for everything can be an actual and figurative life saver.
If, like me, you fight a constant battle with your phone’s memory, then knowing which app is –– and isn’t–– vital can be the difference between a travel disaster and smooth sailing. From connecting to emergency services (Emergency +), to those that deal with, erm, emergencies of a different kind and steer you to the nearest bathroom (Flush). They are invaluable. [Image: Cory Checketts, Unsplash]
With COVID19 being the reason most of us won’t be travelling as much, or at all for the foreseeable future, contact tracing apps like COVIDSafe have become a responsible action, and could also be a key to rebuilding confidence in travel. [Image: Sadman Sakib, Unsplash]
While you’re making your way from one place to another, apps can be an invaluable tool for staying up to date; and entertained. [Image: Christian Storz, Unsplash]
A tip I picked up from a friend well acquainted with departure lounges and delays was, always have the app for the airlines you most often travel with. It’s basic but the ability to check in and grab up to date info is all about easing you through the gate, while many airlines are reviewing how they deliver inflight entertainment and on which routes. [Image: Jonathan Kemper, Unsplash]
Faced with a bare seatback can induce mild panic in me, so I’ll make sure I’ve got the airlines app, and that I’ve got the likes of Netflix, Spotify, Audible and Apple podcasts downloaded with enough content to see me through a flight, transfers and even a delay. [Image: Manuel del Moral, Unsplash]
For those of us who travel more for work than leisure, the effects of travel can take their toll; breaking your daily home routine, separating you from your fitness rituals. [Image: Ron McClenny, Unsplash]
A few apps I always have to hand, free to download but linked to subscription services, are Centr, the Chris Hemsworth fronted fitness platform and Find What Feels Good, from global yoga sensation Adriene Mishler. I have friends who swear by running to get to know a city. [Image: Jakub Gorajek, Unsplash]
I’m more of a walker but RunGo could convert me. Available on a a monthly or annual subscription it allows you to build or select 400,000 verified routes worldwide. Voice-guided it tells you when to turn or if there’s a notable landmark. Neat. [Image: Nada Jahed, Unsplash]
Getting the measure of a place and a culture is in the eating and the drinking. A well-practiced traveller prides themselves on avoiding tourist traps but sometimes you need help. [Image: Eaters Collective, Unsplash]
Withlocals, a free app, connects you with local hosts allowing you to personalise food tours, and ensuring that you get the local intel. Eating out is one thing but eating in is next level. One of my most memorable Tokyo meals was an average packet Okonomiyaki, prepared in a sardine tin sized kitchen by a host. Food became secondary to the experience of an insight into Tokyo life. [Image: Dominik Dancs, Unsplash]
The free, albeit slightly buggy app, Eatwith is a gateway to “dinner parties, to food tours and cooking classes,” with hand-selected locals in 130+ countries. [Image: Rafael Leao, Unsplash]
As more of us move towards being meat free or flexitarian, apps like HappyCow are of real value. Highly rated and around for over 20 years, in the pre-app era, it will set you back about $4. The developers say that they’ve helped “users find vegan-options at 120,000+ restaurants, cafes, and grocery stores in 180+ countries.” [Image: Miguel Tomas, Unsplash]
