Travel-savvy apps for your next getaway
Can you believe it’s already late May? For many of us living north of the equator, the summer solstice looms ahead and the long, sunny days of vacation season are just around the corner.
For our U.S.-based readers, the annual Memorial Day holiday on May 26 kicks off the official summer break. But it’s not just vacation time in the northern hemisphere. For folks in Australia, South America and other countries due south, it’s the winter travel season.
Wherever you are, and may go, here are some travel-related Windows Phone apps for your Lumia to help you make the most out of your hard-earned vacation – whether it’s a music and art tour of Vienna and Salzburg, a two-week hiking trip through the Rocky Mountains, or weekend jaunts to explore your own city’s attractions.
Planning
Need some travel inspiration? Check out Bing Travel: It’s chock full of trip ideas, informative reviews of attractions and restaurants, gorgeous photos, and the latest travel news. Once you figure out your destination, you can also book your flight and hotel reservations within the app.
Traveling can be pricey. One deal-savvy app is Priceline, where you can either book air, car and hotel reservations or you can take advantage of discounted “express deals.” The Hotels.com app is also handy; search for hotels via filters such as “special deals,” “price,” and “guest rating.”
Packing
How do you efficiently pack everything you need and leave room for souvenirs? Apps such as Trip Packing Assistant, Packing List, and Plan ‘N’ Pack ($2.99, free trial version) can help you lighten your load. The first two include simple customizable checklists, while Plan ‘N’ Pack includes robust features such as the ability to edit and save packing lists and templates on OneDrive, email the plans to request someone to help you pack, and snap photos of your bags and luggage tags.
Exploring
Forget lugging heavy and out-dated guidebooks with you. If you’re a culture seeker, use Art Finder to help you learn more about the museums and art in the area you’re traveling.
Hungry? Need to find the closest pharmacy or a fun place to take the kids? Check out Destination Manager, which is an interactive map, guidebook, and telephone directory rolled into one.
And before you head out the door, download Flight Status, which gives you the most up-to-date information on your flight.
Do you know where you’ll be heading on your next trip out of town? Share your plans!