Now that school has ended, there is finally time to make your summer travel plans and take a well-deserved break. Thankfully, there are apps to aid you in all your traveling endeavors whether you need help with packing, learning key phrases in a country’s native language or finding the closest free Wifi location or grocery store. Below you will find a list with a few of my favorite apps to assist your summer travels, all of which are available on iPhone or Android.
1. AroundMe assists in searching for the nearest restaurants, banks or ATMs, hospitals, movie theaters, gas stations and more, complete with driving directions to your destination. You can even book a hotel, find a movie schedule, or compare the prices of gas at the nearest gas stations.
2. Wifi Finder instantly finds free Wi-Fi Internet hotspots wherever you are in the world, online or offline! You have the option to filter by location (cafe, library, etc…); address information and phone numbers are also provided.
3. Pack the Bag (apple) or Pack My Bag (android) allows you to create a packing list for travel. Simply select the items from a master list provided and copy to your digital travel list where you can add, edit, or delete items. This is simple and useful app, perfect for list lovers.
4. XE Currency Converter is a currency calculator that offers live proprietary currency rates and charts. This app even stores the last updated rates, so it works even when internet is not available.
5. Mango Languages Library Edition can be accessed using a Princeton Public Library card and it gives you free access to over 40 foreign language courses and 15 English courses taught in the user’s native language. Mango presents the material through practical conversations which incorporate vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar, and culture.
If you would like to find out about other great apps for travel and other day-to-day needs, please consider attending our next app class at 10am on August 1st, Apps for iPads, iPhones & Android Devices. Also, for other great travel ideas don’t forget about our great collection of travel books, which can be found on the second floor of the library.
Photo courtesy of Flickr user Kate Ter Haar.