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Best Travel Apps

 

 

Traveling is a wonderful, eye-opening experience but it can be a little stressful. From trying to figure out what to pack to finding a bathroom in the middle of nowhere there are apps you can download to your phone to make your trip just a little easier. Here are just a few of our favorites to get you started. 

1. Mobile Passport

If you don't have Global Entry, then Mobile Passport is the next best thing when it comes to speeding through US Customs and Border Protection. You fill out the same information you do on a paper customs form and are then given a QR code that an agent will scan along with looking at your passport. Mobile Passport users also get their own security lane, which is typically much faster than the general one. The app is can currently being used in 24 airports and one cruise port by US citizens, and Canadian citizens on B1 or B2 visas.

Platforms: iOS and Android

Cost: Free

 

2. XE Currency

The XE Currency app offers live exchange rates for currencies around the world, with rates refreshed every minute. It can help you make quick conversions when you're out shopping and can monitor up to 10 of your favorite currencies and let you know when their value changes.

Platforms: iOS and Android

Cost: Free

 

3. Run Go

Keeping fit while traveling can be hard work. It's often difficult to find running routes in unfamiliar places, but the RunGo app helps you discover suitable and safe itineraries near your current location.

It even has voice navigation to help you get through tricky spots while you're pounding the pavements. One of the 90,000+ routes can be downloaded for listening offline (a solid feature for whether you're traveling abroad and don't want to use pricey roaming data), and premium users can access special guided tours that have been verified by local runners and include a bit of sightseeing in your workout. For those who don't love to run with their phone, an Apple Watch app is also available.

Platform: iOS and Android

Cost: Free

 

4. The City Mapper 

This takes the digital map one stage further and helps you get around in a large city. It offers transit maps including real-time departure information as well as disruption alerts and biking and walking directions (and Uber integration, if that's your thing). As well as info on what train to take, Citymapper will also make suggestions on the best train car to be in, as well as what station exit you should take when you arrive at your stop.

Platform: iOS and Android

Cost: Free

 

5. Sit Or Squat

If you've got to go when you're on the go, this restroom-searching app could be for you.

The SitOrSquat app is loaded with more than 100,000 public restrooms and can pinpoint the nearest to your location. Even better, the bathrooms come with a rating -- "Sit" if it is clean, or "Squat" if it's not. Users can rate toilets and add new ones to the database, and all locations can be searched by location, rating, whether or not they have a changing table, or whether they're free to use (as opposed to a coffee shop where you might be expected to buy a cup). 

Platform: iOS and Android

Cost Free

 

6. Google Translate

The language barrier need not be such a hurdle with Google's handy translation app. It can translate 103 different languages, just by typing the text into your phone. Of those, 59 can be downloaded for access even when you don't have a data connection, and 38 can be translated by pointing your phone's camera at a street sign or dinner menu. The camera feature doesn't always deliver perfect results, but it's often good enough to give you the gist. 

Platforms: iOS and Android

 

Cost: Free

 

7. SplitWise

Eliminate the headache of trying to figure out who paid for what, and when and get Splitwise. Splitwise tracks group expenses so you know who owes what, and lets you settle up instantly It tallies who owes whom how much and for what, then divides your expenses -- just put in the amounts. Integrate Venmo or Paypal, and it allows you to pay (and get paid by) your friends whenever you want, with just a couple of clicks.

Platforms: iOS and Android

 

Cost: Free

 

8. Uber

Even if you don't use Uber at home, it can be a handy app to have when traveling. Despite its problematic reputation in the United States and elsewhere, Uber is currently in more countries than other similar transportation services. In places where you don't speak the language, the app's ability to type in your address can help cut down on any confusion between you and your driver.

Platform: iOS and Android

Cost: Free

 

 

Courtesy of CNN Travel and Thrillist