Travel apps help you go, stay, dine, shop, translate ...

From http://www.vancouversun.com/travel/Travel+apps+help+stay+dine+shop+translate/2602263/story.html

Travel apps help you go, stay, dine, shop, translate ...
And they're much easier to carry and use than an armload of dictionaries, maps and schedules
By Ruby Turner, Special to Canwest News Service

Wondering what makes a good travel app? Travel enthusiasts who embrace this technology consider a good travel app to be one that displays precise facts in an easy-to-read format. Simplicity is the gold standard. BlackBerry and iPhone/iPod Touch users have embraced this new travel tool but face a challenge in finding the app that best suits their individual needs.

Most business travellers consider their apps as a personal assistant that keeps them up to date with meeting schedules, flight times, hotel and car bookings. These apps provide pertinent details if there is a need to revise plans during the trip and are usually pre-programmed for constant communication.

Apps have quite a different use for the vacationing travellers. Often plans are either set or wide open, so there is no need to be in constant touch with airports and hotels. For these travellers, apps are a bonus with a wealth of information. Choosing the right apps means not having to take along ripped pages from heavy travel books, large expensive maps and hard-to-read timetables of planes and trains.

The following categories are listed on www.appsafari.com and www.bestappsite.com as the most sought-after travel apps. Many apps are free, but you might want to consider add-ons. Check the lists and see which apps best suit your travel needs.

Navigation is the most popular choice. It is very convenient to have a hand-held GPS device when walking around large cities. It is fine to stroll down side streets to sightsee, but there will be times when you want to know the most direct and quickest way to a destination.

Metro transportation apps for major cities give up-to-date times and schedules. Provide an address, and the app will indicate the closest stations. The trip planner will then automatically find the best route. These apps are constantly updated, and you will be alerted if there is a reduction or cancellation of services on your route.

Currency exchange apps make for stress-free shopping and dining. These apps are particularly helpful if you are dealing in a currency other than the U.S. or Canadian dollar or euro. Currency apps include a calculator and alert you when you have reached your budget limit.

Universal translator apps are worthwhile for travel to a place where English isn't spoken. You can translate words, phrases and sentences. Some apps have an text-to-speech option so you can type in a word or phrase and have it spoken.

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