A packaging list with apps to download before traveling

So you can swing a weekend bag or fit the value of fourteen days in a rolling suitcase, but does your status extend to your phone or tablet as a “Guru packing”? Consider your device as a second hand luggage, with its own packaging list of apps that are essential for entertainment, ending up, safety and more.

“Everyone talks about making the Super app, the only place for everything you need,” said Gilbert Ott, Director of Partnerships at Point.me, A website that helps travelers to manage loyalty points, “but nobody has done it.” Until that Superreizen app exists, here are some proposed apps to download before you leave.

Safety and security

Public Wi-Fi networks such as those in cafés and hotels may not be safe, so to prevent criminals from intercepting passwords, credit card numbers and e-mails, “it is better to cod your internet activity,” said Mr. Ott. A method for keeping data safe is to download and use virtual private networks such as such as such as NordVPN or ExpressVPNthat encode your web promotions. Both charge around $ 13 per month for a monthly plan and about half of that rate for an annual plan. Another VPN provider, MullvadCalculates around $ 5.50 per month.

It can be tempting to save copies of important documents such as passports, health insurance cards and recipes on your phone as photos, but it is safer to use apps that code that information, like like 1Password (starting at $ 35.88 per year) and Microsoft Onedrive Personal safe (Included with a Microsoft 365 subscription of $ 99.99 per year or, for non-sub-scribers, three files free storage).

Around

The US government is free Mobile Passport Control -app Can help us citizens and some other groups – not even travelers in the Global access Program – Reach faster by scanning immigration and customs by scanning their passport in the app and adding a selfie within four hours of arrival. For loading the information, your interaction accelerates with the officer.

For detailed information about public transport that can go beyond Google Maps, Moovit (free with advertisements or Moovit+ with extra functions and no ads for $ 17.99 per year) and City guide (free with advertisements or $ 9.99 per year) can help with routes, rates and travel length around the world. In cities such as New York and London, make sure you have a credit card or debit card in your digital wallet And Set it for throughput To avoid lines by using touchless payment at Tourniquets.

In some countries a taxi on the street can be difficult or unsafe. So where Uber and Lyft are not available, you download local trusted Ride-Hailing apps that follow set rates and location. In Vietnam, for example, Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries, for example, To grasp Offers rides in cars, taxis and on the back of motorcycles. In India, Ola is a popular choice.

Entertainment

For hours spent in aircraft, trains and hotel rooms, load your device with a mix of diversions and destination information. Taylor BealA travel blogger from Philadelphia, who leads High School groups on travel to Europe recommends borrowing electronic library books using Libby And Heelkel. The apps are free, but require a local library card of one of the more than 90,000 participating public libraries and schools.

For road trips in the United States, the telephone app Auto ($ 35.99 per year, with a free trial period) offers 23,000 short stories and information about the surrounding landscape and history, based on your location. The offer includes Kevin Costner on the Northern Great Plains and John Lithgow at film locations “Footloose”.

Travel together

Keeping track of who has paid for what a group of friends can be can be a fun-killing job. Jamie Larunis, an analyst for travel industry for Improved pointsorders Splitwise Pro ($ 39.99 per year, or a limited free version), which follows and distributes costs for taxis, meals and more. Other apps such as Tricount (free) and Settle (free or $ 19.99 per year for the premium version) offer comparable services.

To follow flights and make plans solo or with companions, tripit (free version or TripitPro $ 49 per year) and Wanderlog (free version or Wanderlog Pro for $ 39.99 per year) can even tame complicated routes.

Translate

You may already have Translate Google On your device, but that app also has some less well -known handy functions. Focus your camera on a strange menu, train station signal or reception, for example and Google can translate-even with non-Roman signs. With the conversation button in the app you can pass your phone back and forth when you try to get route description, order food, for help and more questions. You can even create a custom sentence book in the app.

Local attractions

Bloomberg connects cooperates with more than 800 museums and other cultural spaces, such as the New York Botanical GardenAll over the world to provide free information about their exhibitions, as a supplement to local organizations such as the Musée carnivalA history museum in Paris, which often has institution -specific apps.

Of course there is always the good, old-fashioned way to travel rounds and Serendipity take the lead. Is there an app for that?