Travel Apps That May Come In Handy On Your Next Journey

Today our lives are go, go, go, until we want to put on the brakes for an overdue vacation. When that happens, we don't want any hassles. We want to get to our destination and back as easily and as enjoyable as possible. With that in mind, I find most travelers want to be organized, informed and connected so that things run smoothly when they are venturing off to distant lands. With an abundance of travel apps out there for the tech-savy traveler to choose from, I decided to check out a few that might be handy, as well as fun. Of course, the list of apps to choose from can go on for days, so I narrowed it down to just six for now.

Pack the Bag

Why is it you never seem to have so much to do as you do just before you leave for a trip? How on earth are you going to remember everything you need to get done? Did you pack every thing you need? How about all the chargers and memory cards you need for your electronics? Prescriptions? Did you arrange for someone to check your mail and feed your pets while your away? From packing to other to-do tasks, there's a lot to get done before a trip that lists are a must. The Pack the Bag app helps you keep track of it all so you don't lose your sanity.

You can create an itinerary and receive reminders. You can establish list categories based on the type of trip your taking or by the things you need to get done before your departure. You can select from the suggested listed items to create your lists or add your own. Then you can view your lists to see what items you have left to pack or tasks that still need to be done, and check them off as you go.

This app is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. Requires iOS 5.0 or later. Available for free on Apple; upgrade to the ad-free version for $1.99.

Pack Your Suitcase!

For those of you with Android devices, here is a list app for you so that you too can be organized before your departure.

The Pack Your Suitcase app has the ability to create an unlimited number of lists of items and things to buy for all sorts of occasions. For each packing list, you can choose from a wide selection of items to personalize the list to fit your trip needs. If you unintentionally remove a packing list or item in the process, you can easily restore it with just one click.

This app is designed for Android devices. Requires Android 2.3 and later. Available for free on Google Play.

GateGuru

GateGuru is what they call a “day-of travel” app. It is a handy resource to have on travel days when your first embark on your journey until you arrive at your destination. 

This app covers over 125 top US airports, 17 Canadian airports, 31 European airports, 29 Asian airports, and 2 Australian airports. It allows you to view your Tripit and KAYAK itineraries, view and/or post airport security wait times, and can provide you with airport maps to help you navigate through unfamiliar territory to make that important connection on time.

For those long airport layovers, GateGuru has lists of airport food, shops and services available, and includes fellow traveler reviews, tips and photos on airports, terminals, and airport amenities!  This app also provides that always important ability to share on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare) in order to keep friends and family updated on your airport travels.

This free app is available on Android, iOS, and Windows Phone devices.

Wi-Fi Finder

Wi-Fi Finder is a handy app for both iOS or Android phones and tablets. The new Honeycomb version features over 650,000 free and paid locations in 144 countries worldwide. With Wi-Fi Finder you can easily locate nearby free or paid public Wi-Fi hotspots online or offline. This can come in real handy for Skype users needing to touch base with someone back home. You can download locations offline so you know how to stay connected when you are on the road, or you can scan for Wi-Fi hotspots around you most anywhere in the world. You can also filter your search to narrow down results by location type (i.e., restaurant, cafe, hotel, etc.). When you find the location you want to use, you'll be given a phone number and directions on how to get there.

(Phone users: Wi-Fi Finder requires phone call permission on the phone version as an easy way to call the public Wi-Fi location when viewing the detail view of a Wi-Fi hotspot. The app will NEVER make calls unless you explicitly click on the phone icon and confirm that you would like to call the Wi-Fi location.)

This free app is available on Android, iOS, and Windows Phone devices.

MyPostcard App

Now for some fun. Time to share your memories with the rest of the world. Send your photos from your Smartphone or iPad as a real postcard anywhere in the world, no matter where you are! With the MyPostcard app all you have to do is select your photo from your phone, type in your personal text, and enter the receipt's address. That's it. Now your postcard is ready to print and will be mailed within 24 hours.

This is how it works.  First, choose your postcard style, then upload your photo(s) from your camera, gallery or Instagram. Next, select a border and type in your text. MyPostcard gives you 450 characters for your message, depending on the font and font sizes you choose. After that, enter the recipient's address. Finally, pay and send your real postcard. Your friends or family with a beautiful travel picture from you on a traditional-sized postcard.

Irrespective of the location of the sender or the recipient, all postcards are printed in Germany, affixed with a stamp and sent by Deutsche Post for you anywhere in the world within 24 hours. Usually a postcard takes about 1-3 working days if the recipient is located within Germany. Otherwise, worldwide a postcard takes about 3-6 working days. In any case, the postcard you designed yourself will be printed, provided with a stamp and taken to the post office within 24 hours. If you order your postcard by midday, this service says it will process and send it for you on the same day. The price of creating your own postcard and mailing it anywhere in the world is 1,99 EUR. This includes printing, a real post stamp and the postage costs includes taxes.

This app is free in the App Store for IPhone or IPad, or on Android Smartphone.

JustSend App

And finally, here is another postcard app for us Android users. For holidays or for no specific reason at all, JustSend sends real postcards direct from your smartphone or tablet to whomever you choose. This modern alternative to the classic postcard has templates for every occasion, but a postcard with your personal picture is always better. Unlike MyPostcard, JustSend lets you choose between several sizes of postcards, from Standard A6 postcard to MAXI.

Choose a photo out of an album, dropbox or Facebook. Of course, you can also take a photo directly with your camera. Then select the portion of the image you want to appear on the face of the postcard. You can add a title if you like. Then on the back side of the card write your greetings. Font size automatically changes depending on the amount of text you write. Then select the recipient's address from your contact list or input the address manually.

From there the postcard sits ready in the shop basket. If you choose, you can write more cards by copying the former content or you can write a new message. At last you pay by PayPal, credit card or account deduction. The postcard will be produced and is sent from Germany within 2 working days. The length of time before delivery depends on the destination country.

This app is free and without ads on Google Play.  Requires Android 4.0 and up.

So there you have it. Some of the many apps out there to help organize you for you travels and add some fun to them while sharing your adventures with your friends and family.