When it comes to travel, technology can be very helpful. There’s an app for almost everything now, which can help you take control of your plans and rely less on travel agents or dealing directly with hotels.
Here are some of the best travel apps to help make your life a bit easier next time you’re going abroad.
Hotel and Homesharing Apps
Hotels.com, Airbnb, and VRBO are just a few apps that have revolutionized modern travel. You can use these apps to search within a specific area to find the accommodations of your dreams, and the options are almost endless. Airbnb and VRBO are great if you want to immerse yourself in the local culture and avoid touristy hotel spots, or if you want an entire place to yourself.
Airbnb is available in over 200 countries and offers 5.6 million listings. You can rent everything from yurts to cabins to entire homes and villas.
If you prefer the ease and convenience of a hotel, sites like Expedia.com and TripAdvisor are tried, tested, and true. You can rest assured that no matter where you are, you can rely on one of these hotel websites to find a safe and comfortable hotel room for the night.
Foreign Exchange Apps
When you’re in a foreign country and paying with a foreign currency, an exchange app is another must-have.
Apps like The XE Currency app work offline and can calculate how much money your on-hand money is worth in any given currency. These apps are convenient and can do quick math for you, which saves you the hassle and helps you from making mathematical miscalculations.
The Western Union app allows you to pay directly from your bank account or credit card while travelling, which can offer added safety and security. It also allows you to transfer up to $500 to someone else. If you need to transfer large amounts of money and want help doing so, visit us in-store and we can take care of this for you.
International Weather App
This is an obvious one, but can be overlooked! Downloading an international weather app before you leave can help you plan an itinerary and pack appropriately for your trip. It can also help you while you’re on the go. Some of our favourites are AccuWeather and, if you like a good laugh, Carrot Weather.
Ridesharing Apps
In most cases, Uber is a safer alternative to taking a cab. As a tourist, it can be hard to tell the difference between a licensed cab and one that’s operating illegally, which is very common in big cities like New York.
Uber drivers are vetted, trackable, and held accountable if a problem arises. It’s also safer that there is no actual transfer of physical money and you can share your ride with a friend.
My Disney Experience App
If you plan to visit a Walt Disney World theme park, then this app is a must. It offers in-park navigation, attraction wait times, a virtual queue, and the ability to pre-order food. It’s a game-changer for families and one of our must-have apps!
If you’re planning to travel in the near future, be sure to visit us at Global Currency Services in Guelph. We’ve always got your back when it comes to foreign currency exchange and safe, reliable wire transfers.