When it comes to travel, technology can be very helpful. There’s an app for almost everything now, and they 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 that will make your life easier next time you’re going abroad.
Hotel and Homesharing Apps
Hotels.ca, Airbnb, and VRBO are just a few of the apps that have revolutionized 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, offers 5.6 million listings, and allows you to rent everything from yurts to cabins to entire homes and villas.
If you prefer the ease and convenience of a hotel, sites like Expedia.ca and TripAdvisor are tried, tested, and true. No matter where you are, you can count on one of these hotel websites to offer you 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 will work offline and can calculate how much money your on-hand money is worth in any currency. This app is convenient and can do quick math for you, which saves you the hassle and helps you from making mathematical miscalculations.
The Western Union app will allow 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.
On the other hand, 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, The Weather Network, and if you like a good laugh, Carrot Weather.
Ridesharing Apps
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. In most cases, Uber is a safer alternative to taking a cab.
Uber drivers are vetted, trackable, and held accountable if a problem arises. It’s also safer because there is no actual transfer of physical money, and you can share your ride with a friend. When getting into any car, whether it be a cab or an Uber, don’t forget to confirm the license plate and driver photo!
Google Translate
If you’re travelling to a country where you don’t speak the language, consider using Google Translate to assist. It won’t be perfect, but it can help you communicate with locals and help you to learn the language while you’re visiting.
One More Thing…
The last thing you want when you’re travelling is to wait in long lines. If you’re flying out of Pearson, don’t forget to check if your flight is eligible for the YYZ Express scheduling service. 72 hours before your flight, this online scheduling service will allow you to book a time to go through security so that you can skip the lines and save yourself some valuable time.
Click here to make your appointment.
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.