10 iPhone travel apps to know
Download these for a smoother trip
Guidebooks, phrasebooks, cameras and a book or two for the plane ride - packing light is hard enough as it is. A few nifty apps, however, could free up some luggage allowance, help suss out some interesting spots and make organising your holiday a breeze. [peiwen@mediacorp.com.sg]
Wi-Fi Finder (Free)
Global data charges are a killer so it's better to depend on Wi-Fi when you're overseas (do remember to off data roaming before you fly). This app promises to unearth over 200,000 free and paid Wi-Fi locations in 135 countries worldwide.
TripIt (Free)
Set up an account, forward your confirmed flight details to plans@tripit.com and it will start building your trip itinerary as well as provide information like local maps and weather. You can add detailed plans online and share your itineraries with friends via email, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn and access your travel plans at a glance on your phone.
Currency (Free)
This provides up-to-date exchange rates for over 90 currencies. You can customise the page to list only the currency information you are interested in, and quickly calculate just how much those shoes will cost in home currency.
Stanza (Free)
With this, you can slip all your holiday reading into your pocket. You'll have access to a wide selection of new popular titles, free classics and even free original works. Voracious readers will appreciate not having to lug three or four books around with them.
Hostelworld.com (Free)
Budget travellers will find it easy to source for and book accommodation with this. Prices are listed in your preferred currency and you can easily check reviews, mark your favourite hostels and find out where they are located on the map.
AroundMe (Free)
Literally, find out what's around you, whether it's the nearest restaurant, supermarket or bank. It lists the businesses in each category and uses Maps to indicate the location and provide directions. Flip your phone to horizontal for an augmented reality view to see what establishments pop up where you're pointing the phone.
Postino (Free)
Want to mail out a postcard but can't find a post office? Postino prints out your cards and sends them out worldwide. Simply purchase 'stamps' (USD1.99 each with bulk discounts, payment via Paypal) and start customising your card - choose a picture from the library, key in or draw your message with your finger - and hit "send".
Lonely Planet Phrasebook (US$9.99 each)
Pricy, but if you're going where the language is a tongue twister and communication is going to be a problem, this audio app, which speaks aloud over 600 commonly used phrases in categories like 'Eating Out' or 'Greetings', will be a big help.
Travelfish (US$3.99 to US$7.99)
Only available for Ko Samet, Thailand and Angkor Wat/Siem Reap, Cambodia, these provide in an easy-to-navigate interface all you need to know. Recommendations and information are presented alongside photographs while integrated interactive maps get you to where you want to go more easily.
buUuk (Free)
This offers real-time information and reviews on restaurants in South East Asia, Beijing, Tokyo, Hong Kong, the Middle East and Australia. You can search for places you want to visit or easily find nearby eateries. Use the augmented reality view to see what establishments are ahead and tap for map directions.
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