Technology can be a pretty amazing thing, especially when it comes to travel. There’s an app for almost everything now, which can help to cut out the “middleman” in almost every area of travel. We’ve rounded up some of the best travel apps to help make your life a bit easier next time you plan a trip.
Hotel and Accommodation Booking Apps
Apps and websites like Hotels.com, Airbnb, and VRBO have revolutionized modern travel. Your options are truly endless. You can even use these apps to search within a specific area using very narrow search parameters to find the perfect accommodations. Airbnb and VRBO are great if you want to stay where the locals stay or book an entire residence to yourself.
Airbnb is now 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, TripAdvisor, and Hotels.com are tried, tested, and true. You know that no matter where you are, you can pull open one of the websites or apps and find a comfortable bed 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.
The XE Currency app works offline to calculate how much money you have available in a wide range of currencies. It’s convenient and can save you the trouble of having to convert the prices of goods and services in your head.
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’d be happy to help.
International Weather App
This is one pretty self-explanatory. 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 cheeky laugh, Carrot Weather.
Uber
In most countries, 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 for added safety.
My Disney Experience App
If you plan to visit a Walt Disney World theme park, then this app is a must. This app features 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 Currency Converters in Waterloo. We’re your one-stop shop for currency exchange and safe, reliable wire transfers all over the world.