Useful apps on the go
Nowadays, mobile phones and apps make traveling around the world much easier. They can keep you entertained at the airport and on the plane, guide you to the right places, make reservations, order a taxi, pay. You simply have everything at your fingertips. What apps can't I do without, and which ones do I recommend?
Data abroad
Besides Wi-Fi in hotels and restaurants, it is a basic necessity for me to have mobile data abroad. Mainly for online navigation, social networks, etc. I don't buy a foreign SIM on the spot, but use the app. Airalo (when you enter a promo code during your first purchase stanis0407, you get $3 off). I describe how it works in separate article. You can also find other applications in the markets that work on the same principle, for example Nomad.
- Airalo (Google Play, App Store)
- Nomad (Google Play, App Store)
Transport and accommodation
I probably don't need to say that navigation will help you find any place you want to get to. And not only by car, but also on foot. You can even search for tourist maps, cycling routes or public transport. In addition, you can download offline maps in applications, which can be useful if you don't have mobile data or are somewhere at the end of the world. In cities, taxi services will also come in handy. For finding accommodation or showing a reservation on site, applications such as booking.com and airbnb.
When I fly somewhere, before the trip I download the apps of the airlines I'll be flying with and then also the apps of local carriers that might come in handy.
- Google Maps (Google Play, App Store) – maps, navigation
- maps.cz (Google Play, App Store) – maps, navigation
- Waze (Google Play, App Storee), navigation
- Uber (Google Play, App Store) – taxi service
- Booking (Google Play, App Store) – accommodation
- Airbnb (Google Play, App Store) – accommodation
Leisure
There are many ways to entertain yourself while waiting for a flight or on a plane. Whether it's various games, streaming services or online TV or their video libraries. Most of them offer the option to save movies and series offline, which is definitely useful on a plane. The same goes for music on Spotify. With online TV, it depends on where you're going, they usually only work within the EU. Sure, all of these services have a monthly fee, but you don't have to stay with them forever. You can use each one for just a month and then stop subscribing.
- Netflix (Google Play, App Store)
- HBO Max (Google Play, App Store)
- Disney+ (Google Play, App Store)
- Vodafone TV (Google Play, App Store)
- O2 TV (Google Play, App Store)
- Spotify (Google Play, App Store)
Money
Even when traveling, it pays to keep track of your money. I personally use several accounts and several cards. In case something happens, I want to have a reserve and a deposit. That's why, in addition to the current account application, I also use Revolut, which I use to pay abroad. This is mainly because it has better exchange rates and I only have as much money here as I need.
- Mobile banking
- Revolut (Google Play, App Store)
Local applications
Before traveling, I always download the apps I'll need on the spot. I'll give you an example of Los Angeles and New York.
I was going to Universal Studios in LA, so I downloaded the app straight away Universal CA. I knew I would be taking the FlyAway bus from the airport, so I prepared the app FlyAway, where you can buy a ticket.
Same thing in New York. I was buying a CityPass, so I found an app My CityPASS and then I processed all reservations in it and showed the QR code at all entrances. I took the bus to the accommodation in New Jersey, so I downloaded the app NJ Transit and he bought all the tickets there.
I flew from LA to New York with United Airlines, so I checked in before departure in their app and bought a suitcase (you can't pay for it right away with the ticket purchase).