Travel apps checklist ✔
What to put on your phone before you go
Apps to make your trip easier
One of my pre-travel rituals is to rearrange the apps on my phone's home screen. I take most everything that's usually there and stick it in a "home page" folder, then I move a bunch of travel apps to the front page instead.
Even once I have my favorites in place, it seems like I discover a new app partway through every trip, and I wonder how I got along without it. So today I thought I'd share my top travel apps with you.
Once you've got the apps loaded, be sure to open them and complete whatever setup is needed, including adding your credit card info if necessary. Have your phone save the passwords so everything's just a tap away.
Here are ten free apps to put on your phone before you go
TripIt
An easy-to-use itinerary app that will keep track of every aspect of your trip. Once you set up your account, you can simply email the confirmations from your hotel, airline, cruise, etc, to plans@tripit.com. The app will automagically add everything to your easily-sharable itinerary.
Your hotel/AirBnB
Most hotel chains, and even AirBnB, have apps that include options to modify your reservation, contact your host, and even check-in/check-out. You can also use your phone as your room key at major hotels like Marriott and Hilton.
Your airline
Airline apps are super-powerful these days, with features that can even allow you to rebook your flight on the fly (oops pun). My favorite part is just pressing a few buttons to check-in without even leaving the beach or the line for Space Mountain. Turn on notifications so you don't forget to check-in for the trip home.
Disney/Universal/cruise line/tour company
If you're heading to a theme park, or off on a cruise, be sure to have that destination's app on your home screen. Disney and Universal's apps can do everything from get you into the park, to mobile-ordering churros, to monitoring ride wait times. Cruise lines have their own apps too.
Weather
Most likely you already have this on your phone, but now's the time to consider whether to do a paid-upgrade on the app. If you want a longer forecast or more radar info, consider adding the paid version at least for the time around your vacation.
Splid
Are you splitting expenses with someone else on your trip? This app makes it super-easy to keep track of who bought what. No complicated receipt-keeping or details - each party just enters each amount spent & a quick note of what it was for. Splid keeps a running total so you can settle up any time.
Car rental
Just like the airlines and hotels, car rental apps simplify the rental and return process for your car.
FlightAware
Wondering if your flight's really on time? This flight tracker allows you to see where your plane is right now.
Google Translate
This app is a total lifesaver for overseas travel. You can translate by typing, voice, and even using your phone's camera. Never wonder what's on the menu again, just take a picture using the app and you'll magically see everything in your language.
Google Photos
Easily create shared albums for your entire group. Setup is easy since basically everyone everywhere has a Google account, so everyone can upload and download from any device.
Bonus tip: get that new phone
Your phone is now an integral part of your travel experience, so consider a phone upgrade as part of your trip budget. Sounds extravagant, but seriously think about it. A new phone will do everything quicker, the battery will last all day, and your pictures will be phenomenally improved.
It's the time of the year when getting out of bed starts getting harder. Go Informed Podcast episode 19 is loaded with tips to get you and your family up and running for a morning at the parks.
Guess what? A lot of these tips also work at home too!
Listen now on your favorite podcast app, or read the post - and see which devices help make mornings easier - right here.