One of the most exciting things about travel is getting to know the locals and see how they live. However, it can sometimes be intimidating to wander around aimlessly looking for local hangouts, and places to meet new and interesting people in a safe and responsible manner. In this technologically driven world, we live in, you no longer have to worry about wandering off of the beaten path, since you have many tools and applications to assist you in your exploration. Here are some of our top picks for travel apps that help you connect with locals.
Citymapper
Citymapper takes the benefits of a map application one step further by providing you with not only your route options but also bus lines, costs, and it even includes how many calories you will burn walking versus riding a bike, or driving a car, so that you have all of the pertinent information to make an informed decision on which route and method you use to reach your destination.
Duolingo
This app is meant for anyone who is interested in learning a new language before their trip abroad. It incorporates brain skills and learning games into the language learning process so that you can brush up on previous learning, or learn the basic phrases needed to successfully get around while on your travels; as well as communicate with locals.
XE Currency
Learning the many different types of currency in a proficient enough manner to effectively complete commerce transactions is probably the hardest things to learn on the go. XE Currency keeps you in touch with current world exchange rates as well as a currency converter to help you budget and spend accordingly while traveling from country to country.
Tripit
Preparing to travel has never been easier. This handy application compiles all of your itinerary confirmation emails into one place for easy look-up and understanding of where you need to be and when simply by forwarding your confirmation emails to the app. No more digging through files or searching email folders trying to locate travel documents as they will all be in one place.
Additionally, you can easily share your travel plans with anyone you choose by simply forwarding the app’s information to your friend or colleague.
App in the Air
Probably the most stressful parts of travel is when it comes to flight delays and making connections. You can alleviate some of this stress by using the App in the Air application that tracks all flights and airports providing you with the four stages of flying, check-in, boarding, take-off, and landing. The app does not rely on an internet connection, so you can update your information at any time allowing you to use your time more effectively; as well as notify friends and family of your travel status.
Google Translate
Besides assisting you in your learning a new language, the easy to use app also allows you to use your phone’s camera to take pictures of signs, directions, and other written material to automatically translate the information into the language of your choice, making getting around and communicating while abroad simpler than ever before.
Traveling the world has never been so easy with the long list of new apps to assist you with getting around, speaking the language, understanding the currency, and connecting with others. All it takes is a little foresight and a few specialty apps and you will be a world traveler mingling with locals in no time.
