With school holidays underway, you can expect Cairns to be flushed with holidayers over the coming weeks. Both locals and tourists alike are flocking to the city for the Commonwealth Games festivities, and heck, you might even be one of them.
But what if you’re planning to escape the hustle and bustle for a new location? Whether it’s a solo adventure, a romantic trip for two, or a family filled vacation, a good travel app (or three) will never go astray when travelling somewhere unknown.
We’ve rummaged through the net and done some fun user testing to come up with a bunch of apps that you NEED for your next holiday. Say goodbye to crumpled lists and unreliable directions, and prepare to check into your digitally upgraded holiday.
Uber
Where would we be without Uber? Since its launch in Australia in 2012, Uber has taken the country by storm, and shaken up our ride sharing standards.
You’ll often find an Uber ride will be half the cost of a taxi, and you’ll get to travel in style, with options for service upgrades and accurate arrival times.
Uber is free to install, and simple to hook up to your PayPal account or credit card for payment once your trip is complete. Simply type in where you are and where you want to go, and find your ride.
Cost: Free
Platforms: iOS and Android
PackPoint
We all reach that dreaded point pre-trip where we have to rifle through our wardrobes and throw a selection of clothes and essential items together. It’s a pesky task to say the least, and one that can cause serious heartache when you realise what you’ve forgotten 2 hours into an international flight.
PackPoint takes the hassle out of packing, leaving you to focus on the important stuff (aka, not missing that flight). It will not only provide you with a weather specific packing list, but will ask you further questions to curate your packing list to perfection.
Cost: Free
Platforms: iOS and Android
Citymapper
Are you travelling to a new city and have no idea how to rock the public transport? You’re not alone. Citymapper was designed to help those in need, and make your exploring as streamlined as possible. Let Citymapper guide you with walking directions, real time departure info, alerts on what stop to get off, and any transport disruptions in your area.
Cost: Free
Platforms: iOS and Android
Airbnb
We all know and love Airbnb for the unique homes it allows us to crash at, but now the app not only offers funky abodes, but expertly created “Airbnb Experiences” for keen explores. Expect secrets revealed on the best local restaurants, awesome activities and off the beaten track adventures. What more could you need?
Cost: Free
Platforms: iOS and Android
Google Translate
This app is a no-brainer for those travelling overseas. Don’t let that untouched phrase book or mistaken ability to naturally pick up the language hold you back when exploring foreign lands. No one wants to ask where the bathroom is and be sent to a pizza shop. The Google Translate app translates over 100 languages; with 59 accessible without internet data and 38 translated with a simple click of your phone camera.
Cost: Free
Platforms: iOS and Android
Netflix
Take a breath, because there’s no now need to binge that new season the night before your 3 week holiday. Netflix has a magical little feature of offline viewing for mobile devices. Whether it’s on your phone or tablet, Netflix lets you download a bunch of your saved films and shows to make that 7 hour stopover so much more bearable.
Cost: Free (Account subscription not included)
Platforms: iOS and Android
XE Currency
Is a Eurotrip or a backpacking adventure around Asia on the cards? If the answer is yes, then XE Currency will be your new virtual best pal. The app dishes out precise currency conversion rates at lightning speed, and data is stored offline for those battling with unreliable wifi.
Cost: Free
Platforms: iOS and Android
We’d love to know your thoughts on these apps, and if you’d had experience using them during your travels.