“Look at all these fools standing in line to get an iPhone .” This was my quote to Donna in 2007 when the first iPhone debuted. With the proliferation of smartphones whether you are an Apple or Android fan it has changed how we communicate and travel forever. I am now addicted to my iPhone and cannot imagine travelling without it. With so many apps to choose from which ones do I use. Whether you are flying or driving to your destination these free apps are for you.
Desperate for Internet access then Free Wi-Fi Finder points you to the nearest hot spot.
TripCase organizes flight, hotel & car information into a single trip. This is one of my favorites! A trip can be created by using a Record Locator (6-alpha character code) or a Trip ID (12-digit numeric code) either of which may be listed on the travel itinerary. It is also possible to simply forward the confirmation email to trips@tripcase.com and the service will parse the message automatically entering the data.
Once a trip has been created, TripCase uses information contained in your itinerary for real time notifications. As you drive to the airport, TripCase provides traffic advisory info, alerts to any flight changes, allows options for finding alternate flights, and when you arrive early at your destination reminds you to check into your hotel with proper contact info. Need a route to the hotel? No problem, TripCase uses iPhone GPS and maps a route for you.
You have arrived at the airport without a seat assignment, or they’ve switched aircraft and moved you to a lousy seat. Open the SeatGuru, choose the “Seat Map Advice” option, punch in your flight number to pull up the plane’s seat map, and when the agent tells you which seats are still available, study their pros and cons (which have the most legroom, which don’t recline, which are next to the lavatory) so you can choose wisely.
Launch GateGuru, punch in your airport and terminal, and the app will tell you which eateries, services, and stores are nearby. When you have a short connection and are starving this can be a life saver … especially with hungry kids and a hungry and grumpy Dad! Use Gate¬Guru before you get in the security line so you know what options lie beyond the scanners.
Need to check on a connecting flight or picking up someone at the airport then FlightAware is for you. You can view live flight data; airspeed, altitude, arrival time, live map positions. This app is just fun all on its own.
With gas prices reaching record highs not being ripped off on a road trip is important. We drive to many of our cruise ports and it is amazing the price difference there can be at gas stations just one or two exits apart. GasBuddy uses crowdsourcing to map out pricing for gas stations close to your current position. We have saved a good deal of cash using this app.
Lastly …. ‘I need to use the bathroom!’ this statement is usually made while we are in the middle of nowhere on the interstate. The Rest Area app shows you the closest rest area to where you are located. This app did cost $1 but was the best $1 I ever spent on an app!
Happy Cruising.
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