Best Apps for Travel

Waze

Driving can be treacherous—especially if you’re traveling in uncharted territory. Obstacles can be avoided with this dynamic navigational map system.
Constantly updated in real time using drivers’ GPS points, WAZE can automatically alert you to bumper to bumper traffic jams, fender-benders and detours—even police traps. This application was suggested by our reader, Natalie Lawrence, and is “driven” and activated by participating drivers who generate reports and send in photos.
Compatibility: iPhone, Android, Blackberry, and Nokia

Award Wallet

Track and monitor your loyalty and reward programs. You can store your passwords, balances, and account numbers connected to your frequent flyer miles, hotel and car-rental and credit card loyalty points—even free coffee card awards.Awardwallet can help you to earn more—with your ID numbers conveniently handy—and you will be more likely to take advantage of your rewards because you can be notified before expiration dates.
Compatibility: Android and iPhone

J Wire

You won’t get stuck out on a limb—isolated and unconnected, nor get caught on deadline running out of juice. With Jiwire, you can quickly access hot Wi-Fi spots in remote areas—located in more than 140 countries worldwide. You can download a list, call or get directions, and you can be connected automatically. You can add it to your favorites list, and you can easily share it through Twitter or Facebook.
Compatibility: Wi-Fi-enabled devices including Macs, iPhones and PC laptops, Android, or virtually any other smartphone

Google Translate

Amazingly versatile and instantaneous,TranslateGoogle currently works with 57 languages, from Afrikaans to Yiddish. Really helpful for on-the-go spontaneity, it offers an immediacy 2nd best to a human translator. All you have to do is think it, and type it. See the translation, and hear the phrase in the desired language. In addition, a newer Google Translator Toolkit actually uses human translators aided by technologies like Google Translate to translate entire documents!
Compatibility: iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad

Gate Guru

Before and after the security check-in, waste no more time in the airport. Flight tracking notification alerts you about the crowds or unexpected delays. Prevent unnecessary problems due to gate-location confusion. No need to miss a flight (or a meal) because you can’t find your next departure gate or nearby tasty edibles. Get better gifts on the go with the gateguru’s help. Find your favorite kind of layover lounge with reviews from fellow travelers.
Compatibility: IOS and Android (not yet live for Windows, but expected in May.)

Kayak

Start planning with Kayak.com, before you even leave home. Search for, compare, coordinate and book flights, hotels and car rentals too. Kayak links to TripAdvisor to screen and provide information about hotels using real travelers’ ratings and reviews. Manage your trip itinerary while traveling to keep organized with confirmation numbers, and find out about last minute changes. Kayak.com/Explore also helps you search and plan your after-work time giving various options for different budgets.

Compatibility: Universal IOS app (iphone, iPad, etc.), Windows Phone, Nokia's Android

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